Cage

Is it safe to use items from an older hamster cage in my new one?

I had two hamsters about 5 years ago, that both died in the same cage (at different times). I put the cage away in the garage, and it got all rust and old, so when I decided to get a new hamster the other day I decided to get a new cage. But the items in the old cage, like the plastic exercise wheel and hamster igloo are all fine, just really dusty with lot's of spider webs. I want to use them in the new cage for my new hamster but I'm wondering if they will be safe for my hamster? I have soaked them in boiling water with soap for about an hour. Are they okay to use now, or could they still have germs on them even if I cleaned them?

Public Comments

1. Boiling water and soap should have done the trick, I'd say they are safe.
2. It sounds like you have cleaned their germs, but what about the rust??? I would be concerned about that!!!
3. Nope, all is safe and sanitary. Even the toughest germs are dead as doornails. Good luck with your new pet!
4. yea, if you have washed all the dust and spider webs off then its perfectly fine to use them
5. Have had multiple hamsters and rats. We used the same cage for years. Soak it in bleach for a few days, then rinse and repeat a couple of times. After you're done, rinse it so well you can almost see your reflection in it. Let it air dry. This kills all the bacteria, and rinses the bleach off. Also, use cedar shavings for bedding instead of newspaper bedding. The ink used in newspaper causes MAJOR cancer in little pets. The cedar shavings seem to be alright. It may cost more, but it keeps pets healthier. --K PS: If you catch your new hamster chewing on the rusty bars of the cage, go ahead and get a new one. The rust may poison them....
6. I would say they are clean and ready to use! Have fun with your new pet!
7. I don't see a problem with it, unless your last one died or was really sick but If you're really worried about it, I would soak it in boiling water to kill off any germs. Be careful with cleaning items that might be toxic
8. If you clean them good (really hot water, bleach, rinsed off EXTREMELY well) it should be just fine. Congrats on the new hammy. I love those little things.
9. if your still unsure you can disinfect them with a bleach solution, like a forth of a cup in a gallon of water. Make sure you rinse well.
10. Good to know why they died?
11. Use Bleach to disinfect!
12. wash them in boiling water and a disinfectant and then it is safe to use them for your new hamster
13. go ahead it wont hurt anything