I usually only do a clean when I find poop or urine in the cage which is once a week. Since I use paper as a substrate, it's usually a quick clean.

I've always been a little unsure of the proper cleaning techniques. I use chlorhexadine for disinfecting the enclosure, hides, etc... but I never know if I should wash them down 1st w/ soap and then disinfect or vice versa.

Also, as for lifting hides....my BP can be found in his hide 99.8% of the time so I have to lift it. I'll let him know I'm coming w/ a simple tap and he's always been very calm.