Cleaning and disinfecting kennels, hutches and cages
Short answer: spot-clean every day, deep-clean every week, and always clean before you disinfect, because disinfectants work poorly on dirt. Move pets out first, scrub with hot soapy water, apply a pet-safe disinfectant at the dilution on the label, rinse if the label says so, and let everything dry fully before fresh bedding goes in. Never mix cleaning products, and keep the area well ventilated.
A clean home keeps pets comfortable, cuts smells and flies, and reduces the spread of germs between animals. The basic method is the same whether you are cleaning a dog kennel, a rabbit hutch, a bird cage or a vivarium; only the details change. This guide sets out a routine you can follow and the safety points that matter most.
Daily spot-cleaning
Remove droppings, wet bedding and uneaten fresh food every day, and wash food and water bowls. For rabbits and guinea pigs, focus on the toilet corners, which also does a great deal to keep flies away in summer. For birds, change the cage-floor paper or liner every couple of days and wipe perches. For dogs that sleep in an outdoor kennel or run, pick up poo and check the bedding is dry. In the stable, muck out at least daily; tools from our mucking out range keep it quick.
The weekly deep clean
- Move your pet to a safe, secure space, such as a run, a carrier or another room.
- Remove all bedding, toys, bowls and furniture.
- Brush out loose debris, then scrub every surface with hot water and a mild detergent. This step removes most of the germs and lets any disinfectant reach the surface.
- Rinse and wipe away soapy water.
- Apply a disinfectant made for use around animals, at the dilution on the label, and leave it for the contact time stated.
- Rinse if the label says to, then leave everything to dry completely, ideally in sunshine and fresh air.
- Add fresh bedding and return clean bowls and toys.
Between deep cleans, a layer of fresh litter from our rabbit bedding or small animal bedding collections keeps the floor dry and makes the next clean quicker.
Choosing products safely
Choose a disinfectant intended for use around animals and follow the label exactly; stronger is not better. Some household products are unsafe for pets. Phenol-based cleaners, often recognisable because they turn cloudy in water, are toxic to cats. Bleach can be used only well diluted, rinsed off and dried, and its fumes are harmful to birds and small animals in enclosed spaces. Never mix products, especially bleach with ammonia-based or acidic cleaners, as this releases dangerous gases. Essential oils and strongly scented sprays can irritate pets’ airways, particularly birds.
For rabbit toilet areas, a little diluted white vinegar helps lift the white urine scale that builds up on trays and floors. For accidents indoors, enzyme cleaners from our dog stain and odour removers range break down the smell that encourages pets to use the same spot again.
Kennels, hutches, cages and vivaria
Wooden hutches and kennels absorb moisture, so drying time is important; a damp hutch encourages mould and flies. Check roofs and floors for rot or gaps while everything is empty. A raised design from our dog kennels range keeps the floor off cold, wet ground and dries faster. Line cat and small-animal litter trays to speed up the weekly clean; our litter tray liners fit a range of sizes. Bird cages need cracks and perch joints scrubbed, since red mite hides there. Vivaria should be cleaned away from the kitchen, with hands washed thoroughly afterwards.
After illness or a loss
If a pet has been unwell with something that may spread, or has died, ask your vet how to clean the enclosure and whether any equipment should be replaced. Some viruses, including the strains that cause rabbit haemorrhagic disease, can survive for a long time in the environment, so the right product and method matter. Keep separate cleaning tools for any animal kept in isolation, and wash your hands and change clothes before handling healthy pets.
Quick checklist
- Spot-clean droppings, wet bedding and bowls every day.
- Deep-clean weekly: remove, scrub, rinse, disinfect, dry.
- Follow label dilutions and contact times exactly.
- Never mix cleaning products, and avoid phenols around cats.
- Dry wooden housing completely before adding bedding.
- Ask your vet how to clean after an illness or a loss.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my rabbit’s hutch?
Spot-clean toilet areas and remove wet bedding every day, and do a full clean with fresh bedding at least once a week. In hot weather, clean more often to keep flies away.
Is bleach safe for cleaning pet cages?
Only if it is well diluted, used in a well-ventilated area, rinsed off thoroughly and left to dry completely before your pet returns. Never mix it with other products. A disinfectant made for use around animals is usually a simpler choice.
Do I need to disinfect every time I clean?
Not usually. Daily spot-cleaning and a weekly scrub with hot soapy water are the foundation. Use a disinfectant as part of the weekly deep clean, or as your vet advises after illness.
How do I get rid of urine scale in a rabbit litter tray?
Soak the tray in warm water with a little white vinegar, then scrub and rinse thoroughly. Regular cleaning stops the scale building up, and a layer of paper-based litter makes trays easier to empty.
Where to go next
In summer, hygiene is the first defence against flystrike, as our guide to flystrike and coat checks explains. For cage birds, see mites, bathing and a varied diet, and for small pets, what hamsters, rats, chinchillas and ferrets each need. Browse the small animal department, or use shop by pet.
