What is a SAFE disinfectant to clean my hamster's cage?

Question

I had a sick hamster and I want to put a new hamster in his cage but since he was sick, the cage is also contaminated. What is a SAFE disinfectant I can use to clean his old cage for my new hamster? Please, list as much names as possible! And is Fantastic, Kaboom, or 409 safe? (Sorry if I spelled "disinfectant" wrong. )

Answer 1

clean it with bleach and rinse it very well then put it out in the sun for a couple days

Answer 2

The only safe disinfected to use in a hamster's living environment is Dawn dish soap.

Even very diluted bleach can kill them, and vinegar will drive them insane because of their strong sense of smell.

Answer 3

I would use a heavily diluted bleach, then rinse it well with plain old tap water. Make sure to air it out well between rinses, and rinse multiple times after the bleach.

Answer 4

You will need to use bleach to make the cage safe again.  Use a tablespoon of bleach in a quart of water, let it air dry and the bleach will evaporate.  Don't get it on your clothes!

Answer 5

Ingredients and particulates from household detergents, and bleach can disrupt an animal's biological processes. You heard right these products should not be used near animals. Many of these products contain chemical additives that are dangerous, and cause problems for our pets. All kinds of bacteria that come under a chemical attack, by bleach and disinfectants will successfully be killed off. But a small percentage of these survive. Of those that do survive give rise to the next generation.

The safest one to use is Pet Virkon it is the most versatile disinfectant in the world, unsurpassed for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, equipment, and instruments, including pets. It can be applied directly into cages and surroundings, and will kill viruses, fungi, and bacteria quicker, and at a lower dosage than any other product. It can even be applied directly onto the animal’s fur and skin, and even if it is ingested is 100% safe. It is most often sold as pink tablets or powder which dissolves readily in water. This is a vet grade disinfectant, and used by almost all vets. It can be bought from most pet shops, or you vet will be able to supply it.

Answer 6

I work for Petsmart and we use DILUTED BLEACH.. Soak everything let air dry a day and then rebuild the cage and habitat.  You can also buy Mr. Clean LEMON only and dilute with water and soak once a week to do a full clean.

Answer 7

White vinegar is a great choice.  It is safe for pets and for you, and leaves no lasting odor.  Once vinegar dries, there is no odor, so your pets won't even know you used it!

Here is an article on cleaning with natural products, including vinegar:

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art3...

Here is info on cleaning guinea pig cages, and the benefits of vinegar:

http://www.guineapigcages.com/cleaning.h...

Lastly, here is an article on cleaning rat cages.  They list all cleaners, and what they clean (bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal).

http://ratguide.com/care/environment/cag...

Good luck!

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Edited:  On 2nd thought, I would use more than vinegar.  Soap is a cleaner ONLY (does not disinfect), vinegar is a cleaner + will kill some bacteria.  Since your other hamster was sick, use something that is a cleaner+ will kill bacteria, viruses, and fungus.  

Hydrogen peroxide works on all 3 and is readily available at a grocery store or pharmacy.  Citricidal (contains grape seed extract) and Oxyfresh also works on all 3 but is probably not as readily available.  Bleach is good for bacteria and viruses but not fungus, so if you didn't have a problem with fungus, that is a readily-available alternative.  Just remember that chemicals are not good for your little one's lungs, you will need to DILUTE and THOROUGHLY rinse/clean afterwards.  

As another alternative, if you can afford to do it, you could buy a new cage.  Be sure to clean or throw out any toys/houses/etc, too!

Enjoy your new hamster, and I hope everything goes well!

Answer 8

Well, you can use them, but you have to rinse it thoroughly multiple times. Then let it air out for a long while.

Personally, I use a vinegar/water solution. It gets it clean, and is safe for animals and their little lungs. :)

Answer 9

Never use hazardous chemicals like bleach, kaboom, 409, or anything else to clean a cage. The fumes are toxic and even though you may not smell it after cleaning and drying the cage, the hamster can still detect those fumes and it can make your new hamster sick or worse; not to mention that hamsters like to nibble objects and can chew on the cage wires while there may be still some chemical left.

Being a caretaker of two hamsters, I recommend you use dish washing liquid or a soap bar that is very low in fragrance. They are safer and gentler. Use a scrubbing sponge or just your hands to foam up the cage.

Also, find out how your previous hamster got sick and avoid any actions, products, foods that may affect the newbie.

Enjoy your new hamster!