What's the best way to sanitize a mouse cage?
1. Clean all surfaces of the cage of debris using a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water.
2. Leave solution on cage for 30 minutes. Also, soak food and water bowls/bottles in bleach/water solution for 30 minutes.
3. Rinse and Dry everything thoroughly.
*I have no clue where Ratpourr read that, just google - bleach solution to disinfect rodent cage - This is the standard way to sanitize rodent cages. I hesitate advising vinegar to disinfect because there is not enough research done on how effective it is and is not recognized as a disinfectant by the EPA.
*I do not use bleach every time I clean my hamster, rabbit, or guinea pig cages, I use biodegradable dish soap. However, I use the bleach solution between animals and if there is an illness involved.
Source(s):
I would go with a vinegar and hot water soak, (2cups water/1cup vinegar solution) followed by a scrub with plain old dish soap and water, followed by 2 full hot water rinses and a cold water rinse. This should kill AND remove the germs without poisoning the next resident of the cage, then fully remove the soap residue. The reason I would not use bleach is because if there is any urine residue still on the cage, mixing it with bleach will create harmful fumes, even that small amount. Also, if there is any bleach residue left in the cracks or corners when the next resident moves in, the ammonia from their urine will mix with it and create the same harmful fumes. Bleach and ammonia mixed even in dilute concentrations can kill or severely damage the respiratory system.
Source(s):
Nurse's Aide
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
Veterinary Student
Long time rodent owner
