PSA: Cage Cleaning (remake)

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Products

When you're cleaning out your rat cage, you'll want to make sure you aren't using any chemicals that could potentially be harmful for your rats down the road. For the initial scrubing of the cage, it's best to use some kind of scrub brush or sponge with dish soap and hot water. As for the disinfectants, you can use unscented baby wipes, white vinegar, a pet safe disinfectant spray, or a 1/10 bleach water solution. You can use paper towels or hand towels to dry the cage after the disinfectant has been rinsed off. For laundry detergent, make sure it's unscented and hypo-allergenic. Additionally, make sure you're not using pure bleach, air freshener, or general disinfectant sprays to clean your rat cage.

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Spot Clean

Spot cleaning frequency varies depending on the number of rats you have and the cage size, though it's typically done daily or every other day. When spot cleaning, quickly inspect the cage and remove any waste. If you have a litter tray, empty it and replace the litter. Sodden areas of the bedding can be removed and disposed of as necessary. All water sources need to be replaced, including water bottles and/or water bowls. Any fabric material that is especially dirty or smells foul should be washed. Perishable foods need to be removed and disposed of as well. Some owners like to quickly wipe down the bars and/or some of the accessories inside, however this is optional.

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Weekly Clean

Weekly cleans are probably the most important cleans you'll be doing. They are, like the name suggests, typically done once a week. The first thing you want to do (after relocating your rats) is remove everything from the cage. Bedding needs to be discarded while fleece should be washed, along with any hammocks and fabric material that's dirty. Wipe down the cage and clean all accessories, making sure to wash off the applied disinfectants with hot water. If your cage is over carpet, vacuum around the cage area. Once the cage and accessories are dry, place accessories and new/washed bedding inside. Additionally, it might be beneficial to place some stool inside your litter tray (if you have one) to make the cage smell like your rats territory and therefore avoid excessive scent marking immediately after cleaning.

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Deep Clean

Deep cleans are typically done once a month and usually involves dismantling the cage itself. Before doing so, remove all bedding and accessories from the cage like you would in a weekly clean. If possible, it's best to do a deep clean outside or in a well ventilated area like a shower or bath. Wet down the cage and waterproof decor with hot water. Then, scrub off anything clinging to it with dish soap using a scrubbing brush or sponge. Thoroughly rinse off the soap afterwards. Some owners like to place all their plastic accessories in the dishwasher instead of scrubbing them down with the cage. After the soap has been rinsed off, apply your disinfectant and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing that off as well. Hammocks and any fabric material needs to be washed with unscented hypoallergenic laundry detergent. Cardboard and wood material should be disguarded as necessary.

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Conclusion

Regular cage cleaning is essential for your rats health. Leaving their waste in the cage too long can cause ammonia to build up, which can cause a variety of health issues to your rats when regularly inhaled. Cleaning requirements may differ when your rat is sick, typically demanding more frequent and thorough cleans. When you're introducing a new rat, it's recommended that you do a weekly or monthly clean of the cage to aid in Introduction success. Additionally, you'll need a spare cage or travel cage to keep your rats in during the cleaning process, preferably one that's located outside of the room you'll be cleaning in.

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Resources

RatCentral

AboutPetRats

SmallPetSelect

RatGuide

Animallama

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