How to Keep a Hamster Clean Co-authored by Lauren Baker, DVM, PhD
Last Updated: June 24, 2025
Using Alternatives to Bathing
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Giving Your Hamster a Bath
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Keeping Your Hamster’s Cage Clean
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Things You'll Need
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Lauren Baker, DVM, PhD. Dr. Lauren Baker is a Veterinarian and Assistant Scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With over 10 years in veterinary medicine, she specializes in the concept of “one health,” which uses insights from veterinary medicine to help human medical research. She holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, an MS in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This article has been viewed 20,603 times.
Hamsters are naturally clean animals who are good about grooming themselves. For the most part, as long as you keep your hamster’s cage clean, they will do the rest. Unless your hamster encounters a toxic chemical (such as nail polish remover or paint), giving them a bath can be unhealthy or even dangerous. If your hamster is dirty, try some alternatives to bathing first. If you absolutely must bathe your hamster, follow some tips to do so safely. Finally, in order for your hamster to stay clean, they must have a sanitary living space. Clean your hamster’s cage regularly.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Using Alternatives to Bathing
1 Use a soft toothbrush on long-haired hamsters. Short-haired hamsters will not usually need to be brushed. If you have a long-haired hamster, however, you may want to remove tangles or debris from their fur. Run a soft, unused toothbrush across your hamster’s fur to remove dirt and prevent matting.
2 Use scissors to remove chunks. If something sticky (like gum or glue) has somehow gotten stuck to your hamster’s fur, you can use a pair of scissors to remove it. Place your hamster on a table or countertop, and place your non-dominant hand on top of the hamster to keep them still. While still applying some pressure to the hamster, use your non-dominant hand to pull up and isolate the chunk you want to remove. Then, holding the scissors in your dominant hand, carefully snip the fur in that area.
To restrain your hamster, hold the hamster from below with one hand. Gently pull back the skin behind the hamster's neck and shoulders with your thumb and forefinger. This will keep the hamster still and make it easier to trim its fur.
Do not attempt this if your hamster is wiggling or trying to escape. You could accidentally injure your hamster. Instead, call the vet to remove any difficult chunks.
Be extremely careful if the mats are close to the hamster's skin. You could accidentally cut the hamster. It may be a better idea to have the vet do it instead.
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3 Try a sand bath. A sand bath is another way for your hamster to get clean. Purchase chinchilla sand (available at most pet stores) and put it in a sturdy bowl for your hamster (just large enough for your hamster to climb inside). Your hamster will roll around in the sand, which helps to remove any dirt or debris.
Look for sand, not dust. Dust can cause respiratory problems for your hamster.
If you plan to keep the sand in your hamster's cage permanently, check it daily to make sure your hamster is not using it as a litterbox.
If you hamster is using the sand for bathing, change the sand out once per week.
4 Wipe your hamster down with a damp cloth. If possible, try to spot clean any substances from your hamster using a damp cloth. Fill a bowl with warm water, and add a tiny squirt of mild, unscented pet shampoo. Soak a washcloth in this bowl for a couple of minutes. Then wring it out and gently wipe down your hamster, moving in the direction of hair growth.[1]XResearch source
Use as little water as possible.
Consult your vet to make sure that a product is safe for use.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Giving Your Hamster a Bath
1 Determine if bathing is necessary. Bathing your hamster can be dangerous. Hamsters can drown or become ill from being cold and wet. Also, bathing your hamster removes precious oils from their fur and skin. Bathing should only be considered if your hamster has come into contact with a toxic substance, other non-bathing methods won’t work, and you can’t bring your hamster to the vet. You might consider bathing if:
The hamster fell into something dangerous, such as bleach, alcohol, or nail polish remover.
The hamster’s fur got covered in something that would cause upset stomach if swallowed, such as chocolate, jam, or honey.
The hamster got into something that could irritate the skin (such as chewing gum) or that could cause a bowel obstruction (such as wax).
Always try cutting the fur or wiping with a damp towel first. Only consider bathing if these methods do not work.
2 Fill a bowl with a bit of warm water. Choose a bowl large enough for your hamster to sit in and fill it with no more than 1-2 inches (2.54-5.08 cm) of warm water. It should be shallow enough for your hamster’s head and shoulders to remain comfortably above the water. Use the least amount of water possible.[2]XResearch source
If possible, use just plain water.
If you think soap is absolutely necessary, add a squirt of mild pet shampoo. Consult your vet to make sure a product is safe to use.
3 Wash the hamster. Carefully remove your hamster from their cage and set them in the bowl of water. Use a soft toothbrush or washcloth to gently stroke the hamster’s fur in the direction of hair growth.[3]XResearch source
Place your non-dominant hand on top of the hamster to try to clean it calm and still, while you wash it with your dominant hand.
Hamsters may panic when placed in water. In some cases, they may bite. If your hamster seems distressed, stop the bath. Call the vet to learn how to proceed.
4 Rinse the hamster. If you added soap to the bathwater, you will also need to perform a cleansing rinse. Fill a small cup with warm water and gently pour this over the hamster to rinse them, being careful to avoid contact with their eyes.[4]XResearch source
5 Dry your hamster. Remove your hamster from the bowl with a warm, dry towel. You can gently stroke your hamster with the towel, but be careful not to rub too hard. If your hamster is comfortable, you can hold them for a while to keep them warm. Once they are completely dry, return them to a clean cage.[5]XResearch source
If you hamster does not want to be held, simply let them lay on a dry towel. Make sure the temperature in your home is warm.
Keep the hamster away from windows and drafts when putting it back into its cage.
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Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Keeping Your Hamster’s Cage Clean
1 Perform daily maintenance. A major component to keeping your hamster clean is keeping their living area sanitary. Hamster cages require some daily upkeep. Check the cage daily, and perform some routine maintenance.
Look for droppings and/or wet areas in your hamster’s bedding. Scoop out any saturated areas. (If there are a lot, you may need to clean the whole cage.)
Remove any leftover food.
Change the water. If the bedding has become damp near the water dispenser, you might want to change the bedding.
2 Remove everything from the cage (including the hamster). In addition to daily maintenance, you'll want to do a deeper cleaning of your hamster's cage once a week. Start by placing your hamster in a safe place, such as an animal carrier. Then remove all toys, food receptacles, and anything else from your hamster's cage. Place toys and food bowls in hot soapy water.
3 Discard old bedding. Once all of the other items have been removed, you can discard the bedding. Scoop out all of the old bedding and throw it in the garbage. Be sure to remove any bits of bedding that are stuck to the bottom of the cage.
You might want to wear gloves and/or a face mask when you do this part.
4 Clean the cage. Wash out the inside of your hamster’s cage using a disinfectant solution (available at pet stores). Wipe down every surface, and scrub any places where bedding, waste, or other debris has gotten stuck. If the cage is extremely dirty, you may want to soak problem areas and come back to them.[6]XResearch source
If your cage is a wire or mesh cage, make sure to clean each bar.
If your cage is an aquarium, make sure you clean each surface and corner.
If you do not have specific hamster-approved disinfectant solution, you can add 2 Tbs. (29.5 ml) of bleach to a medium-sized spray bottle of water, and use this.
Rinse the cage completely after using bleach or disinfectant.
5 Dry the cage and other items. You cannot add bedding and other items back into the cage until everything is dry. Use a towel to thoroughly dry the inside and outside of your cage. Then rinse any food bowls and toys (that have been soaking in hot water), and dry them off.[7]XResearch source
Leaving the cage in the sun is also an effective way to dry to cage. Sunlight can actually help to disinfect the cage.
6 Put the cage back together. Once the cage is dry, you can add fresh bedding. Then return each of the clean and dry items to the cage (food bowls, water dispenser, toys). Finally, you can return your hamster to its home.[8]XResearch source
Give your hamster a couple of hours alone to readjust to its newly cleaned surroundings.
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Things You'll Need
Soft toothbrush
Scissors
Chinchilla sand and sturdy bowl
Damp cloth
Mild, unscented pet shampoo
Bowl of warm water
Dry towel
Paper towels
Disinfectant solution
Fresh bedding
Trash bags
Gloves and/or mask (optional)
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Co-authored by: Lauren Baker, DVM, PhD Veterinarian This article was co-authored by Lauren Baker, DVM, PhD. Dr. Lauren Baker is a Veterinarian and Assistant Scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With over 10 years in veterinary medicine, she specializes in the concept of “one health,” which uses insights from veterinary medicine to help human medical research. She holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, an MS in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This article has been viewed 20,603 times. 77 votes - 67% Co-authors: 3Updated: June 24, 2025 Views: 20,603
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Reader Success Stories
Joel B
Apr 8, 2022
"I recently bathed my hamsters, not knowing it could be a serious threat! I was planning on washing them again but I decided to search it up first! Luckily my hamsters are safe and healthy!"..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Lauren Baker, DVM, PhD Veterinarian 77 votes - 67% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 3Updated: June 24, 2025 Views: 20,603
Joel B
Apr 8, 2022
"I recently bathed my hamsters, not knowing it could be a serious threat! I was planning on washing them again but I decided to search it up first! Luckily my hamsters are safe and healthy!"..." more
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Co-authored by: Lauren Baker, DVM, PhD Veterinarian This article was co-authored by Lauren Baker, DVM, PhD. Dr. Lauren Baker is a Veterinarian and Assistant Scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With over 10 years in veterinary medicine, she specializes in the concept of “one health,” which uses insights from veterinary medicine to help human medical research. She holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, an MS in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This article has been viewed 20,603 times. 77 votes - 67% Co-authors: 3 Updated: June 24, 2025 Views: 20,603 
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586 
1 Use a soft toothbrush on long-haired hamsters. Short-haired hamsters will not usually need to be brushed. If you have a long-haired hamster, however, you may want to remove tangles or debris from their fur. Run a soft, unused toothbrush across your hamster’s fur to remove dirt and prevent matting. 
2 Use scissors to remove chunks. If something sticky (like gum or glue) has somehow gotten stuck to your hamster’s fur, you can use a pair of scissors to remove it. Place your hamster on a table or countertop, and place your non-dominant hand on top of the hamster to keep them still. While still applying some pressure to the hamster, use your non-dominant hand to pull up and isolate the chunk you want to remove. Then, holding the scissors in your dominant hand, carefully snip the fur in that area. 
3 Try a sand bath. A sand bath is another way for your hamster to get clean. Purchase chinchilla sand (available at most pet stores) and put it in a sturdy bowl for your hamster (just large enough for your hamster to climb inside). Your hamster will roll around in the sand, which helps to remove any dirt or debris. 
4 Wipe your hamster down with a damp cloth. If possible, try to spot clean any substances from your hamster using a damp cloth. Fill a bowl with warm water, and add a tiny squirt of mild, unscented pet shampoo. Soak a washcloth in this bowl for a couple of minutes. Then wring it out and gently wipe down your hamster, moving in the direction of hair growth.[1] 
1 Determine if bathing is necessary. Bathing your hamster can be dangerous. Hamsters can drown or become ill from being cold and wet. Also, bathing your hamster removes precious oils from their fur and skin. Bathing should only be considered if your hamster has come into contact with a toxic substance, other non-bathing methods won’t work, and you can’t bring your hamster to the vet. You might consider bathing if: 
2 Fill a bowl with a bit of warm water. Choose a bowl large enough for your hamster to sit in and fill it with no more than 1-2 inches (2.54-5.08 cm) of warm water. It should be shallow enough for your hamster’s head and shoulders to remain comfortably above the water. Use the least amount of water possible.[2] 
3 Wash the hamster. Carefully remove your hamster from their cage and set them in the bowl of water. Use a soft toothbrush or washcloth to gently stroke the hamster’s fur in the direction of hair growth.[3] 
4 Rinse the hamster. If you added soap to the bathwater, you will also need to perform a cleansing rinse. Fill a small cup with warm water and gently pour this over the hamster to rinse them, being careful to avoid contact with their eyes.[4] 
5 Dry your hamster. Remove your hamster from the bowl with a warm, dry towel. You can gently stroke your hamster with the towel, but be careful not to rub too hard. If your hamster is comfortable, you can hold them for a while to keep them warm. Once they are completely dry, return them to a clean cage.[5] 
1 Perform daily maintenance. A major component to keeping your hamster clean is keeping their living area sanitary. Hamster cages require some daily upkeep. Check the cage daily, and perform some routine maintenance. 
2 Remove everything from the cage (including the hamster). In addition to daily maintenance, you'll want to do a deeper cleaning of your hamster's cage once a week. Start by placing your hamster in a safe place, such as an animal carrier. Then remove all toys, food receptacles, and anything else from your hamster's cage. Place toys and food bowls in hot soapy water. 
3 Discard old bedding. Once all of the other items have been removed, you can discard the bedding. Scoop out all of the old bedding and throw it in the garbage. Be sure to remove any bits of bedding that are stuck to the bottom of the cage. 
4 Clean the cage. Wash out the inside of your hamster’s cage using a disinfectant solution (available at pet stores). Wipe down every surface, and scrub any places where bedding, waste, or other debris has gotten stuck. If the cage is extremely dirty, you may want to soak problem areas and come back to them.[6] 
5 Dry the cage and other items. You cannot add bedding and other items back into the cage until everything is dry. Use a towel to thoroughly dry the inside and outside of your cage. Then rinse any food bowls and toys (that have been soaking in hot water), and dry them off.[7] 
6 Put the cage back together. Once the cage is dry, you can add fresh bedding. Then return each of the clean and dry items to the cage (food bowls, water dispenser, toys). Finally, you can return your hamster to its home.[8] 