Last updated on January 22nd, 2023 at 06:51 pm
Maintaining hygiene and cleaning the cage and all parts inside are important for the health of the hamsters.
The cleaner the entire environment of the hamsters, the better for them, so they should be cleaned regularly and if something breaks, it should be replaced.
The exercise wheel is one of the most important items in the hamster cage, as it is used all the time and helps the hamsters to keep fit and not get bored.
How to clean the hamster wheel?
The hamster wheel is cleaned very simply with warm water, a brush, a sponge, and a disinfectant or antibacterial soap. At the same time, the wheel is removed from the cage and placed in a container large enough to be cleaned, at the end it is wiped with a cloth, left to dry, and returned to the cage.
In today’s article, you will learn how to clean the hamster wheel and why it should always be clean.
How to clean the hamster wheels?
Cleaning the hamster wheel is easy and simple and the procedure is done very quickly. The more often you clean their wheel, the less work will be left for next time.
The longer you leave it uncleaned, the more you will have to clean it.
Here’s how to clean the hamster wheel, let’s just mention that this method is for a plastic wheel, while the cleaning procedure is a little different for a wooden wheel.
Take the hamster wheel out of its cage and shake it first to get all the dirt and trash out of it. Get a bowl with warm water big enough to put the wheel in and clean it.
Place the wheel inside and let it sit inside to break down the dirt and grease. If you are worried about water getting into the wheel spindle then just run it through warm water.
Take a cotton swab, sponge, or toothbrush to make it easier to clean hard spots, grease, and other dirt from the wheel.
When the wheel has a lot of feces on it then you should also use an antibacterial agent, soap, or disinfectant so that the cleaning can be better.
In the end, when you see that the wheel is clean and that there are no traces of dirt and grease, excrement, etc., rinse it with warm water.
The next thing is to dry the wheel and check if there are any traces of cleaning agents and wipe it well.
After the hamster wheel is completely dry, check if everything is in order, if it works as it should, return the wheel to the cage.
How to clean a wooden hamster wheel?
When you need to clean a wooden hamster wheel, it is best to use apple cider vinegar and water, because the urine can soak into the wood itself.
Mix together apple cider vinegar with a little water and let the wheel soak in the liquid for about 20 minutes, then use a towel to clean the wheel as best you can and let it dry.
The result is excellent, but it takes more time to dry the wooden hamster wheel, ie 24-48 hours, or put it in the oven for 20 minutes at 200 degrees.
Instead of vinegar, you can also use a special varnish for wood (water-based plastic) which is safe for hamsters and is not toxic.
It helps to clean the wooden wheel more easily because when it is applied, a layer is formed that in the future helps the wheel to be wiped and cleaned just like the plastic wheel.
It also helps that hamsters don’t rub their feet on the wood of the wheel when they use it.
Why should the hamster wheel be cleaned?
The hamster wheel should be cleaned so that the hamsters are healthy and are not exposed to dirt and feces. The cleaner the wheel, the better for the hamsters and their health.
It is certainly not good if hamsters run on a wheel that has traces of pee and poop on it, which can cause infections and bacteria that can affect the health of your pet.
The cleaner the exercise wheel, the healthier the hamster will be. An exercise wheel is important for hamsters because they use it every day and spend several miles running on it.
The hamster wheel allows them to have good fitness and health, and therefore we need to maintain hygiene and cleanliness so that the hamsters can run on a clean surface.
How often should the hamster wheel be cleaned?
Cleaning the hamster wheel should be done as needed, that is, depending on its use and how dirty it is. The design certainly plays a role in cleaning the wheel, some wheels get dirty more easily, while others are less so.
How often the hamster wheel should be cleaned depends on the hamsters themselves, whether and how much they get dirty when they use it.
In any case, it is best to look at the wheel and decide for yourself how dirty it is and whether it needs cleaning.
Sometimes when cleaning other parts of the cage, you can also clean the wheel when you are already cleaning the cage itself.
Or when you check if the bedding is clean, check the condition of the wheel, and if it also needs cleaning. In any case, the hamster wheel should be cleaned regularly and whenever necessary.
Read more: How Long Can Hamsters Go Without A Wheel? (Let’s Discover)
Will hamsters want to run on a dirty wheel?
It depends on the hamster itself and how dirty the exercise wheel is. Some hamsters may avoid running on the wheel because it is dirty, while others may not mind.
In any case, it is better that the hamster wheel is clean because then everyone will want to exercise on it.
A hamster’s wheel is important for its health, so it’s better to keep it clean.
FAQs
Why does my hamster’s wheel get so dirty?
Hamsters like to pee and poop on the wheel often to mark their territory and let other hamsters know that the wheel is their only. Sometimes they dirty the wheel for no particular reason, or if they are afraid of the wheel.
Can I clean my hamster’s wheel with vinegar?
Yes, you can also use vinegar to clean the hamster wheel, but it is best used when you need to do a deep cleaning or disinfection from too much pooping and peeing on the wheel itself. In any case, if you use vinegar, thorough washing and drying are necessary before putting the wheel back in the cage.
Read more: How Much Does A Hamster Cost? (Cage, Wheel, Toys, Bedding)
