Fleece Liners: Washing, Wicking and Odour

Fleece liners work well but only if they are set up and washed correctly. Most complaints trace back to one of those two things.

Fleece wicks, it does not absorb

Liquid passes through the fleece into an absorbent layer underneath. Fleece alone on a cage floor leaves a wet surface. The layer beneath is what makes the system work.

Wash before first use

New fleece is treated at the factory and repels liquid. Several hot washes without fabric softener strip that and let it start wicking.

Never use softener

Fabric softener coats the fibres and undoes exactly the property you need. This is the single most common reason liners stop working.

Routine

Sweep solids daily and change the liner on a set schedule rather than waiting for odour. Two sets in rotation is what makes it practical.