Using fleece as bedding in an animal cage provides small pets with a plush, soft surface to walk on, and you can even personalize the colors of the fleece to match your personal style.Fleece is easy to clean and it has more upkeep than other types of bedding.Throw it in the washing machine once a week while you clean the rest of the cage.Fleece is a budget-friendly bedding option since it can be washed and re-used many times.
Step 1: Keep the cage clean by sweeping away feces on a daily basis.
You only have to clean it every few days with some types of bedding.If you don't clean the cage every day, the debris will stay on the surface.You can either pick up feces and spilled food by hand, or you can keep a small brush and dustpan near the cage, and simply sweep away the debris.Do it at least once a day.
Step 2: The cage needs to be cleaned at least once a week.
Fleece will keep urine out, but it won't hold the water at the bottom of the cage.To keep your pet healthy and happy, you need to take everything out of the cage once a week and wash it thoroughly.Failure to clean the cage at least once a week can lead to a dangerous build up of ammonia that can make your pets very sick.
Step 3: Put your pet in a cage.
It will be difficult to clean your cage while your pet is present.It's best to have a separate holding cage.This can be the carrying cage you brought your pet home in, a small, ventilated box with a secure lid, or even an empty bathtub, as long as the drain is completely covered.If your pet gets stressed out, put fresh food and water in the holding cage.They can't escape if the cage has a secure lid.
Step 4: After your pet is secured, take everything else out of the cage.
Remove the animal's food, water dishes, toys, houses, and fleece after you've moved your pet to the holding cage.Each element needs to be washed separately in order to make sure the cage is fully cleaned.It's a good idea to keep different toys in the cage when you clean it.Your pet will always have something new to discover.You can add the toys you replaced last time when you clean the cage.
Step 5: If you remove the fleece, vacuum it or shake it out.
Since hay, food, and feces can all cling to the surface of the fleece, it's best to remove any large debris that might cause a problem with your washing machine.You can either take the fleece outside and shake it off, or you can use the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner to suck away dirt and debris.Remove the fleece from the ground, then vacuum it.
Step 6: The cage should be wiped down with a baby wipe.
Take everything out of the cage and then wipe it down with a wet cloth or baby wipe.If urine is soaked all the way through the fleece, ammonia will not build up in the cage.The cage should be completely dry before you put anything back into it.If you use bleach first, avoid using harsh cleaners.It can be difficult to completely remove any chemicals from your pets.
Step 7: The food bowls, toys, and other decorations should be washed with hot, soapy water.
It won't help to put dirty items in a cage.Use mild dish soap and hot water to wash the pet's food bowl, toys, hiding spots, exercise wheels, or anything else that goes into the cage, then rinse them thoroughly and let them air-dry.Before you put the items back in the cage, make sure they are completely dry.A low-moisture environment is where most small pets thrive.
Step 8: The fleece should be washed in hot water.
Fleece bedding can be placed in your washing machine on a hot cycle for easy cleaning.To protect the fleece's ability, run the cycle as you normally would.The best way to ensure the fleece gets completely clean is to use a small load.The fleece can be washed by hand in hot water.
Step 9: Don't wash the fleece with liquid fabric softener.
Liquid fabric softener can leave a film on fabrics that can affect their ability to repel water.Liquid fabric softeners should never be used in the washing of fleece bedding since it's essential that the bedding doesn't excrete urine from the living area.If you'd like, you can add something to the wash to fight odors.
Step 10: Air dry the fleece.
Place the fleece in the dryer on low heat or hang it up to dry.If you want to prevent your pet's cage from getting too damp, make sure the fleece bedding is completely dry before you put it back into the cage.Do not dry your fleece on high heat.It may not cover the bottom of your cage if you do.
Step 11: On top of the absorbent material, put the fleece in the cage.
If you don't have anything absorbent in the bottom of the cage, the fleece will stay wet.If you want to avoid this, place something like an old towel or layers of newspaper in the bottom of the cage, then place the fleece on top of that.You can change or clean this absorbent layer.It's easier to clean a towel when newspapers are wet.
Step 12: Put your pet in the back of the cage.
You can add everything back to your pet's cage after you've cleaned and replaced the components.Transfer your pet back to their cage once everything is set up.You should refill your pet's food and water before putting it back in the cage.