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[Maryclemom]

My daughter bought her first chinchilla last week. At the pet store, they told us to clean her cage out with water/bleach mixture. What about clorox wipes? Are they safe to use? And how often should I be doing that? I clean it daily to remove any mess she makes.

Thanks!
Mary

[Jo Ann]

   That would be safe for the nonporous surfaces as long as you rinse it then allow it to air-dry for at least 20 minutes.

Bleach on porous surfaces, such as wood and plastic, will soak into the surface and is advised.

I find steam cleaning is best.  If you do not have a steam cleaner ... place it in a show or bathtub and spray it down with scalding hot water ... allow to dry and cool before returning your chin to it.   

   Jo Ann

[chinclub]

What sort of cage is she in? The only areas that need weekly cleaning are the areas where urine collects.   I find that with a heavy amount of shavings and frequent cleanings the urine hardly ever makes it to the pan so a quick wipe with a dry paper towel after dumping the shavings is all that is needed most of the time.  If the pan is wet you might want a bit more cleaning.  You'll know when you clean her cage if it truly requires a washing.  Unlike other small pets chinchilla urine has no odor so very little is required to keep them smelling nice.

[jmdebb]

where did you get your steam cleaner from joann, if it's a small one.. i've been wanting one but i dont 'want to spend alot of money.

oh and i clean my cages with part vinegar and water.. i love it and i always learned it was safe.

jean

and CONGRATS! 

[Debbie.nl.ca]

I have a " shark surface steamer" hand held and a bigger one you can carry with a shoulder strap. Both made by Shark. They run around $50.00.

[jmdebb]

you don't take pm's debby?  i just didn't want to keep asking questions on the forum..lol

nayways, okay great thanks.. can i just ask how the hand held one works.. does it work good and is it worth spending the money?

thanks

[Debbie.nl.ca]

Yes I take pm's

The bigger the more powerful with out a doubt, but even the little one is great for cleaning cages.
The one up a level will clean off decks & driveways.

[Jo Ann]

    Sorry it took so long to get back to you ... I'm not on line as much as I use to be.  

The one Debbie mentioned is a good one.

 Mine is so old, they don't carry that model any more, but here's one you could check on:  
http://www.allbrands.com/products/abp12532-0381.html   (I also use it for cleaning the bathroom and kitchen areas.)  
A small one like this is just fine, as long as you don't have very many cages.  

I now use a commercial pressure washer outside for the main part of cleaning during the Spring, Summer and Fall ... in the winter I have to go back to my small steam cleaner (easy to use in the bathroom with the exhaust fan running).

Major cleaning is not that often needed, if you keep them fairly clean on a regular basis.  

    Jo Ann

[jmdebb]

okay great..

thanks deb and joann.    i'm definately gonna look for one!!

oh and yah deb i didn't see the link to pm you.. i might of just been blind tho...

jean