Washing Fleece

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Chief Guinea Pig

Chief Guinea Pig

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I've recently bought some new fleece, and some towels to go underneath.... And I know that you need to wash it 3-5 times so it removes that water barrier (or whatever it's called). I was wondering these questions:

1) When you wash it (when all the removing the barrier thing has passed) is this ok to use with it, along with some white vinegar: Ecover, Non bio Laundry liquid? I don't think it's got any Conditioner or fabric softener in it.
2) When you add the white vinegar, is it added directly to the fleece?
3) I was thinking of using a cat-hair brush to remove any loose hair on the fleece before I wash it, also, would it clog up the washing machine and make it smell?
4) I understand (I have a 2 tire wooden hutch) that I must leave some fleece overhanging on the upstairs missing floor bit(for the ramp) as it will shrink slightly, does anyone know how much precisely?
5) I mainly see people using fleece on the C&C cages, as my Hutch is wooden, and outside in the garage (Concrete garage) will the fleece still give the benefits to the guinea pigs?

For 2 sows, how much veg should they get each per day?

Chief Guinea Pig
 
All really good questions!
I know when I wash my fleece that I just use any non-bio liquid (fairy seems to be the best as it's mainly for sensitive skin). I've never used vinegar, but I do use a bit of lime (fruit) to rub on the white patches before washing.
The cat hair brush is a really good idea....I might have to start doing that!
I imagine that the fleece will still benefit the piggies as its nice on their little feet and will certainly be a bit warmer for them in the garage. Also, it should help the hutch as the pee can be absorbed by the wood and over time will cause it to smell and possibly rot.
I have 2 boars and I give them a bowl of veg in the morning with pellets before I go to work and then a bowl each when I get home as well as a few little treats when having floor/lap time.

Hope this helps a little bit. x
 
Also, another question:
Is some newspaper under the towel needed? Or will it be find with just a towel underneath the fleece.
 
You definitely need to use the newspaper to soak up the pee or it'll soak straight into the wood and probably give them wet bottoms!
I use quite a whole newspaper in a litter tray to under some hay (that's where they go to the loo the most) and about 4 layers of paper under the fleece. x
 
Ok, so my washing machine part(where you would normally put the fabric softener) doesn't work, so that is where I'd normally put the vinegar, so I'd like to know if you can just add the vinegar to the metal side of the washing machine(but not actually on the fleece) ?
 
Will putting the vinegar with the Laundry Detergent(in the same compartment) make a difference?
 
Bump up, I've still got these questions to be answered:

Will putting the vinegar with the Laundry Detergent(in the same compartment) make a difference?
Will the washing machine get clogged up, even if I remove most of the hair on the fleece?
Will the fleece shrink much over time?
 
Hiya iv just started using fleece so not sure how much help il be but I personally have bought wash bags for my fleece. I had them from ikea they were 3 for £3. They seem to stop most hair etc .. My piggies are quit long haired :)
I haven't used the vinegar yet iv just bought some but il probably put it in the drum with the powder ( correct me if I'm wrong )

Il let you no how I get on but my fleece so far seems ok been using it about a month :)
Hope that helped a tad..
 
Becky_lou said:
Hiya iv just started using fleece so not sure how much help il be but I personally have bought wash bags for my fleece. I had them from ikea they were 3 for £3. They seem to stop most hair etc .. My piggies are quit long haired :)
I haven't used the vinegar yet iv just bought some but il probably put it in the drum with the powder ( correct me if I'm wrong )

Il let you no how I get on but my fleece so far seems ok been using it about a month :)
Hope that helped a tad..
Click to expand...

I've just searched those wash bags up, I will definitely be buying some!
I just hope that they will fit the fleece size!
 
I fit one fleece in each bag which is handy because I have 3 fleece in my cage at a time and I have a wash and a ware :)

You can get them from Wilkos too but there tiny!
 
Some answers below :)

1) When you wash it (when all the removing the barrier thing has passed) is this ok to use with it, along with some white vinegar: Ecover, Non bio Laundry liquid? I don't think it's got any Conditioner or fabric softener in it. - I use non bio powder for sensitive skin
2) When you add the white vinegar, is it added directly to the fleece? - I add it into the drum with the fleece in the little plastic ball that comes with the powder
3) I was thinking of using a cat-hair brush to remove any loose hair on the fleece before I wash it, also, would it clog up the washing machine and make it smell? - I'm looking at getting some of the wash bags mentioned above, as I have just got a long haired guinea pig and need to wipe out the hairs after washing
5) I mainly see people using fleece on the C&C cages, as my Hutch is wooden, and outside in the garage (Concrete garage) will the fleece still give the benefits to the guinea pigs? - Yes the fleece will still have benefits as long as your garage isn't damp. Also please make sure that your pigs aren't housed in a garage where cars are kept (because of the fumes) and also have a natural light source.

For 2 sows, how much veg should they get each per day? - Piggies should have approx a cup full or 50g of veg each per day, usually split into two meals.
 
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