cleaning cages

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lauralucy

lauralucy

Adult Guinea Pig
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hi

just wondered what everyone used to clean their cages? i did use johnsons small pet cleaner but was wondering if there was anything else that was any better? :)
 
A mix of 1/2 vinegar 1/2 water, i spray it and let it soak for a few minutes (that removes any stains)
then i wipe it off and wipe over twice with a clean sponge to remove any vinegar, it disinfects and deodorizes, and more importantly is safe for piggies
 
I have the Johnstons clean and safe spray, but have to say that when it comes to actually removing stains dilute white vinegar works much better.
 
White vinegar is a very cheap option and is excellent for removing stubborn urine stains.

Lots of shop bought cage cleaning sprays do a good job of killing bacteria and viruses but don't get rid of fungal nasties, so some people here use a DEFRA approved disinfectant product called Virkon (you can buy it online from SPH Supplies). I would've thought that this is probably the "best" thing to use. I think you dissolve tablets in water.

If you want to stick to the regular shop bought spray then Pets At Home's own brand Cage Cleaning Spray contains byotrol which is anti-fungal.
 
I use vinegar and water too. For bad stains citric acid works wonders! (you use it for canning stuff over here). If I had many pigs I would use Virkon regularly but now, with just four, I don't think it's necessary unless I see signs of anything fungal on them.
 
If you have a local rescue they maybe able to refill your spray bottle with the stuff they use at a reduced cost which is what i do :)
 
I use Conficlean, it's available from SPH Supplies along with the Virkon.

I buy the concentrate and make up the solution myself in a spray bottle. Saves lots of pennies as I don't keep buying small ready made bottles, the concentrate lasts for ages and I don't use much per 500ml spray bottle.
 
I use Virkon but once you've made it up it doesn't keep - so it might not be very cost effective. I get through 500mls in no time. It's bright pink when you first make it up, but then gradually fades (and gets less effective). Mind you, I only use it because of all the guineas coming and going here and the risk of infection. If I had fewer guineas, I wouldn't be so stressy :))
 
I'm using Pets at Home Cage Cleaner at the moment - it's been fantastic so far!
 
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