The Safest Way to Disinfect a Used Rabbit Cage

The Safest Way to Disinfect a Used Rabbit Cage. While cleaning a rabbit cage is not fun, sticking to a schedule will ensure that you keep the cage clean so that your rabbit remains happy. A rabbit cage needs a thorough cleaning at least once a week to keep the cage sanitary. Since rabbit cages are often unsanitary due to the feces and debris inside the cage, you also need to protect your health to prevent an illness.

Things Needed

• Gloves
• Mask
• Pet carrier
• Vacuum
• Broom or brush
• Vinegar
• Spray
• Paper towels
• Chlorine bleach
• Hay or straw

Step 1

Wear gloves to protect your hands from bacteria. Wear a mask if you are sensitive to smells or have allergies.

Step 2

Place the rabbit into a safe place such as a pet carrier while you clean its cage. Ensure that your rabbit is comfortable in this location by providing it with fresh food, clean litter and bedding.

Step 3

Remove all the accessories and bedding from the rabbit cage. Set the accessories such as the food and water bowl away from the cleaning area.

Step 4

Vacuum the rabbit cage to remove loose debris. If you do not have a vacuum, use a broom or brush to remove the debris.

Step 5

Rinse the rabbit's cage with an equal mixture of vinegar and warm water. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray it onto the areas that you wish to disinfect. Wipe washable accessories down with the vinegar solution. The vinegar helps remove calcium residues, sanitize the area and eliminate odors.

Step 6

Rinse the rabbit cage well with warm water to remove the vinegar smell because rabbits are sensitive to the smell. Dry the excess water with paper towels.

Step 7

Sanitize the cage by combining one part chlorine bleach to ten parts water. Rinse the bleach solution away with hot water afterward. Only use chlorine bleach on non-porous surfaces because it will soak into items such as wood. Rabbits are sensitive to the bleach smell as well, so the bleach needs to be rinsed away very thoroughly.

Step 8

Wash the food bowls with hot water. Take the water bottle apart and rinse it with hot water.

Step 9

Scoop the rabbit litter. Continue to check the litter daily.

Step 10

Replace the accessories and bedding once the cage dries completely. Add hay or straw to help keep the rabbit warm and cozy. Place your rabbit back inside its cage. Pet the rabbit or give it a treat to help it become familiar with its clean home.

Warnings

• Dry the cage and accessories outside in the sun if possible to remove any cleaning smells.
• Remove fresh uneaten foods from the cage daily and discard them.

Warnings

• Never use harsh chemicals to clean the cage because it can irritate the rabbit and even cause it to become ill.

References

• Earth's Kids: Rabbit Care
• Precious Pet Rabbits: Rabbit Cage Cleaning and Sanitation
• Rabbit Cage Source: Rabbit Cage and Rabbit Hutch Cleaning and Care