How to Clean an Animal Cage
How to Clean an Animal Cage
Whether it's your new puppy's crate, the hamster's cage or a wire enclosure for the pet guinea pig, all animal cages need to be routinely cleaned and sanitized. A maintenance program will ensure an odor-free, comfortable and healthy environment for the pet. The routine removal of germs and bacteria in your animal's cage creates a sanitary environment for the pet and reduces the chances of family members transmitting germs after handling food bowls and toys in the cage.
Instructions
1 Remove the animal from the cage. Place the pet in a safe and secure enclosure with adult supervision. Dogs will enjoy a fenced yard while hamsters can play in an exercise running ball. Guinea pigs can rest in a laundry basket lined with an old, soft towel.
2 Take accessories out of the cage. Throw away any broken toys or choking hazards. Place food bowls, litter pans, hiding houses, toys and water bottles in the sink for later washing.
3 Remove bedding and cloth items. Wash reusable dog crate mats, blankets or small animal beds on a hot wash cycle with all natural, odor-free laundry detergent. Then tumble dry the items on a low heat setting, without a dryer sheet or fabric softener.
4 Remove small bedding. Remove wood shavings, litter or paper bedding with a wet-dry canister vacuum. Filters in the machine trap dust to reduce allergens. Empty the canister vacuum in an outside garbage can.
5 Scrape urine or fecal build-up off of the cage floor. Use a poop-scoop for dog or cat cages. A stiff bristle scrub brush makes it easy to remove mineral-based urine build-up from small animal cages. Use hot water as needed to loosen the waste.
6 Wash the cage and accessories. Depending on the size of cage and accessories, use a sink, the bathtub or a 5-gallon work bucket. Allow the accessories and cage (excluding large dog kennels) to soak in hot water for at least five minutes. Scrub all surfaces of the cage with antibacterial soap and hot water. A sponge can be used on smooth plastic cages, while a scrub brush is best on metal cages. Rinse all items with hot water.
7 Sanitize all animal cage items and the cage. Add one part chlorine bleach to 32 parts hot water. Dip each accessory in the sanitizing solution, then rinse thoroughly with clear, hot water.
8 Use a stiff bristle brush to scrub the sanitizing solution over larger cages. Fill a spray bottle with the sanitizer to make large cage cleaning projects easier. Rinse with a garden hose outside or use a spray wand in a shower.
9 Dry all accessories and the cage with a towel. Replace the bedding in the dry, clean cage. Set up all accessories, and refill food and water bowls. Place the pet back into the animal cage.
