Wondering how to wash guinea pig fleece liners? Look no further!
As a piggy parent, I've tried a few cleaning methods to keep my piggy's fleece liners spotless, so I'm here to share my secret hacks for washing guinea pig fleece.
Just keep reading!
Key Takeaways
- Reusable cage liners are one of the best bedding choices for guinea pigs.
- You must remove as much dirt and debris from the fleece material before you put it in the washing machine.
- Always pick high-quality fleece bedding and spot-clean it daily to keep it in top condition.
Are Cage Liners Good for Guinea Pigs?
First, let me tell you why reusable cage liners are one of the best bedding options for the guinea pig cage:
- Their absorbent layer prevents urine from leaking, keeping your piggies dry.
- You don't have to spend precious time scraping disposable bedding from the bottom.
- Cage liners are dust-free and better for your piggy's sensitive respiratory system.
- They're eco-friendly, comfortable, and easy to clean.
- Fleece liners are cheaper in the long run.
However, one of the main drawbacks of liners is that they require regular washing to maintain a clean cage and a healthy guinea pig.
So, how do you wash guinea pig fleece liners? Let's find out!
How to Wash Guinea Pig Fleece Liners in 9 Steps
As I learned from experience, you can't simply throw the fleece bedding in the washing machine. You can accidentally ruin the material or your entire laundry load!
Fortunately, getting the fleece ready for the washing machine will take a little time. Just follow the steps below.
#1 Prepare the Essentials
You need a couple of things to wash the guinea pig bedding. And it's for the best to prepare them in advance:
- A plastic scoop or a small broom with a dustpan
- Curry comb
- White vinegar/baking soda
- Pet-safe laundry detergent
- Wash bags
#2 Remove Debris
Start by removing leftover food, droppings, hay, and other debris from the liners. Usually, I use a small plastic scoop, but a small vacuum or a broom also works.
#3 Remove Lose Hairs
Guinea pig hair sticks to fabrics, especially fleece. Since you don't want hairs in your washing machine, you must get rid of them.
I use a curry comb to remove as much trapped hair from the fleece surface as possible. You can also use a stiff brush or a vacuum for pet hair.
#4 Shake the Fleece
By now, the liner should be almost dirt-free. But you want to get it as clean as possible before you toss it in the washing machine.
Give it a good shake to remove any lingering debris. You'd be surprised by how much dust and dirt comes from it, so I recommend shaking it outside or over the sink/garbage can.
#5 Get the Fleece Ready for Washing
You can wash the fleece bedding with other pet items of similar color, pattern, and texture, but I don't recommend washing it with human clothes.
Usually, I put the cage liners in a wash bag to prevent hairs and other debris from building up in the washing machine. But you can also use a pillowcase.
When the liners are very dirty, I also pre-soak them before putting them in the washing machine. This helps remove grime and tough stains.
#6 Choose the Washing Cycle
You should wash fleece with warm water to kill bacteria and germs. Set your washer on high heat, add a cup of vinegar to eliminate bad odors, and run a wash cycle.
Use unscented detergent or washing powder, and make sure it's pet-friendly. Piggies are very sensitive, and strong detergent odors can cause respiratory problems.
I also highly recommend reading the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you use the correct settings. You can't wash some liners for guinea pigs in hot water because they shrink.
#7 Dry the Bedding
Once the wash cycle ends, dry the fleece blankets in the tumble dryer at low to medium heat or hang them out to dry. Don't forget to clean the lint trap!
#8 Clean the Washer
I'm a bit of a neat freak, so I always run an extra rinse cycle after piggy laundry to remove any loose hairs or debris that have escaped from the wash bag.
#9 Avoid Mistakes
Do not use fabric softener or dryer sheets. They will ruin the fluffy texture, and the strong smell can contribute to respiratory infections in guinea pigs.
Moreover, according to the Good Housekeeping Institute, fabric softeners can impact the ability of water-repellent fabrics, reducing their absorbency. (1)
And now, I've got a couple of extra tips for guinea pig owners on how to maintain fleece bedding for guinea pigs.
3 Tips on Washing Guinea Pig Fleece Liners
Most cage liners aren't cheap, so it's normal to try to keep them in top condition for as long as possible. Here are a few useful tips on how to do it.
#1 Pick the Right Liners
Not all types of guinea pig fleece bedding are equal. Cheap fleece liners will fall apart after a couple of washes in the washing machine, so they're not worth your money.
Fortunately, there are plenty of places where you can buy high-quality cage liners for guinea pigs. But how do you choose the right cage liner for guinea pigs?
Look for anti-pill fleece made from 100% polyester. Ensure it has a waterproof layer and absorbs urine well. I recommend LuftPets' cage liners and fleece blankets.
They're cozy, comfortable, and withstand repeated washing well. But make sure you read how to wash Luftpets' cage liners!
#2 Spot Cleaning
As vets from PetMD advise, "Spot-clean dirty areas daily, and fully change the bedding every three to four days". (2)
Spot-cleaning the guinea pig cage prevents the bedding from getting dirty quickly. It also ensures you notice fleece damages, so you can repair it. Check this video for more information.
#3 Opt for Air Drying
Whenever possible, air dry the liners. It will reduce the risk of damage to the material and the need to change them frequently.
Also, don't forget to run an additional rinse cycle on your machine once in a while to remove any detergent residue.
FAQs
1. Do guinea pig fleece liners smell?
Clean cage liners should not smell bad, but dirty ones have a strong odor due to the build-up of ammonia.
2. What is the best detergent for fleece?
The best detergent for your fleece liners is mild, dye-free, scent-free.
3. How do you wash fleece without a washing machine?
You can wash the fleece by hand with a mild soap and water.
Conclusion
Washable fleece guinea pig liners are a great way to keep your furry friend happy, healthy, and smell-free. They're also easy to clean in the washing machine, shortening your cleaning time.
However, ensure your piggy isn't interested in chewing its bedding. Eating too much fabric can cause intestinal problems, so don't forget to inspect the bedding for damage!
What do you think about this guide on how to wash guinea pig fleece liners? How do you clean your cage liners? Share your tips in the comment section.
Resources:
- McDonough, L.S. 5 Materials You Shouldn't Use Fabric Softener On. [Cited 22 May 2024] Available from: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a19506/fabric-softener-cleaning-product/
- Jones, L. VMD. How to Care for Your Guinea Pig. [Cited 22 May 2024] Available from: https://www.petmd.com/exotic/general-health/complete-guide-to-guinea-pigs