Did you know that there are over 11 million hamsters as pets?
Many people choose to get hamsters because they are relatively easy to take care of and are confined to a smaller habitat since they are small pets!
But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t cleaning to be done on a daily and weekly basis! Luckily, there are ways that you can speed up the cleaning of a hamster cage. In this guide, we’ll give you 11 tips that you can use to maintain and clean a hamster cage easily and quickly.
Ready to learn more? Read on!
1. Take Care of the Cage Daily
Although it may sound like taking care of it daily would be more time-consuming, if you keep it tidy every single day, this will lead to less work if you only cleaned it and took care of it once a week. This is called spot cleaning.
This only takes about a few minutes every day, so that when it comes time to clean the entire cage, other parts of the cage are already taken care of. It will also make cleaning easier since there is no buildup of waste or droppings as well as uneaten food.
When you check the cage, be sure that you are checking the food and water. If you notice any hoarded food around, you need to get rid of that so that it doesn’t go bad or make the cage dirty. The fresh food should be removed after a few hours to keep the cage clean, so this should be done daily.
2. Choose the Right Cage in the First Place
This is a great piece of advice that you will thank us for when it comes time for you to get one. The cage that you choose can make all of the difference in how easy and time-consuming it is to care for your hamster.
When choosing, be sure that you look at cages that are the right size for your hamster. There is no reason for the cage to be extra large, but you do want it to be a good size. In addition to that, you should look for a cage that can easily be taken apart or with parts that can be removed for easier access to clean it.
This typically happens with a larger front door or a cage that has a top that opens so you can have more access to the inside.
3. Choose the Right Bedding
When it comes to your hamster’s bedding, you need to make sure that you are using the right material. This will make the cage much easier to clean when it comes time to deep clean the cage.
The bedding you should go for is paper-based bedding or shavings that you can lay on the bottom of the cage. Paper bedding is much easier to clean than other types.
But what is the point of using bedding in the first place if it can get dirty?
This bedding is not only meant for the hamster’s comfort, but it is also meant to absorb odors and excess moisture that can accumulate in the cage.
If you want to add an easier way to clean the bedding up when it is time, you could also add newspapers below the bedding itself for even easier cleanup.
4. Use Water Bowls and Feeders
To keep the cage cleaner and make cleaning less frequent, you should definitely utilize water bowls and feeders in the cage.
The water bowls and feeders should attach to the inside of the cage so that they are neatly off the ground. This will prevent any spills and messes that would otherwise happen if they weren’t hooked up properly or were on the ground.
These can easily be accessed and cleaned every day so that you don’t have to worry about any necessary buildup.
5. Invest in a Hand Vacuum
If you want to make your job of cleaning the cage easier, then you should definitely invest in cleaning supplies that make your life easier!
Instead of relying on just your hands or a broom and sweeper, you can instead use a hand vacuum.
A portable hand vacuum can be used to sweep up any old bedding or debris that is in the hamster’s cage. This is a much quicker way to clean than with your hands. Just remember, take the hamster out and put it somewhere else while you clean the cage with the vacuum so you do not freak it out!
Your hamster will thank you later!
6. Set Up Cleaning Days
Although you are going to be spot cleaning once per day (or more if you have time), you should still have once per week that you have a larger cleaning day. To make this easier on you to save time, this should be a set block of time that you set apart and put on the calendar.
That way, you aren’t frantically dealing with cleaning when you don’t have the time. Not only that, but it also ensures consistency and prevents the buildup of debris, bedding, and old food.
When you set up a cleaning day, this day can also be known to the entire family. That means that more people can help with the cleaning to make it quicker!
7. Utilize an Extra Cage
If you are able to, having an extra cage in your house can be really helpful. This is because when you are cleaning the cage for your hamster, it can be a hassle to try to clean around them or figure out a place to put the hamster when you are cleaning.
Instead, with a spare cage, you can house your hamster in it while you clean the other cage. Or, you could even consider having the extra cage decked out with everything the other cage has so that you can switch out the cages quickly and easily.
Then, if you don’t have time, you can easily clean the cage at another time since the hamster already has a home that it can stay in for the time being.
8. Keep Your Hamster Groomed
Another great practice to keep your cage cleaner and make the cleaning process easier every time it is time to clean is to keep your hamster groomed.
This is because if your hamster is clean, there is a higher likelihood that your cage will be cleaner as well!
9. Have an Extra Storage Bin on Hand
Even if you follow all of these tips to a tee, there will likely be times that the cage gets a bit dirtier and grimier than usual. When this happens, you are going to need to soak the items (such as toys, water dishes, and more).
Having that extra storage bin on hand that you can use when this happens is crucial. That way, you don’t have to look around for something to use to soak everything.
Just keep the storage bin in your garage or somewhere else handy for when you do need it.
10. Create a Playlist for Cleaning
If you want the time to pass quickly when you are cleaning your hamster’s cage, creating a playlist to listen to while you do it can make it feel less like a chore and more enjoyable!
Instead of feeling like you are working or dreading the job, this can actually become a fun Sunday afternoon cleaning day! Just remember, Don’t Stop Believing!
Rock on!
11. Have a Separate Litter Area
If you want less cleaning when the time comes around, having a separate litter area can help. You can do this by training your hamster to use the bathroom in one section so that only one section is soiled and dirty. This makes the daily cleaning a lot easier.
Don’t forget to start early with the training so your hamster knows where to do its business!
How to Quickly Clean Your Hamster Cage
When it comes time to clean your hamster cage, this can be a dreaded chore. However, it doesn’t have to be that way!
There are easy ways to make cleaning your hamster cage much quicker than it would be otherwise. By following the tips above, you will make sure that you are getting ahead of it all and staying on top of it!
If you would like other helpful tips about how to care for your hamster, then be sure to check out our pet page today.