Fleece all the way!
- Kelly Pierce
- Oct 8
- 3 min read
This blog will delve deeper into Fleece, our potty pads, and the reasons why other washable bedding doesn't measure up. I briefly covered this topic in a recent blog post about bedding in general. Here, I aim to explore washable bedding options in more detail and explain why fleece consistently comes out on top! Reaching this conclusion wasn't immediate; it has been quite a journey, involving the trial and testing of many different options along the way.
I used to be a strong supporter of bath mats, towels, and blankets until I discovered fleece bedding and started making it myself.
The drawbacks of using towels and bath mats:
The amount of laundry it produces!
The odour and absorbency are reduced
If you use bath mats, you often need to place towels underneath, effectively doubling the layers.
The need to wash sooner than fleece
Less sanitary for pigs and less comfortable
Slow drying time - inconvenient when you need fresh piggy bedding immediately!
The benefits of fleece absorbent mats, such as our pet potty pads and cage liners:
Launder less frequently!
Reduced odor, improved absorbency
Ensures piggies remain dry and comfortable
It looks better!
Dries faster than towels
Trust me, I have tested various fabrics during my journey of creating pet potty pads. Initially, I used polyester wadding, which offered some advantages but didn't absorb as well as cotton wadding. Now, I exclusively use cotton wadding, incorporating two layers into the pet potty pads.
What makes our pet potty pads worth buying?
We concentrate on our pet potty pads, putting significant effort into developing a highly absorbent pet mat inspired by our experiences with guinea pigs. Our goal is to ensure comfort for our guinea pigs while creating visually appealing spaces for ourselves. We are dedicated to providing our products at prices that are affordable for everyone. Our mission is to support our furry companions, helping them lead long, happy lives, while also making our lives easier. Taking care of guinea pigs is a major responsibility that requires extensive cleaning and upkeep.
Our experience:
When I embarked on our guinea pig journey, I knew very little about using fleece. Initially, I used towels, blankets, and bath mats. In fact, I'm currently phasing out bath mats! If I had enough fleece cage liners for my pigs, I would immediately discard the bath mats and towels. You wouldn't believe the amount of daily laundry generated by having 16 guinea pigs. Well, perhaps you do, depending on the size of your herd. Even small herds create a significant amount of laundry. I mentioned using towels and bath mats with layering; this is necessary because bath mats require an extra layer of absorbent material underneath. This is fine when you're starting out, as it's a learning curve. However, it more than doubles the laundry load. In the short term, it might seem like a cheaper option, but for me, it made me time-poor and tied to the laundry most days.
Today, I was photographing our guinea pig setup to highlight the fleece liners and potty pads. I noticed that one of the potty pads had been in the pen for over a week! It wasn't wet or dirty and lasted much longer than any blankets I had washed. Plus, it didn't smell! As guinea pig owners, we always strive to reduce and manage pet odour.
This is the potty pad I mentioned (shown above). Modelled by Molly. Also known as 'Molly baby' because she was our littlest piggy at the time.
What I appreciate about these potty pads is that if one side gets a little dirty, you can simply flip them over and use them a bit longer before washing.
Get the most out of your pet potty pads by placing them in areas that piggies sleep and eat. I often place them in these areas:
Beside the hay tray
Inside the wooden houses
Inside of the strawberry soft beds
Beside the houses (this is a favoured sleeping spot for them)
Inside or under tunnels
In any area that is a messy area
Tips and tricks!
Regular spot cleaning helps manage guinea pig mess, saving time in the long run
Dust off hay and mess from potty pads using a brush
A pan and brush is a must have in cleaning guinea pig areas
Regularly replace/clean hay trays to reduce odour
Ensure you have plenty of potty pads on hand for times when you're waiting for the laundry
In my opinion, the only exceptions are using fluffy, cozy blankets. My pets enjoy cuddling up with them during nap times. I use these along with fleece. And of course cozy hideouts which are warm and snug!
For more information about the guinea piggies, pet potty pads, click here
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