#labanimalscience

Maintaining a clean vivarium is essential not only for the health and welfare of laboratory animals but also for the reliability of research outcomes. A vivarium—whether used for housing rodents, reptiles, amphibians, or aquatic animals—requires stringent cleanliness protocols to prevent disease, minimize stress, and ensure ethical and scientifically valid studies.

In this blog, we’ll explore the best practices, tools, and guidelines for keeping vivarium environments clean, compliant, and operationally efficient.

Why Cleanliness in Vivariums Matters

Contaminants in a vivarium can come from multiple sources—humans, food, bedding, water, and even air. If left unchecked, these contaminants can:

Cause infections or stress in animals

Lead to skewed research data

Violate institutional and governmental regulations

Result in facility shutdowns or funding loss

Maintaining proper hygiene is not just a matter of routine—it’s a critical part of laboratory protocol and animal welfare.

Key Components of Vivarium Cleanlines

To effectively maintain clean vivarium conditions, attention must be given to several core areas:

1. Animal Housing Units

Cages, tanks, or enclosures must be regularly cleaned and disinfected. The cleaning frequency depends on the species and number of animals but typically involves:

Daily spot cleaning of waste, uneaten food, or spilled water

Weekly or biweekly cage changes with complete replacement of bedding

Routine sanitization using non-toxic, animal-safe disinfectants

Stainless steel or autoclavable plastic cages are ideal for durability and thorough cleaning.

2. Environmental Controls

Temperature, humidity, air exchange, and light cycles must be monitored to prevent mold, microbial growth, or animal stress.

Use HEPA-filtered ventilation systems to minimize airborne contaminants

Install humidity controls and alarms for aquatic and amphibian vivariums

Check HVAC filters monthly to ensure proper air quality

Clean environments start with clean air and stable environmental conditions.

3. Bedding and Feed

Animal bedding and feed can easily become vectors for bacteria and fungi if stored or handled improperly.

Store bedding and feed in sealed, clean, and dry containers

Rotate inventory to use older stock first

Use autoclaved bedding and sterilized feed in high-sensitivity research

Replace bedding according to your facility’s SOP or animal protocol

Never allow bedding to become soggy or overly soiled—it should be dry, odor-free, and dust-minimized.

4. Water Systems

Animals need access to clean, uncontaminated drinking water at all times.

Use filtered or autoclaved water for sensitive research models

Disinfect water bottles or watering valves weekly

For aquatic animals, maintain water quality parameters (pH, chlorine, ammonia) through filtration systems and regular testing

Poor water hygiene can lead to infections, dehydration, or loss of research subjects.

5. Personnel Hygiene and Protocol

Humans are the number one source of contamination in vivariums.

Enforce personal protective equipment (PPE) use: gloves, gowns, masks, shoe covers

Implement strict entry and exit protocols (foot baths, air showers, changing rooms)

Train all personnel in standard operating procedures (SOPs) for cleaning, handling, and reporting issues

Require hand washing and sanitization before and after contact with animals or cages

A clean facility begins with clean people and disciplined routines.

6. Cleaning Equipment

Automated cage washers, tunnel washers, bottle washers, and autoclaves play a huge role in vivarium sanitation.

Clean and maintain washers regularly to avoid breakdowns and residue

Validate that water temperatures and cycle times meet disinfection standards

Use appropriate detergents and rinse agents that won’t leave harmful residues

Investing in automated cleaning equipment improves consistency, efficiency, and biosecurity.

7. Waste Disposal

Animal waste, used bedding, and medical sharps must be disposed of according to biosafety and institutional guidelines.

Segregate waste into biohazard, bedding, and general trash

Use sealed containers and dispose of regularly to prevent buildup

Schedule frequent pickups or incineration for biohazard materials

Never allow waste to remain in the vivarium beyond designated times

Proper waste management helps prevent odor, contamination, and pest infestation.

Best Practices for Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Cleaning

Here’s a quick reference schedule for vivarium cleaning:

Daily Tasks

Spot clean cages

Replace soiled bedding

Clean food and water containers

Monitor temperature and humidity

Remove trash and waste

Weekly Tasks

Full cage wash and disinfection

Sanitize water bottles and feeders

Inspect and clean cage racks and floors

Wipe down surfaces and equipment

Monthly Tasks

Deep clean air vents and filters

Calibrate environmental control systems

Inventory supplies and dispose expired materials

Review staff compliance with SOPs

Keeping a cleaning log for all activities ensures traceability and compliance with audit requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-maintained facilities can slip up. Here are frequent cleaning mistakes to watch for:

Using toxic disinfectants that can harm animals

Overcrowding cages, leading to faster waste buildup

Infrequent cage rotation, allowing pathogens to spread

Neglecting floor corners and behind cages, where debris accumulates

Improper PPE usage by staff

By proactively avoiding these issues, your vivarium can maintain high standards of hygiene and animal welfare.

Tools and Equipment That Help

To streamline vivarium sanitation, consider investing in:

Automated cage and bottle washers (like those offered by SOMATCO)

Biosafety cabinets for safe animal handling

Digital monitoring systems for environmental control

HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaners for bedding cleanup

Disinfectant foggers or misting units for room sanitation

Reliable tools make daily maintenance more manageable and consistent.

Compliance with International Standards

Clean vivarium conditions aren’t just about internal policy—they’re often required by:

AAALAC International

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC)

CPCSEA (India), NIH (US), or FELASA (EU) guidelines