Should I wash my hamster's nesting material?
Written by
Kailani Okoro
Reviewed by
Prof. Henry Webster, Ph.D.By leaving your hamster's nest contents alone, you help preserve important scent cues which reduce the effects of stress. I learned this after washing my hamster's nest, which caused weeks of anxiety behaviors. These nesting materials each have their own distinctive odor, which helps your hamster feel secure. Only medical problems, such as a breeding infestation, warrant washing them.
Medical Exceptions
- Wash only during confirmed mite or parasite infestations
- Use veterinary-prescribed disinfectants at specific dilutions
- Microwave damp nesting material for 2 minutes to kill parasites
Safe Alternatives
- Spot clean surface debris using soft-bristled brushes
- Replace only visibly soiled sections maintaining scent continuity
- Add fresh nesting material around existing nests gradually
Stress Prevention
- Preserve at least 70% original nest material during changes
- Avoid nest disruption during daylight sleep cycles
- Monitor for bar-chewing or overgrooming post-disturbance
Clean hard accessories near nests without disturbing bedding. Wash ceramic hides with a vinegar solution weekly. I clean the hamster's coconut hut monthly and save the nest inside. To ensure that everything is replaced in its original position, take pictures before cleaning. Save spatial memory.
Use scent transfer techniques when it is necessary to change the nest material of the hamsters. Rub the new material on the odor glands of the hamsters. I rub fresh bedding on the sides of my hamsters. By doing this, the pheromones are transferred, which helps the hamster accept what is being done. Gradually introduce changes in bedding over a period of three to five days.
Identify when medical cleans are due. Mites appear as moving white dots. My hamster had mites that required complete disinfection of the nest. For quick cleaning, avoid using ivermectin-based therapies; however, if such products are the only option, freeze materials to -4°F (-20°C) for two days. Always isolate during treatment.
After necessary cleaning, offer nesting supplements. Provide extra strips of toilet paper. When disruptions are infrequent, I provide my team with unscented tissues for reinforcement. This promotes rebuilding and minimizes stress. Check nesting rebuilding progress every night.
Read the full article: Hamster Cage Cleaning Made Simple
