Best Way to Make Sure a Cage is Really Clean?

[Raging]

Hello everyone!

I recently acquired two new cages. I am planning to see if my hamster would enjoy either one of them, but first I was to be absolutely sure they are clean.

See, the person who owned these cages before me said that he couldn't keep any rodent alive for more than a few months. I'm assuming it has to be something within the house, because the same thing has happened with multiple animals and multiple cages.

Nevertheless, I want to make sure that these cages are as clean as they can possibly be. I usually clean my cages with hot water and dish soap. Will this work or can anyone recommend anything stronger but still safe?

Thank you!

[LoveMyHams]

You can use bleach, but you MUST rinse them many times to be absolutely sure you got it all out. I'd also recommend leaving the cage out in the sun as well for a day since the sun breaks down the bleach faster. I'd also do a wash with dish soap and hot water after you let it sit outside.

[Raging]

Thank you so much for the advice!

Unfortunately, I may be looking at different cages. I have three right now- all too small.

[Eleanor]

You could use bleach, as mentioned but you could also use cage disinfectant.

[AJ Hamster]

When i got my fish tank which had a dead star fish (don't ask). I filled it over night and put vinegar, salt, lemon juice and baking soda in it and left it over night. Then in the morning i emptied it. Washed it with the hose for around 5 mins and put the fish in.
The tank i got had been in someones garden for a few weeks and obviously there was a rotting animal in it. My fish have been in the tank over a year and are fine