If you have small pets like guinea pigs, ferrets, chinchillas, rats, or sugar gliders, using fleece cage liners is one of the easiest ways to keep their habitat clean, dry, and comfy. Many small pet owners use fleece cage liners because they're reusable, easy to clean, and cozy for pets. While our fleece liners work great straight out of the package, some pet owners choose to wick their fleece before use to improve absorbency and comfort.
What is Wicking Fleece?
Wicking fleece refers to the process of washing fleece before placing it in your pet’s cage. New fleece can sometimes have a slight coating from manufacturing, and wicking helps allow the fleece to pull moisture more effectively into the absorbent layer beneath. Wicking is optional, not required—your fleece liners are ready to use right away. But it can help to maximize absorbency, which of course has many benefits, including:
- Keeping surfaces dry: Helps protect sensitive feet and paws, reducing the risk of health issues like bumblefoot.
- Odor control: Moisture moves quickly through the fleece, reducing lingering smells.
- Soft and cozy surface: Washing can make fleece even softer and more comfortable for your pets.
How to Wick Fleece Cage Liners
- Pre-wash: Wash the fleece with a gentle detergent, according to the washing instructions. For Paw Inspired products, follow the care instructions on the product tag or on our Washing Instructions page.
- Optional vinegar rinse: Adding white vinegar to the load can help remove any residual finishes and neutralize odors.
- Dry completely: Fully dry the fleece before placing it in your cage liner setup.
- Tip: Wash fleece in a separate load to avoid lint transfer from other fabrics.
By understanding how to wick fleece, you can give your small pets a drier, more comfortable cage environment. Using fleece cage liners—wicked or not—makes cleaning easier and keeps your pets happy. To learn more about pet bedding and why fleece can be beneficial in your pet's habitat, check out our Best Bedding for Piggies blog post here.
