what do you use?

ilovemysnake · 12-23-13, 11:51 PM

i was just wondering what you guys use to clean your enclosures with? i've done the bleach/water combo, though i dont feel 100% safe about it.

Mikoh4792 · 12-24-13, 12:11 AM

Every time my snakes go to the bathroom, I throw out all newspaper, spray the dirty areas with "healthy habitat"(some kind of natural enzyme cleaner) and wipe after a few minutes.

That seems to keep the enclosures clean but every few months I'll use a stronger disinfectant or a water/bleach solution just to sterilize.

I found using paper substrate is a lot easier when it comes to keeping everything clean. Because you throw everything out without leaving anything behind.

ilovemysnake · 12-24-13, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

Every time my snakes go to the bathroom, I throw out all newspaper, spray the dirty areas with "healthy habitat"(some kind of natural enzyme cleaner) and wipe after a few minutes.

That seems to keep the enclosures clean but every few months I'll use a stronger disinfectant or a water/bleach solution just to sterilize.

I found using paper substrate is a lot easier when it comes to keeping everything clean. Because you throw everything out without leaving anything behind.

alright, sounds good!

exwizard · 12-24-13, 03:14 AM

I also replace all the newspaper but before I lay the fresh newspaper out, or in the big snakes' case, puppy pads, I spray and wipe their enclosures with F10-SC The stuff works great and there's no smell.

formica · 12-24-13, 05:33 AM

you can use pretty much anything you like, as long as all the residue is gone when its done, if the residue is gone, there is nothing to harm the snake, However, this is the problem with using cleaners other than bleach, bleach evaporates without a trace in a very short amount of time, ie once the enclosure is dry, the bleach is gone

the same cannot be said for many other detergents and cleaning agents, which will leave a film/residue sometimes for weeks after cleaning

bleach + hot water, left to dry properly, is by far the safest way to sterilize imo

kelzerman · 12-24-13, 05:34 AM

I use the bleach/water solution. I do about a half cap (NOT CUP) full in about 2 gallons of water. I wash really good then let dry. I then rinse the enclosure well and then dry. I have never had any problem.

exwizard · 12-24-13, 05:58 AM

I can't use bleach at all since I have eczema and I am sensitive to the irritating effects of bleach. I used to use rubbing alcohol but I like the F10 much better. It does not leave a residue at all.

continuum13 · 12-24-13, 11:04 AM

I use a 90/10 mix of water and Chlorhexidine.

LiL Zap · 12-24-13, 03:04 PM

I have a 40 gallon tank. I just take it outside, have a small bucket of dish soap diluted with clean water and wash it good. Of course I rinse it off and dry it completely. Works for me.

Lankyrob · 12-24-13, 05:31 PM

I use a good spot clean routine. I remove the poo/urates plus a good amount of substrate around the "mess" and then throw in some replacement substrate to fill the "hole".

SSSSnakes · 12-24-13, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

Every time my snakes go to the bathroom, I throw out all newspaper
I found using paper substrate is a lot easier when it comes to keeping everything clean. Because you throw everything out without leaving anything behind.

I agree and do the same thing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by exwizard

I spray and wipe their enclosures with F10-SC The stuff works great and there's no smell.

I use F10-SC also but I use alcohol for cleaning the glass, it dry without leaving any residue.

vjdragonfly · 01-08-14, 05:44 PM

Actually, I had the same concern with using the bleach and wanted a safer alternative, so now I use my hand held steam cleaner. You can use it in plastic setups as long as you don't leave it in one spot too long.

shaunyboy · 01-08-14, 06:40 PM

i use newspaper as substrate,so i replace it and spot clean when required.....

once a year i clean the whole inside of the enclosure...

i use the kitchen anti bacterial spray we use on our kitchen surfaces (it does NOT have bleach in it)

cheers shaun

Sublimeballs · 01-08-14, 10:03 PM

I've used a bleach/water/dawn mix for years. Ive also used chlorahexadine. But I've recently started using the f10 compounds for sale from reptile basics(f10scxd & f10sc). I like the f10 stuff so far; leaves a slight, pleasant smell. And the f10sc can be used in humidifiers to treat RIs(that's the claim atleast, haven't needed to test it). I clean the cages with this about once a month, a spot clean inbetween.

Cruddown · 01-09-14, 12:05 AM

People (including me) use bleach in reef aquariums to clean tanks when setting it up for different animals or set up. Usually, for regular cleaning, vinegar works best since it doesn't leave toxic residue, and dissolves mineral deposits. Bleach is really good for when you want to disinfect a tank or changing set ups if you are moving animals, since it can kill a host of diseases. It just needs to be cleaned up and rinsed well. Using any types of detergents in saltwater tanks can leave a residue which can poison marine animals.

So, for routine cleanup, vinegar is probably best, but if you want to do a serious cleaning (moving animals, cleaning up after sick animal) bleach is probably a better choice. I have no experience with the F10 compounds.