How to Use Fleece as Guinea Pig Bedding (The Right Way

Fleece bedding can be cozy, cost-effective, and eco-friendly — but only if it’s done correctly.

Used the wrong way, fleece becomes damp, smelly, and frustrating.

Used the right way, it creates a clean, dry, comfortable home your guinea pigs can truly relax in.

Here’s exactly how to set it up.

Why Choose Fleece for Guinea Pig Bedding?

Many guinea pig parents switch to fleece because it’s:

• Reusable

• Lower waste than disposable bedding

• Soft on delicate feet

• More affordable long-term

Unlike paper bedding, fleece doesn’t get kicked everywhere. It also allows you to create a tidy, structured setup inside the habitat.

But fleece alone is not enough.

The Secret: Fleece Must Be Prepped to Wick

Brand-new fleece repels liquid. If you skip this step, urine will sit on top instead of passing through.

Before using fleece:

• Wash it 2–3 times

• Use regular detergent only

• No fabric softener

• No dryer sheets

Fabric softeners coat the fibers, preventing wicking.

The Water Test

Pour a small amount of water on top of the fleece.

If it:

• Soaks straight through → It’s ready.

• Beads up on top → Wash again.

Wicking is what keeps the surface dry for your pigs.

You Need Layers (Fleece Alone Is Not Enough)

Think of fleece as the surface layer only. A proper fleece system looks like this:

Top Layer: Fleece

Middle Layer: Absorbent pad

• U-Haul furniture pad

• Towels

• Mattress protector

Bottom Layer: Waterproof liner or coroplast base

The fleece allows liquid to pass through.

The absorbent layer traps and holds moisture underneath.

That’s what keeps paws dry.

Spot Clean Daily (It Takes 3–5 Minutes)

Daily maintenance makes fleece bedding work.

Each day:

• Remove poops

• Shake out loose hay

• Replace heavily soaked corners

This small routine prevents odor buildup and extends the life of your full bedding change.

Consistency matters more than perfection.

How Often Should You Fully Change Fleece?

There isn’t one perfect answer. It depends on your setup.

Small cage: 2–3 times per week

Mid-size C&C: Every 3–4 days

Large habitat: 1–2 times per week

It depends on:

• Number of pigs

• Cage size

• How chaotic the hay situation is

If you smell it before you see it, it’s overdue.

Control the Hay Zone (Create a Kitchen Area)

One of the biggest mistakes people make is letting hay cover the entire cage.

Instead, create a designated “kitchen” area:

• A hay box or hay rack

• A litter tray with bedding

• A separate absorbent pad under the hay

This keeps most moisture and mess in one location and helps the rest of the fleece stay drier longer.

It also makes spot cleaning much easier.

Common Fleece Bedding Mistakes

Avoid these:

• Using one thin blanket only

• Skipping prep washing

• Letting fleece stay damp

• Ignoring odor

Fleece requires a system and a routine. When maintained properly, it works beautifully. When neglected, it fails quickly.

Pros & Cons of Fleece Bedding

Pros

• Eco-friendly

• Soft and cozy

• Lower long-term cost

Cons

• Requires laundry

• Higher upfront setup cost

• Needs consistent maintenance

If you don’t mind laundry and daily spot cleaning, fleece can be an excellent option.

If you prefer low-maintenance weekly dumps, paper bedding may suit you better.

Is Fleece Right for Your Herd?

Some pigs thrive on fleece.

Some owners prefer paper bedding.

There isn’t one “correct” bedding choice.

The best bedding is:

Clean. Dry. Safe. Maintained.

That’s what matters.