Using Fleece For Bedding in Your Guinea Pig Cage
87Fleece instead of bedding?
Many guinea pig owners are beginning to discover the use of fleece in their cages rather than bedding. It sounds a little ridiculous right? Not as much as one may think. Fleece is a unique material, as when it is washed and dried several times, liquid can actually pass straight through the fabric rather than be absorbed into the fleece itself. This leaves the surface of the fleece dry and comfortable for several days, depending on how many piggies may be living together.
Benefits of Fleece
There are many benefits that come from using fleece rather than bedding. Here is a list of some:
- Hello?! It saves money! Instead of buying bag after bag of wood shavings, buy a couple separate yards of fleece, and they can be washed and reused as much as desired.
- Fleece is more eco-friendly. Reusing fleece and towels means less waste overall, especially if you hang-dry it in warmer seasons.
- There are tons of different colors and patterns to choose from, and piggies enjoy the color it adds to their home, some even "popcorning" when their fleece is changed to a new design.
- Cleaning the cage will be much easier, as all that is needed is spot cleaning throughout the week, and a load of laundry at the end of the week.
- The cage will appear much more tidy and clean, not to mention stylish.
- The soft material of fleece is very easy on piggies' feet, and comfortable as well.
- If the fleece is properly cleaned and well maintained, it can reduce the smell of the cage altogether.
With endless choices of fleece patterns, you can change the look of your cage with ease, as often as you want.
![]() | This Christmas fleece is adorable. Buying fleece online is an easy way to browse literally thousands of patterns in the comfort of your home. Amazon Price: $8.49 List Price: $9.59 |
How to Prepare the Fleece
One common misconception people make about fleece is that it can just be simply bought and placed in the cage without preparation beforehand. This is very untrue.
Once you have purchased your fleece, the first thing you need to do is wash and dry it at least 3 times with a mild detergent. Do not use fabric softener, as this will prevent the fleece from being able to wick at all.
Now that you have washed and dried your fleece 3 times you are ready to begin layering. As I have mentioned before, liquid will pass straight through the fabric leaving the fleece dry to the touch, but this doesn't mean the liquid disappears out of nowhere. You need to have something underneath the fleece to catch the liquid.
There are a lot of options for layers below the fleece. Many people use old towels, puppy training pads, mattress pads, or newspaper. I personally feel that using towels is the best choice. Old towels are free, and can be washed and reused as often as the fleece itself. Newspaper can tend to absorb the liquid too quickly and actually stick to the fleece, which will produce odor faster and leave you with a bigger mess. Puppy pads work great for absorption, but can get pricey. I have never used mattress pads personally, but I hear good things about them.
When you layer your materials in the bottom of your cage, use one layer of fleece, and at least 2 layers of towels, puppy pads, etc. Using two layers of fleece would not be a good idea, because you want the liquid to pass through the fleece quickly and effectively, which can prove hard if it has to pass through more than one layer. Start from the bottom laying your lower layers first, and then finally your fleece on top.
My Go-To Litter
The Liquid Waste is Taken Care of, but What About the Solids?
Though it is rare, guinea pigs can be trained to use a litter box. If your piggie is not one of the lucky minority, having a litter box in the kitchen area is a good option. Find a small litter box or shallow rectangular bin that is big enough for the guinea pig to comfortably stand and eat, and place it under your hayrack on one end of the cage. Guinea pigs generally like to do their business where they eat, as well as in corners. Most of the solid waste will be left in the box, which can then be cleaned out as often as desired. The remaining waste that is left astray throughout the cage can be spot cleaned once or twice a day.
Avoid These Types of Litter/Bedding:
- Cedar bedding. This is very dangerous. It can cause respiratory problems and allergies and is not good for the guinea pigs at all.
- Clay-based or clumping cat litter. Guinea pigs are very curious and like to eat everything, and once this type of litter gets wet, it sticks together or expands. It's not hard to figure out what that can do to a guinea's insides.
- Sawdust. It is very bad for piggies' lungs.
- Newspaper with a lot of print or ink. It is also too absorbent and can be smelly or messy.
- Paper-based bedding. Not only is it completely safe for the guinea pigs, it is eco-friendly.
- Pellet bedding
- Aspen or pine bedding (pine must be aired out or it can be dangerous)
- Make your own with shredded plain paper or newspaper with very limited ink.
Some Helpful Tips For Fleece
I've noticed a lot of the same questions coming up about using fleece. Below are a few helpful tips that will make your fleece experience only more enjoyable:
- For Static Cling - Add white vinegar to your load of wash. Not a lot, maybe a half cup. This will reduce static cling and acts as a natural fabric softener without altering the fleece's ability to wick. In warmer weather, hang dry your fleece and towels; you'll be guaranteed to have zero static cling, and you'll be saving energy!
- For Pesky Hair - All piggies shed, but if your pig happens to shed more than most or has long hair, buy a cheap lint roller at a dollar store to remove excess hair stuck to fleece during spot cleans and before washing the fleece.
- Binder Clips - My favorite thing. You will find endless uses for these, whether it be pinning fleece to the side of the cage to make piggy tents or keeping your piggy food bag closed. You'll also find yourself losing them as often as you lose a sock in the wash, so buy a couple packs in different sizes.
- S-Shaped Hooks - If you're using fleece you also most likely have a C&C cage. Hook these to the outside of your cage, and then hang your lint roller and hand broom from them. You're one step closer to being a master of organization.
- Leftover Fleece - Cut up leftover fleece into small squares to make piggy tents and hidey spots in the corners of your cage. Your pigs will thank you, I promise. Use leftover fleece to make small, flat pillows for your pigs to nap on (my pigs love their beds). A good tip for male pigs who like to scent after a routine fleece change? Keep a scrap of fleece in the cage at all times and never wash it. Your pig will be less likely to scent the cage if he can already smell himself. Still running out of ideas for extra scraps of fleece? Toss a scrap in the cage and see what your pig will come up with. You'll be surprised how much use they make out of piggy-sized blankets.
When you use fleece for bedding, you can start using small beds for your pigs without worrying about getting everything covered in wood shavings.
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Super cozy snuggle sack for your small pets guinea pigs, rats Fabric choices!
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You're Done!
Now that your fleece is placed with the bottom layers in your cage, you are ready to start saving money and enjoying the clean and improved look of your guinea's home. This fleece can be washed as often as desired, but generally once a week is fine.
A good idea when using fleece for bedding is to buy a small vacuum or a hand broom with a dust pan, as they both work very well for spot cleaning the cage throughout the week. Enjoy!
Happy pigs with clean fleece
A great cage to use fleece in is a C&C cage. Here's how!
- how to build a C&C cage for your guinea pig
When choosing a new home for your guinea pig, most people will turn towards a pet store. Pet store cages are nice, but it will be very hard if not impossible to find a cage that is large enough for your...
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i dont know where to get the fleece please help i need to know
Well Cool my guinea pig loves it it's amazing
i cant find cloroplasat!!
I tried it for my guinea pig. He isn't potty trained, so it stunk. Is there another way?
So a while ago i bought a young and small guinea pig but now that i think she is fully grown, i want to get a bigger cage. i was hopeing for a inexpensive cage. Would a C & C cage be a good idea with fleece bedding? (i've been using a store bought cage and only have 1 piggy)
Well I will defenitly try it! Thanks!
Are you shure it won't stink?
the top of the coroplast
i have used fleece ever since i brough mine home and it is wonderfull and every thing i never had any problems with is and i never really washed it before putting it in the cage but it works good, but my problem is all the fabric that is in my cage (plus cuddle cup i made with fleece) he keeps chewing on and it scares me like every thing he chews scares me but is it okay if he chews on it?Also i have binder clips that hold mine up and he will chew them and it makes a loud shreaking/ nails on a chalkboard sound that makes me cring/wanna scream and do you have any idea how i could stop him or fix it (he has many things to chew on idk y he chooses those?
Hi--you mention having a small vacuum to clean up droppings--silly question but what kind? I am just imagining a vacuum making a mess of things and being difficult to clean out but thinking the dust buster types without rollers may just suck up the mess and not make a mess.
I am currently washing and drying fleece for my son's two baby guinea pigs--after just 48 hours in the house I am already so done with the aspen shavings and shredded bedding material and even with trying to pick up the droppings, the floor of the cage looks filthy. I got a decent price on very nice printed fleece at Joann's--in the section with fleece blanket kits, which are on sale, and each kit comes with two large sheets of coordinating fleece. I can't wait to get it in place. I am thinking of making a bottom layer using a waterproof crib pad just to catch anything that the middle layer of towels doesn't absorb and keep the coroplast floor totally dry--any thoughts? Joann's also had water proof PUL fabric but it is expensive, and would definitely need to be sewn to another layer to keep it from shifting (it is thin). The crib pads are fleecy on the outside with a plastic layer in the middle and have some weight to them, they don't' shift around on the bed.
My guinea pig sheds a lot. It gets all over the fleece. What should I do? =(
Thanks. Will do. I've got to go there for C&C cage info anyway.
Thanks for the info about the cost. That really helps a lot. How much hay do they generally eat a day/a week/a month? I ask only because I know the Timothy Hay I've seen runs about $7 a bag for a bag about the size of a big loaf of bread.
Using fleece, how much should I expect to spend total to take care of two guinea pigs per month.
How can you wash fleece without a washing mashine?
Okay, thank you, I am going to walmart tomorrow so i will show my dad :)
hi, i hav one pig, and i use just plain paper on the bottom, as the bedding is very exspensive in my area (i dont know why) and when ever i go to the US (every weekend) i go to walmart and i see fleece and beg my dad to get some but he says ask your mom and she says no, i hav told her all the benefits of it and she says my dad will have to wash it all the time, now wat?
I was just wondering how would you control the smell when using fleece bedding. I am getting my first guinea pig tomorrow! I have had to cut my fleece in half because it is too big for the cage. I have heard about putting baking soda underneath of the second layer (I'm using a waterproof mattress pad) would this work?
im new and your suggestions help a lot. thanks.
Hiya, I am getting a Guinea pig soon and I really liked the idea of using fleece but my friend told me that her Guinea Pig had started to chew her fleece, or is her Guinea Pig just a bit different???
Something I do to prevent Hosea from burrowing under the fleece, is I cut the fleece to cover the bottom, sides, and allow it to drape over the outside of the cage. Since I have a common guinea pig cage, it has the wire on the top and after I put the wire part on the I use clothespins to attach on the outside so the fleece cant be moved around when Hosea is in his cage. Quite simple. :) Also I normally change the fleece out every othe day or so and use the puppy pads.
What is a good way to get GP hair off fleece!!! By the way I got my piggy about 4 months ago at petsupermarket for only 20.00 :))
( he's tricolored with a cowlick or American crown on top of his head ).
Ps. This isn't about fleece but how do u clip a GPs BLACK toenails?? I don't want to make him bleed!!!
Fyi this is fleece lol
i bought a 20$ somewhat "thick" male plaid robe from walmart to line my C&C 3x1.5-1.7 Cage with. its this too thick? i am able to still return it if so.
Thx sooo very much :) u helped ALOT My guinea pig loves to sleep on the scrap peices of leftover fleece. ( he started purring when he got on it!!!)
Hello do you have any ideas on what to make for piggies with left over fleece?? :))
Hello I have a question. I got 2 yards of fleece and it'sa little big so I folded it in half. My question is does the fleece have to be in 1 layer or will it still wick when folded. By the way my cavy lovvesss it and I love it to so I don't want to switch back:)) ????????????????????
I got fleece for my 1 piggy and washed and dried 3 times no fabric softener. And put 2 layers of towels. When I put fleece in my piggy was sooo happy but then he peed and it wouldn't wick. So now it's stained and stinks. Pleaseeee help
Im so looking forward to a less messy cage and apartment floor. I think my land lord would even appreciate my little friends even more!!!!!!! luv the idea. im going to go out and get the materials as soon as i can!!
When I used the fleece I could not get the timothy hay to come out of it, so I ended up tossing the fleece. Any idea why I am having problems. Also, I was using dog training pads under the fleece to help with the odor is this okay for my g-pig?
Does the fleece have to be washed in a specific temp. water? Or does it not matter if it's washed in warm or cold?
quick question, when you wash the fleece for the second and third time when you are preparing it do you use soap each time. Also, at the end of the week when you wash the fleece do you wash it with? regular soap?
I have tried the fleece and I really like the idea of it but the smell was terrible in about 2 days and then there was mold where the hay was laying on the fleece! I have gone back to Aspen but I would like to try the fleece again. Should I not let the hay be in contact with the fleece? Maybe that is the trouble. Also everything still smells even after the wash! I guess I will try the vinegar.
I appreciate your help, I am a bit new to this!
Hi I was just wondering I read an article that hay racks were bad for guinea pigs for them to have to strain their back to get to the hay. Is this true because I have also heard a lot of people say that they DO use hayracks.
You seem like a really amazing guinea pig EXPERT! I now am onto fleece and are never going back to smelly old bedding:D
I just wanted to point out that you can also buy fleece sheet sets - I bought a twin set for $12.99 today at Ross and you get alot of fleece for the money... plus with fleece you can cut up the sheet set any way you want since it doesnt fray... will work nicely for large cages.
My pigs burrow under the fleece! How can I prevent this?
can i use normal fleece for humans for my guineas? Please let me know soon. i would like to get it this week for my babies!! thanks much....
Thanks for this great article! What about using wool fleece instead of the polyester type?
Hi I have 2 guinea pigs. I use wood shavings for bedding and its getting annoying having to dump bedding out and clean the tub etc. I have been reading about using the fleece and it sounds like a great idea. I dont have a cage for my piggys. I have them in a clear plastic bin that they love. My piggys eat at the towel when we hold them in the towel so I am worried about them eating at the fleece too.
I am getting frustrated. I want to use fleece. Bought some 100% polyester fleece at walmart and have washed and dried it at least 5 times now and it still is not wicking. I will put a few drops of water and leave for few minutes and its still sitting on top (water that is). i am using detergent and vinegar in wash. any ideas?
Nothing beats fleece for all piggie breeds. No heavy or expensive messy bedding. It's so comfortable, clean and elegant:)
Hello this is my first time using a C&C Cage I have 3 Guinea Pigs and I recently brought a 2x5 tray. My question is how big should I buy the Fleece because I found GREAT deals on 1 Yard of Fleece but I am not sure if that will fit my cage.
Please help =)
Great Hub! I've been thinking about converting to fleece and this Hub has definitely helped me make the switch!
What do you use to keep the fleece down? Everytime I put it down, my piggies burrow under it! Right now, we're halfway through making a c&c cage for them and using the fleece in their pet store cage.
I discovered fleece when I took my guinea pigs for their first physical 4 years ago at the vet. Its very economical and they find it more comfortable. I think one of my guinea was allergic from the dust of the old bedding. Once in a while she used to sneeze. Since the switch no more sneezing. Glad I made this discovery otherwise I would have spent a fortune in bedding.
Haha, oops. I thought I was supposed to wash 3 times, then dry. It's a different pattern every where I read the instructions. What should I do?
Unrelated to bedding, but maybe you could still help... I bought two 10 week old brothers, they're still new here. There's a 4 month old male that I was also hoping to get. He's been stuck at the petstore for a long time, by himself, and he's rather big already. Would the three pigs get along, do you think? And thanks for answering my previous question.
My washer only uses cold water... will it still work out?
is it ok to hand wash your fleece with a bucket and water
does it matter what fleece i use
my cage is a 2x3 cage with a secound floor would it matter if i clip it to the coroplat in the lower floor and i dont do that in the upper
if i have a c&c cage do i have to clip the fllece to the sides of the coroplast just like in that video or can i just put the sides of the fllece to the egdes of the of the coroplast.
I just adopted 2 3 month old piggies.If I place fleece as bedding, will the guineas chew at it? I am afraid they will and choke.
Thanks for your reply! Piggies are happy but pulling up the fleece. I've stitched fleece and towel together that goes on top of an extra layer of towel. Works pretty wel, except that one of the gp crawls under it. I'll try the sheet of cardboard and probably use cotton elastic bands around the corners to keep it in place. Thanks again!
Hi, thanks for al the info! I've got it all ready but don't know how to stop the fleece from moving all over the place? I don't want my guinea pigs to play hide and seek with it!
Thank you for the useful information on fleece as bedding. I was having a hard time deciding on what type of bedding to use for my future guinea pigs. I was thinking about useing aspen wood shavings, but I thought that it looked a little rough for such fragile little creatures. I will get my fleece from joann fabrics, I will get the color green, cause I have read that the color green makes them happier.
Thanks so much for the information! I just acquired a larger cage and I figured I'd use fleece to save money on twice the bedding! I didn't know all this treatment was needed first, and I'm glad I read your page before I decided to go out and change her bedding.
I bought a lighter colored fleece and I was wondering if you have experienced stains as a result of all the pee. And if so, does it come out easily in the wash?
I'm IN LOVE with fleece!! I was really skeptical at first, but I tried it anyway and I'm so happy that I did!
My babies couldn't be happier (they even kick their feet out when they take a nap!).
Happy pigs=Happy mom! :D
Im about to get a guinea pig, and im going to use a fleece. But, i live in texas so it gets pretty hot sometimes(: haha. so im scared that in the summer, the fleece will be too hot for the piggies, and they'll have a stroke or something. what would YOU recomend to substitute the fleece? ( i do not want to use and shavings/newspaper or any of that sort because it is too disorganizing. but a type of fabric would be best) Thank you!!!!!
Great hub! Very informational. @hazza, keeping guinea pigs outdoors isn't recommended though. It's hard to keep them warm in winter and cool in summer.
CAN THIS BE USED IN A OUTDOOR HUTCH ?
thanks..already had the glass bottle...didn't work, unfortunately..but i appreciate the input! maybe one of these days i will find one that works...maybe scruffles just likes to make a mess!!!
What kind of water bottle do you use? And does it leak much? I am having the WORST time with water bottles and can't seem to find any that don't leak much..it's driving me INSANE! I love my guinea pig(Scruffles)but the water bottle issue makes me want to pull my hair out!!!
Hello, I will definately try this for my piggies...no risk of allergy to the bedding either...I love how your guys popcorn around. What is their little box made out of (between the first and second level)? thank you
hey what happens if i don't wash and dry the fleece 3 times before using?
Ok, I'm gonna get bedding, cause my dad says it's better. I want the fleece, and I don't no wat to do. He is allergic to the smell and he says to stick with the bedding, cause if I put it in the machine , were we put all our clothers- it will get all full of hair( our clothes.) so then, I want to convince him. Do I need a brush, and then hand-wash it? I'm NOT allowed to put it in the dryer , and washer. (especially washer, though not sure about dryer). And I was wondering if I can let it air dry in the sun...
I've just started using fleece, its great but really smells. Is there anything I can do?
wow!! my piggies love their new fleece, it's way way better than shavings and newspaper, I felt really awful as they had started to eat the paper even though it had wee on it! this I didn't want so I'm so pleased that the fleece works like everyone said, I just spot clean it a couple of times a day and it's like a new fresh cage, I would recommend this to anyone!
Thanks! I cant wait to get my piggies and their fleece and make the C&C cage!
thanks, i'll wash it a couple more times then.
Do you have to do the wash dry wash dry wash dry every time you clean it?
could anyone tell me if it matters that the fleece I use had previously been washed with fabric conditioner as it's my daughters old one? I have washed it 3 times according to instructions (no conditioner etc. ) or should it be brand new, thanks.
you don't have to go to the fabric section. i found mine in the baby section! here are cuter selections too!
do you wash, dry, wash, dry, wash, dry. or just wash once and dry three times?
Ive washed and dried it 4 times in the washer and it didnt work... so now i'm washing it by hand, i'm on the third time of that. But after the second time it still didn't work...i hope it works now, i dont know what i'm doing wrong if it doesnt!
Ok thanks! I washed it 3 times and put it in the dryer.
Well just went out and bought some for my piggy! But is it safe to use a dryer sheet without softner? or should i just put in the dryer without it?
Yes I washed and dried etc, and didn't use fabric softener. I am down to one piggie now sadly so when he moves indoors for the winter, I may give it another try.
I tried fleece in my guinea pig cage and I couldn't get on with it at all. The problem I had was the smell. I had fleece with towels and newspaper underneath and within 2 days the whole room absolutely stank.
And even after washing, the fleece STILL smelt. Disgusting. I now use Megazorb bedding and it is so much better.
my mom wont let me use fleece because my aunty said it is unatural. its really annoying me because A LOT of people use fleece and its softer for guinea pig and bedding doesnt go flying everywhere. what should i say to her??? i have already said fleece is fine and that people always use it
Where Did You Get Your Fleece From?
i just started using fleece for Vinnie it is GREATT
Use White Vinegar, it is a great for eliminating odors, and for softening your fleece. I own a Green Cleaning Business, and vinegar is great to use in your normal laundry uses. It may smell like vinegar in the wash but when you dry your clothes they do not smell like vinegar. It is also great for HE washers in place of your monthly bleach cycle.
Since you are unable to use fabric softener, what do you use to control static in the winter months?
















wymyczak66 Hub Author 7 weeks ago
Don't worry, there are tons of places to buy fleece! You can go to a craft or sewing store, such as JoAnn fabrics, Michaels, AC Moore, etc. You can also go to Walmart, as some of them still have fabric sections. I have also provided some links above to Amazon.com, where you can buy your fleece online. Buying online is neat because there are tons of options, and Amazon offers free shipping on orders of $25 or more on certain products. Please let me know if you have any more questions!