Write an article based on this "Examine the hamster's cage. Gather your cleaning supplies. Remove your hamster. Take out all objects in the cage. Discard old bedding."
Before you start to clean, you should take a look at the hamster's cage to see what state it is in. Look for anything that needs cleaning at least once everyday, even if it's not a scheduled cleaning day. Cleaning your hamster's cage too often or too little can cause them undue stress, so make sure you are cleaning the right amount when needed. Look for any droppings or wet areas in the bedding material. You can spot remove some areas. However, if there are a lot of them you should change the bedding. Pick out any leftover food that your hamster may have left laying around the cage. Change the water daily. If the bedding material has become soaked or damp near the water dispenser, you may want to change the bedding out. If the walls of the enclosure are looking dirty or smudged, it may be time for a full cleaning. If the cage smells you must clean it fully. Hamsters have a very sensitive sense of smell and can fall ill if the cage is unclean or the air quality is too poor. Before you get started cleaning, it is a good idea to assemble everything you will need. This can make the process much easier and less stressful for both you and your hamster. Collect the following items to get started: Wash cloth or baby wipes. This will be used for scrubbing and cleaning the cage and anything in it. Disinfectant. You can use mild, antibacterial hand or dish soap. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach as these can harm your hamster. Pet stores will often carry safe and approved cleaning solutions as well. New bedding to place in the cage after you've cleaned it. Keep about a third of the bedding so they don't get stressed. You won't be able to clean the cage properly unless you have removed your hamster from it. Place your hamster in a secondary cage, exercise ball, or other safe enclosure while you work. Handle your hamster gently as you remove them from the cage. Cup your hamster in your hands, fully supporting their entire body. Don't leave your hamster in the exercise ball for more than half an hour as they will need fresh air and a break from the activity. Wash your hands before and after handling your hamster to protect both of you from spreading germs and getting sick. You can use regular unscented hand soap for this. After you have removed your hamster and have placed them in a secure environment, you will need to take out any objects in the cage. Leaving anything in the cage will make cleaning it more difficult and not as effective. Remove all food and water bowls or dispensers. Take out any toys or exercise equipment. The last thing you need to remove from the cage will be the bedding. The bedding is where your hamster leaves its waste, resulting in what can be a strong ammonia scent which can cause respiratory problems for your hamster. Make sure to keep a little to mix in with the new bedding and reduce the hamster's stress. You may want to seal the old bedding in a waste bag of its own to lock in any smells.