Cleaning Tips & Odour Control for Mouse Enclosures

Mouse enclosures can stay fresh and odour-free with a few simple routines—and understanding the natural behaviours that cause smells in the first place.

🧽 Routine Cleaning

• Bedding: Use kiln-dried pine shavings (safe and great for odour control) or paper-based bedding like Breeder’s Choice. A thick layer encourages burrowing and soaks up urine effectively.

• Spot cleaning should be done every 2–3 days, especially in “toilet corners.”

• Full clean-outs should be done weekly. Swap out all bedding, disinfect water bottles and food bowls.

• Use a bin cage! These can be easily and cheaply made and are much easier to thoroughly clean than traditional wire cages.

• Always use a non-toxic, unscented cleaner such as Thankyou Universal Cleaner, which is hospital-grade and safe for delicate respiratory systems.

Link: https://thankyou.co/products/universal-cleaner-fragrance-free-500ml?srsltid=AfmBOor05oqcNQ2lnWpbn6UCdI8aB0bMtSD6dL0jQCehQrcaUAy7THMS&variant=45128263827759can also be purchased at woolies and coles.

🐭 Male Mice and Scent Marking

One of the main causes of strong odour is male scent marking. Adult male mice have scent glands that produce a musky odour, especially when housed together. This is a territorial behaviour and intensifies when multiple males are kept in the same enclosure.

To reduce this:

• House adult males separately.

• If breeding is your intention, a single male with a group of females can be housed together—but note, mice are prolific breeders, so expect pups!

• If you're looking to keep a social group without the smell, your best option is a small group of females, who are generally cleaner and less territorial.

With the right setup and a little routine care, your mouse habitat can stay fresh and odour-free—making both you and your mischief much happier.