So, I still live at home, and my mom is starting to really get down on my three ratties and complain about them smelling so bad. Any suggestions on what I can do to decrease their smell? I personally don't think they smell too bad at all, but she seems to have taken an issue with the smell recently. I'm currently using Aspen bedding because paper bedding is too dusty for one of my ratties. I do a thorough cage cleaning (strip bedding, wipe down bars, clean and disinfect shelves) once a week. My cage has plastic shelves that I don't cover with anything like fleece or towels. I don't use any air fresheners or candles because I'm pretty sure my one rat has allergies and I don't want to make them worse. Any advice, suggestions, or thoughts on what I can do? I really don't want my mom to be down on my girls. It makes me feel bad!