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Stains on hamster cage2007-11-24 22:15:08

How do you get rid of the white stain that is left when the hamster goes to the bathroom?

Answers:

I use handsoap, hot water, and scrape it with a credit card.

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Well, when you clean the cage, scrub it out with a sponge and or wet towel.

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That is nearly impossible. I have had the same problem with my own hamster also using the bathroom in the same spot. I tried the sponges, diluted vinegar, letting it soak in hot water, etc., however, that only got a little bit off. I ended having to take a razor blade and at an angle, chip off pieces of it while I ran it under warm water. It was pretty effective and got most of the white stain off. However, my cage is plastic and it did scratch the plastic (which was no big for me since I covered it with bedding). Also, they make cage liners that you could put under the bedding but that can add up after having to change a cage every week. There is also a small animal litter box that you can either put on top or under your hamster bedding (where he/she generally always tends to use the bathroom) to prevent that white stain from reaching the cage itself (and has the added bonus of being easier to clean every week since it is removable). You can buy both at your local pet store.

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The white stain is most likely calcium deposits that are left over from dried urine. The best way to remove this is by using a vinegar-water solution to clean. Vinegar is a great base that will break down the calcium - and it's cheap! I have four guinea pigs and I use vinegar to clean the tough spots, as well as when I wash their toys and bedding (I use fleece instead of shavings).