Fleece liners are popular among guinea pig owners looking for the best bedding to use in their pets’ cage. In our poll, over 60% said they used washable bedding in their guinea pig enclosure. However, before you dive in and spend money on buying cage liners, it’s essential to consider whether fleece is the best option for you and your specific setup or whether disposable bedding would be a better choice.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of using fleece liners for your guinea pigs, equipping you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. We also have full instructions on using and washing them and how to accessorise your cage with other fleece products. We even have step-by-step instructions on how to make your own fleece liners.
Table of contents
- Pros & cons of fleece liners
- How to use fleece liners and pee pads
- How to wash and dry fleece liners
- Buying guide: recommended brands
- How to make fleece liners
- Fleece accessories
- FAQs
Pros & cons of fleece liners
Understanding the pros and cons of fleece liners can significantly influence your choice of bedding for your guinea pig’s habitat. Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages to help you make the best decision for your furry friends.
Advantages
Longevity: One of the major benefits of fleece liners is their longevity. They do not have to be replaced as regularly as wood shavings or other disposable bedding options. Proper maintenance and washing procedures ensure a high-quality fleece liner can last for one or two years before needing a replacement, making it a more cost-effective choice in the long run, despite its higher initial cost.
Tidiness: Unlike other types of bedding that can lead to bits of bedding strewn around the cage or even your home, fleece liners offer a much tidier solution. The only mess you’ll have to deal with is the hay and guinea pig droppings.
Dust-Free: Dust is a significant irritant for a guinea pig’s respiratory system, so it’s critical to minimise the amount of dust in their enclosure. Fleece liners shine in this regard, as they are the only bedding option that is completely dust-free, contributing to your guinea pig’s overall health and well-being, which is advantageous if you or another family member is sensitive to dust.
Aesthetically Pleasing: Fleece bedding offers an attractive and colourful appearance. The wide range of colours, designs, and patterns available allows you to customise the look of your guinea pig’s cage, adding a touch of creativity and personality. This is a feature that many guinea pig owners appreciate and enjoy.
Allergy-Friendly: Fleece liners are hypoallergenic, making them the perfect choice for guinea pigs with allergies or skin irritations. The soft material doesn’t cause discomfort or harm to your pet. This can also benefit members of your household who may suffer from allergies to certain disposable bedding types.
Comfort: Besides being allergy-friendly, fleece liners offer your guinea pig a soft and comfortable surface. Given that guinea pigs have delicate feet, fleece liners provide a safe and comfortable surface for them to live on. This is especially important for hairless guinea pigs or those who have recently had an operation, as other types of bedding may irritate their skin.
Disadvantages
Initial Cost: Despite the long-term cost benefits, fleece liners require a significant initial investment. Lower-cost alternatives often fail to deliver the necessary quality, leading to poor absorption and a shorter lifespan. Thus, buying cheap fleece liners is generally not recommended and doesn’t work out as good value for money in the long term. Let’s look at the pricing for two better-quality fleece liners. You can expect to pay anywhere from around £55 to £92 for one set of liners that would fit a cage measuring 5ft x 2ft, the recommended size now for guinea pig habitats.
Frequent Changes and Cleaning: Fleece liners require more frequent changes than other bedding types. You’ll need to spot clean at least once, and preferably twice a day, and carry out a full cage clean more frequently than you would with other types of bedding.
Maintenance Costs and Challenges: Maintaining fleece liners requires regular washing, which could prove inconvenient in certain circumstances, such as shared living arrangements or for those without easy access to a washing machine. Moreover, using a washing machine and a tumble dryer to clean and dry the liners increases energy consumption, leading to higher utility bills.
Inappropriate for Outdoor Use: Fleece liners are not recommended for outdoor enclosures due to the potential dampness of the environment, especially during nighttime when the dew falls. This damp environment isn’t healthy for your guinea pigs as it can lead to illness. For outdoor cages, it’s generally a safer bet to go with disposable bedding.
Odour Control: Opinions vary on this subject, but I can share my thoughts after using both disposable bedding and fleece liners for a considerable time. In my experience, fleece liners didn’t do as good a job of masking odours as other bedding types. Even with regular cleaning and changing them out every three days, the fleece didn’t keep the smells at bay as effectively as most disposable bedding.
Poop Removal: Unlike other bedding types, where droppings might mix in and get hidden, poop stays on the fleece surface. This requires you to diligently remove droppings a couple of times daily to prevent your guinea pig from lying on them and maintain a clean, hygienic habitat. Keeping the fleece liner clean is crucial to avoid bacterial infections.
How to use fleece liners
Fleece liners are incredibly user-friendly. You don’t need any additional layers or lining to pair with them. All you need to do is place them in the cage, and you’re all set up.
One thing to keep an eye on is that your guinea pigs don’t sneak underneath the fleece liners. They’re fond of dark spots, and if they manage to get under, they’ll likely turn it into their new favourite hideout. This is not usually a problem if you use a single liner in the cage. Still, it can become a problem if you need to use two or more, as I learned when using multiple fleece liners! You might want to put a wooden hideout or something similar on the join to avoid this issue.
Pee pads
In addition to full-sized fleece cage liners, you can include pee pads in your guinea pig’s habitat. Pee pads are miniature versions of the fleece liners, designed and constructed similarly but at a much smaller scale.
Placing these pads in the areas where your guinea pigs most frequently urinate can help your daily cleaning routine. Thanks to their compact size, you can quickly and easily remove, shake, clean, or replace them, and their size allows for quicker drying times, saving both time and energy costs.
Since guinea pigs naturally like to use darker areas to pee and poop, such as within their hideouts, these spots are perfect for placing pee pads. This helps to preserve the cleanliness of the main liner for an extended period and a good level of hygiene for your pets.
Combining fleece liners & disposable bedding
If you’ve got an extra large guinea pig cage, a good approach is to use a mix of bedding types – fleece liners plus disposable substrates. This way, you get the best of both worlds.
A helpful trick is to put the disposable bedding under the (placing it in a very shallow litter tray can work well). Guinea pigs often pee a lot in this spot, so doing this lets you catch most of the pee with the disposable bedding and save your fleece liners from too much washing. It keeps the cage cleaner and makes your fleece liners last longer!
Bear in mind that some disposable beddings can cling to fleece and become a challenge to remove. Paper-based bedding or shredded card substrate might be your best bet in this case, as they usually shake out more easily. This choice can save you time and hassle when cleaning and maintaining the liners.
How to wash fleece liners
Proper maintenance of fleece liners is essential to ensure they remain hygienic, retain their absorbency, and last as long as possible. In this guide, we outline the optimal methods for washing and drying your fleeces, focusing on removing odours and preserving quality.
Pre-wash preparation
Preparing your fleece liners for washing requires a good shake-down to remove loose debris. Ideally, do this outdoors to avoid spreading hair and hay in your home.
If shaking them outdoors isn’t an option, you can use a dustpan and brush or a handheld vacuum to get rid of stubborn hair and hay bits. A rubber grooming brush can also be an effective tool for removing hay and hair from the liners.
Machine washing
Before putting your cage liners in the washing machine, fold them in half with the upper side of the fleece exposed. If you’re using pocketed fleece liners, turn the pockets inside out to uncover the most soiled parts of the bedding. This preparation helps the washing process for maximum cleaning efficiency.
If you can’t get all the bits of hay out of your fleece liners, placing them in an extra-large pet laundry bag is advisable. This prevents any bits from getting stuck in your machine and causing mechanical problems or blockages.
Take care not to overload your machine, as this will prevent it from cleaning properly. The laundry needs space to tumble and move for effective cleaning and rinsing.
Recommended detergents and wash settings
Always use cold or warm washes to maintain liner quality. An extra rinse or longer cycle helps remove odours. Non-biological, unscented detergent is ideal, as it’s gentle on sensitive skin. I use and recommend the EcoEgg, an eco-friendly option that requires no powder or liquid, lasts many washes, and saves money. You can also use this for your own laundry.
Fabric softeners
Avoid fabric softener as it reduces absorbency and adds fragrances unsuitable for your guinea pigs. Instead, add half a cup of distilled white vinegar to the conditioner section of your washing machine for softness and odour control. The vinegar smell will disappear as the liners dry.
How to dry fleece liners
It’s vital to dry your fleece liners promptly after washing. Doing so not only helps to avoid any unpleasant odours but also ensures that you have a fresh, clean set ready for the next time you need to clean out the cage. Putting off drying could lead to a last-minute scramble or potential hygiene issues, so make it a routine to dry them right away.
Line drying outdoors
The best way to dry your fleece liners is by hanging them outdoors on the washing line during good weather. The fresh air blowing through them will also give them a lovely smell.
Heated clothes airers
If hanging the liners outdoors isn’t an option, which is often the case during autumn and winter in the UK, consider investing in a heated clothes airer. These airers can dry the liners quickly and effectively, regardless of the weather, and you can use it for your own clothes as well, making it a handy investment.
Standard clothes airers
An unheated airer can also work, but it might be suitable only in warm and hot weather, as it may take a prolonged time to dry the liners in damp or cold conditions.
Tumble drying
Though tumble drying is possible, it’s generally not advised. Some manufacturers of fleece liners warn against tumble drying. Since you’ve likely spent a good amount of money on the liners, the last thing you’ll want is to damage them or shorten their lifespan through improper care. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to keep your liners in the best condition.
If you have to use a tumble dryer, use a low-heat setting. It is worth noting that dryer sheets work the same way as fabric softeners, reducing absorbency in the liners, so avoid using these.
Buying fleece liners
My top pick for fleece bedding is the GuineaDad fleece liners, which have consistently delivered top-notch quality in my experience and are for sale at Amazon. But don’t let that limit your choices! Etsy has many handmade alternative options in various attractive colours and patterns.
The GuineaDad cage liners feature a pocket that’s a hit among guinea pigs as a hideaway spot. This clever addition has become so popular that many other cage liner manufacturers have also begun incorporating it into their designs.
When you’re ready to purchase, take a moment to ensure that your chosen product is made from high-quality materials. A well-made liner will not only please your guinea pigs but also stand up to wear and tear, providing better value in the long run.
You’ll need at least two sets of fleece liners so you can swap them out on cleaning day. But having three sets would be even better to ensure you always have a clean one handy.
Size guide
Many cage liners, like GuineaDad’s, are designed to fit standard guinea pig enclosures. You’ll find options tailored to fit Midwest Habitat Cages and others for popular C&C Cage sizes. If you own an extra-large C&C cage, you must buy enough liners to cover the floor space.
Etsy is an excellent platform to explore for more unique or larger sizes. You’ll discover a more comprehensive variety there, and some sellers even offer custom-made liners designed to fit your setup perfectly.
Preparing for use: wicking fleece
Once you’ve purchased your new guinea pig fleece liners, depending on the brand, you may need to prepare them for use. This is called “wicking”.
You may have noticed that new towels absorb poorly when you first use them. However, they are considerably more absorbent after being washed a few times. It is the same with fleece liners. If you don’t wick them before use, they won’t absorb the urine, and urine will pool on top, resulting in your guinea pig’s hair getting wet.
How to wick fleece liners
It’s easy to wick fleece liners, but it is a nuisance as it involves washing two or three times to increase the fabric’s absorbency.
You should wash precisely as per the instructions for cleaning fleece liners, but there is no need to add vinegar to these washes. Don’t use a hot wash, as this will increase shrinkage of the fleece liners. With this process, there’s no need to dry the liners between washes.
Remember that better brands allow for some shrinkage in the wash, so you can rest assured that they’ll still fit your cage perfectly even after cleaning, provided you follow the correct washing instructions.
How to make fleece liners for guinea pigs
If you are good at making things and want to save money, you can make guinea pig fleece liners yourself. Here is an easy step-by-step DIY guide showing you how to do this:
Materials required
- Fleece Fabric: Blizzard fleece and anti-pill fleece are best
- Absorbent Layer: U-haul blankets (also known as furniture pads) or Zorb
- Sewing Machine: A heavy-duty model is best due to the thick layers
- Thread
- Scissors
- Sewing Pins
- Tape Measure
- Marker Pen
Cutting out
You need two pieces of fleece and one absorbent layer for a single liner.
- Measure the bottom of your cage, then add an extra five inches to the cage’s dimensions to allow for shrinkage during washing and sewing allowance.
- Using a marker pen, mark these dimensions on the fleece fabric.
- Cut out the pieces.
Pinning
Fleece fabric has distinct right and wrong sides, with the wrong side appearing less vibrant and duller. Identifying these sides is crucial before you start putting the liners together.
- Place down your first piece of fleece with the right side facing upwards.
- Place the second piece on top of the first piece, with its right side facing downwards, so the two right sides are together.
- Place the absorbent layer on top.
- Pin the edges to secure the layers.
Sewing
- Begin sewing about 1/4″ to 1/5″ from the fleece’s edge, on one of the longer sides.
- Continue sewing around the edge*, ensuring the fabric is flat and not pulled.
*IMPORTANT!: Once you return to the starting point, leave a 6-inch gap for turning the liner right side out.
Trimming
- Trim the excess material, leaving a 1/4″ seam allowance.
- Use the 6-inch hole to turn the liner right side out.
- Fully push out all corners.
Finishing
- Tuck in the edges of the 6-inch gap and sew it shut.
- Keeping the liner nice and flat, add an additional seam around the liner’s edge to secure the layers, sewing 1/2″ to 1″ from the edge.
- Add a further seam approximately 4 inches inside the first one.
Now your guinea pig fleece liners are fully made. Ensure you wick them first, washing them as per the instructions above. Once you’ve done this, they’ll be ready for use!
For those seeking a more detailed pattern, consider purchasing a PDF download from Tiny Herd Shop on Etsy. Please note the instructions may differ from those provided here.
If the idea of crafting your own guinea pig fleece hideouts interests you, Squeak Dreams on Etsy offers fabulous patterns for cuddle cups and snuggle sacks as digital downloads.
Fleece Accessories
Having lined the enclosure with fleece bedding, you may want to continue the fleece theme through the rest of the guinea pigs setup. Accessories, ranging from fleece beds to hideouts and tunnels, are available in an array of designs and patterns to suit your taste and preferences.
Haypigs offers a fantastic collection of circus-themed fleece accessories. Our guinea pigs have shown a particular fondness for the fleece crash mat, a large, plush pillow that provides a soft resting spot. They also enjoy the hidey hut, which comes complete with a set of pee pads. This addition ensures you can maintain the tent in a hygienically clean condition for your furry friends.
Etsy is also a treasure trove full of unique, handmade fleece hideaways that can serve as stylish and functional additions to your cage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use fleece blankets for guinea pigs?
Fleece blankets don’t have the absorbency of specially-made cage liners. Therefore, they wouldn’t be hygienic enough to use for this purpose.
Are fleece liners waterproof?
Some fleece liners come with a waterproof layer at the bottom. In contrast, others feature fleece on both sides with an absorbent layer sandwiched in the middle. If you plan to place the fleece liners directly onto a floor, especially without the waterproof layer, take measures to protect the floor. This can prevent any potential mess or damage.
Can you wash fleece liners by hand?
While it’s technically possible to handwash good-quality fleece liners, remember that they’re often quite thick, making this task challenging and time-consuming. After washing, you’ll also have to figure out how to dry them since they’ll be thoroughly soaked. Without access to a washing machine, considering disposable bedding might be a more practical choice.
To learn more about the different bedding options available for guinea pigs, take a look at our guinea pig bedding page.