How to Wash
Is it time to give your guinea pig's liners, pee pads, hideys, houses, and beds a good wash? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Follow this step-by-step guide to refresh and clean their essentials for a happy and healthy guinea pig environment.
Washing Fleece Liners, Pee Pads & Accessories
Before Washing
First, get rid of all the poop, hay, and fur. Scrape liners and pee pads well.
Use a washing bag to to prevent any remaining hay or hair from getting into the machine and keep your washing machine happy.
Don’t wash them with your clothes, unless you fancy the smell of pee!
Washing Process
Place the liners and pee pads into the washing machine.
Avoid using softeners this time, as they can negatively affect the absorbency of the liners. Instead, add a splash of white vinegar to the wash cycle to soften the liner, reduce hair collection and remove bacteria.
Use a regular detergent suitable for your machine. Fancy detergents labeled as 'Sensitive' or 'Bio' are not strong enough for this cleaning task.
Set the wash temperature to a cool 40°C (cold wash) to prevent any damage.
Thorough Rinse
To ensure optimal cleanliness, add an extra rinse and an extra spin cycle to the wash.
This step helps remove any remaining detergent residue, leaving the liners and pee pads squeaky clean.
Air Drying
After the wash cycle is complete, remove the liners and pee pads from the machine.
Gently reshape them if needed, and let them air dry naturally.
Avoid using tumble dryers or irons, as excessive heat can damage the materials.
There you go! Your liners, pee pads, and accessories are clean and fresh, ready for some happy guinea pig times.
Liners Before First Use: Fresh and Fluffy Beginnings
Give your new liners a boost in absorbency by starting with these steps during the initial washes.
Wash & Air Dry. Repeat 3 times.
Wash the liner at a maximum temperature of 40°C (cold wash).
Air dry the liner after washing.
Repeat this washing and air drying process 3 times.
Choosing the Detergent
Do not use fabric softener or any detergent that contains softener.
This is because it creates a waterproof film on the fleece, which in turn reduces the fleece's absorption capability.
Instead, use a normal laundry detergent. Do not use detergents labeled as “Sensitive” or “Bio”.
Drying
As soon as the wash cycle is complete, promptly remove the liner from the washing machine.
Re-shape the liner to its original form.
Allow the liner to air dry.
Do not use a tumble dryer, as this can damage the fabric.
Also, do not iron the liner.
Size Considerations
Please note that the liner is slightly oversized when you first receive it.
After the initial few wash and dry cycles, the liner will shrink to the expected size.
By following these guidelines, you will ensure that your liner is properly washed, activated for optimal absorbency, and ready for use.