How to clean a guinea pig cage (daily, weekly and deep clean)
A simple guinea pig cage cleaning routine: what to spot-clean daily, how to do a weekly clean-out, safe cleaning products, and tips for fleece and C&C cages.
A clean cage keeps guinea pigs healthy and stops smells before they start. Guinea pigs are messy eaters but clean animals, and a steady routine is much easier than an occasional big scrub.
Daily (5–10 minutes)
- Remove droppings, wet patches and soiled hay, especially in the toilet or "kitchen" corner
- Refresh hay so there's always a big, clean supply
- Empty, rinse and refill water bottles or bowls
- Remove uneaten fresh veggies before they spoil
- Quick health check: bright eyes, clean nose and bottom, eating and pooping normally
Weekly clean-out (30–45 minutes)
- Move your guinea pigs to a safe playpen or carrier with hay and water.
- Remove all bedding or fleece, hides and accessories.
- Wipe the base with a pet-safe cleaner or a 50:50 mix of white vinegar and water. Vinegar is great at dissolving urine scale.
- Rinse or wipe with clean water and let it dry completely.
- Wash bowls, bottles and hides in hot soapy water, then rinse well.
- Lay fresh bedding and rearrange the hides. A new layout is good enrichment.
Monthly deep clean
- Scrub the corners of the Corflute or cage base where urine scale builds up.
- Check grids, connectors and latches for damage or sharp edges.
- Replace chewed hides, toys and worn fleece.
- Wash water bottle nozzles with a small brush.
Cleaning products: what to avoid
Avoid strongly scented products, bleach residues and essential oils. Guinea pigs have sensitive airways. If you do use a disinfectant, choose one labelled safe for small animals, follow the dilution instructions, and rinse thoroughly.
Tips for fleece users
- Shake or brush fleece outside daily. A handheld vacuum or rubber broom is very helpful.
- Brush off as much hay and fur as possible before washing to protect your machine.
- Wash with an unscented detergent, and skip fabric softener, because it stops fleece wicking.
Warm-weather hygiene
In hot, humid weather, spot-clean more often and check your guinea pigs’ bottoms daily. Damp, soiled bedding attracts flies, and flystrike can be life-threatening. It’s another reason to see our summer heat guide.
Want a properly sized cage without the DIY?
We're looking at bringing welfare-sized cages and C&C kits to Australia. Join the waitlist and tell us what you'd want.
This guide is general information to help you compare housing options. It isn't veterinary advice. If your guinea pig seems unwell, contact a vet experienced with exotic pets.
