Fleece Bedding for Guinea Pig Habitat- Step 1: U-Haul Furniture Pad Prep

 U-Haul Furniture Pads in packaging

Cost: $7.95 each at the U-Haul retail store
Size: 68" X 85"
Material: Recylced denim (cotton)
They even come in reusable plastic zip bags. Good for storing or reusing for other household organizing or crafting purposes.

I bought two extra: one to have on hand to switch out while the dirty one is washing and one spare just in case I flub one up.

 Thanks to Hubby for picking these up for my project☺

U-Haul Furniture Pad Label

 

U-Haul Furniture Pads Close-up

Here I'm showing you the thickness and texture of the pad right out of the package.
 

 

Pre-washing the U-Haul Furniture Pads

1/2 Cup of Distilled White Vinegar into the softener dispenser
1 Pump of Method Free + Clear Laundry Detergent

 As you can see in the image above, I set my front-load HE washer to Permanent Press (warm wash/cold rinse), a medium spin cycle, and an extra rinse.

I prefer not to use chlorine bleach on my pet bedding as it can be harmful if there is any residue that comes in contact with ammonia (which is in urine); it causes a dangerous chemical reaction that is also known as the compound Chlorine Gas.  The vapors from chlorine are harmful to pets' respiratory systems and chlorine can also cause skin irritation.   Vinegar is a good disinfectant in the right proportion and a safer alternative. I didn't use a disinfectant amount here as the blanket was new but adding the vinegar helps to soften fabric, remove odors, and remove any residue or build up so it's a good idea to use it in every wash.

My rule of thumb is if it might not rinse out 100% or I couldn't ingest it or breathe it in safely, then I don't use it for my pets or family!

 

It is also really important not to use fabric softener for the fleece system bedding because it will coat the fibers of the material and prevent it from absorbing/wicking properly. It's also good not to use anything scented around the pets as they have sensitive respiratory systems.  What might be a faint and pleasant scent to you might be highly irritating and dangerous in the long-term for them.

U-Haul Furniture Pad Dried

It only took about 15 minutes to dry on medium heat which bodes well for its absorbent and quick-drying capabilities (not that I didn't believe all the piggy-parent's claims that I've read around the 'net) ☺

So now my piggals' bedding padding is ready to go into their habitat!

If you haven't met my Piggals yet, here's their introduction!

I can hear them squealing now! They are ready for floor time with Mama (that's me!) and new bedding for their pen.  I can't wait to see how this works out.

TTFN! (Ta-ta for now!)

XOXO

Kate

 Leave a comment with what bedding you and your pigs prefer! 

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