How to Clean a Hamster Cage

Hamsters make great pets for children and adults. Cleaning your hamster's cage is essential to raising a healthy critter, and it isn't as complicated as you think. Just follow these few simple steps.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Brush
• Water
• Dry towels
• New bedding
• Cleaner
• Hamster ball or an enclosed container

1. Gather all cleaning supplies (see the list below).

2. Gently remove the hamster from its cage. Put it in an enclosed container or a hamster ball to ensure it doesn't run loose.

3. Remove the top of the hamster's cage, the water bottle and the food bowl. Clean all with a safe cleaner and spray clean with lots of water.

4. Empty the used hamster bedding into a trash bag and discard.

5. Scrub the rest of the cage with a brush and cleaning agent. Hamsters usually pick a specific spot where they go to the bathroom. Clean that area well. Thoroughly rinse the cage with water.

6. Dry all parts of the cage with a towel.

7. Assemble all parts of the cage that you previously removed for cleaning.

8. Put in clean bedding. Provide enough bedding for the hamster to burrow.

9. Fill the water bottle and food bowl and place them back into the cage.

10. Release the hamster back into its cage and secure the top of the cage.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean the hamster cage once a week.

• Buy food that is compacted into a big pellet for the hamster. This is less messy and provides for the hamster's chewing needs. Use a shallow food bowl to avoid tipping.

• Use a liquid cleaner that is safe for hamsters. Check with the pet store for safe cleaners.

• Avoid bedding that emits irritable aromatic oils such as cedar shavings.