How to Clean a Hedgehog Cage and Wheel

Pet hedgehogs are quiet, but their cages are not always clean. They are busy at night, and much of that activity happens on the wheel, which often means they poop as they run. By morning the wheel can be a mess. This guide covers a daily routine for the wheel and spot cleaning, a midweek bedding change, the weekly full clean, fleece liners, and what to keep out of the cage.

It draws on hedgehog care advice from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and from the Dumb Friends League animal shelter, both linked under further reading. If your hedgehog seems unwell, or its droppings, skin or quills change, see a veterinarian who treats exotic pets.

How often to clean

A good rhythm, in line with what the University of Illinois veterinary team recommends, is:

Every day: clean the wheel, pick out droppings and wet spots, and refresh the water.
Midweek: change the bedding or swap the fleece liner.
Once a week: take everything out and wash the whole cage.

Hedgehogs are nocturnal, so do the daily clean in the morning, once your hedgehog has gone to bed in its hide, or in the evening before it gets busy. Try not to pull it out of a deep sleep just to clean.

The daily wheel clean

The wheel is the dirtiest thing in a hedgehog cage. Droppings get trodden around the running surface, and your hedgehog then walks through them again, which is hard on its feet. Cleaning it every morning keeps the whole cage fresher.

Lift the wheel out of the cage.
Scrape off solid droppings with a paper towel or a small scraper and put them in the trash.
Rinse the running surface under warm water, or soak it in a sink with a little mild, unscented washing up liquid.
Scrub the surface and the edges with a dedicated brush. An old toothbrush reaches into the corners.
Rinse well and dry fully before putting it back.

A wheel with a smooth, solid running surface is much easier to clean than one with gaps or texture. It is also the safe choice: both sources warn against wire or mesh wheels, which can trap and injure little legs. If you have a second wheel, swap them each morning and wash the used one at your leisure.

Daily spot cleaning

Pick out droppings and damp patches of bedding.
Remove leftover food, especially any insects or wet food that could go off.
Wash and refill the water dish, or check that the bottle nozzle is clear. A dish gets dirty faster than a bottle, so it needs a rinse every day.
Empty and refill the litter tray if your hedgehog uses one. Many hedgehogs tend to toilet in the same corner or under the wheel, so a small tray there catches a lot of the mess.

The weekly full clean, step by step

Move your hedgehog to a safe, warm spot, such as a carrier with a fleece to hide under. Hedgehogs need to stay warm, so do not leave it in a cold room while you work.
Take everything out: wheel, hides, bowls, litter tray, toys and liners.
Throw away loose bedding into a bag for the outdoor bin.
Wash the cage base with warm water and a mild, unscented washing up liquid. Scrub corners and the area under the wheel, where urine collects.
Wash the hides, bowls and tray the same way.
Rinse thoroughly so no soap or cleaner is left, and dry everything completely.
Put fresh bedding or a clean liner in and return the furniture to roughly where it was, so your hedgehog feels at home.

If you use a stronger cleaner, choose one labelled safe for small animal cages, follow the label exactly and rinse well before your hedgehog goes back in.

Fleece liners

Many owners line the cage floor with fleece instead of loose bedding. The Dumb Friends League describes fleece or other fabric covers as a popular choice, as long as they are washed regularly.

Keep at least two sets, so one can be in the wash while the other is in use.
Shake off droppings and quills outdoors before washing.
Wash with an unscented detergent and skip fabric softener, then rinse well.
Check for loose threads and holes after washing. Hedgehogs can catch their feet or nails in them, so retire worn liners.
Run an empty rinse afterwards if a lot of hair and quills went through the machine. See how to clean pet hair out of a washing machine and dryer.

Bedding choices that help

Bedding should be soft, absorbent and low in dust. The University of Illinois team prefers recycled paper bedding and considers aspen shavings acceptable. Avoid strongly scented woods such as cedar and anything dusty, which can bother your hedgehog’s breathing. Scented or coloured bedding is best left out as well.

What not to do

No air fresheners or scented sprays near the cage. A clean cage is the way to control smell.
No wire wheels or wire floors. They are unsafe and also harder to clean.
Do not bathe your hedgehog as part of cage cleaning. If it gets dirty feet from the wheel, ask your vet how best to clean them.
Do not leave it cold. Keep cleaning quick and return your hedgehog to its warm cage as soon as everything is dry.

Around the cage

Bedding and the odd quill end up on the floor. Vacuum around the cage on cleaning day and wipe nearby surfaces. A washable tray or mat under the cage makes this easier.

For other small pets, see how to clean a hamster, guinea pig or rabbit cage, how to clean a rat or mouse cage and how to clean a ferret cage.

Keeping a chinchilla or gerbil as well? See how to clean a chinchilla or gerbil cage and dust bath.

Keep cleanup supplies ready

Our Pet Cleanup Kit is made for pet stains and odors on carpets and fabrics around the home, such as a rug next to the cage. Keep it, and every other cleaner, out of the cage itself.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I clean a hedgehog wheel?

Every day. Hedgehogs often poop while they run, so the wheel gets dirty overnight. Lift it out each morning, scrape, wash, rinse and dry it.

How often should I clean a hedgehog cage?

Spot clean daily, change the bedding or liner midweek, and give the whole cage a full wash once a week.

How do I stop my hedgehog cage from smelling?

Clean the wheel and pick out droppings daily, use a litter tray in the toilet corner if your hedgehog will use one, and wash liners often. Do not cover the smell with air fresheners or scented bedding.

Are fleece liners better than loose bedding?

Both work. Fleece is reusable and low in dust but needs washing often, so keep a spare set. Loose bedding should be soft, absorbent and unscented, such as recycled paper.