Cleaning the bottom is actually easier than the top. The bottom cage has door that swing open so I can get my shopvac right in there and get to it. The top one seems harder because the hose on my shopvac isn't very long so I have to put it on my desk chair for extra height. BTW, I bed on fleece, that's why I am using a vac.
I vac the poops daily with the shopvac. I change the whole cage out about 4 - 5 days. I don't think it's all that smelly. I made cage pads that are fleece with cotton batting and then either another layer of fleece or flannel. I don't really notice the smell unless it's cage cleaning day. I also made some smaller pads that go in their potty/sleeping spots and change those out more frequently. Those smaller pads help keep the smell down. I also have some litter boxes filled with bedding for the piggies that like to keep the mess in the back corners. I currently only have 2 piggies that use them all the time. My 2 sows are very clean and keep their mess contained. The 6 boys just go where ever and when ever they see fit.
I also babysit full time in my home and the cages are kept in my living room where the parent's come in. I have asked if they smell anything and they have all always told me no. I think they would be honest so I try to rely on them to let me know if they can smell my pets.
