CLR, Lime Away, Hard Water

[asphyxia]

Hi,

Due to frequent misting, I have some hard water/mineral build up on the sides of my glass enclosures. "Normal cleaning" does not remove it, so I need some advice on:

A. Is CLR, Lime Away and that kinda stuff harmful to reptials?

B. What "cleaners" can safely be used to remove hard water marks?

Thanks for the answers
Brian

[eyespy]

Most cleaners are toxic, and especially anything marketed to get rid of lime. I've had very good luck with diluted white vinegar.

[Lisa]

You might consider filtering the water like a brita or the like before spraying. cheaper then buying distilled water.

[NewLineReptile]

i use a sharp blade and then wash it out with vinegar and water
it seems to work good

[Edwin]

I just use vinegar and air out the cage a bit before letting my bci settle back in, as she hates the smell.

[Linds]

I agree with everyone, I just use a scouring pad and undiluted white vinegar if it's not possible to soak, you don't even need a scouring pad if you can soak it for a minute or so. CLR and those type of products are highly toxic to reptiles. It's best to avoid them.

Originally posted by Edwin
I just use vinegar and air out the cage a bit before letting my bci settle back in, as she hates the smell.

Wouldn't it be easier to rinse it after?

[Tara Garratt]

If anyone knows someone who sells Melaleuca products, I have found that the Tub & Tile works well, and it is non toxic. I just spray it on and then wipe it off. It does not hurt the plants, but I am careful to ensure that I remove all dished from the terrariums first.

Tara Garratt

[Tim and Julie B]

Tub & Tile is non-toxic? Exoterra makes a product called Mistamize that you mix in your spray bottle so you don't get that build up. So far it is working. Check it out.

[Alicewave]

CLR and that kind of stuff is EXTREMELY toxic. If you read the bottle it says you should use rubber gloves while using it. I've used it and the smell is GOD-AWFUL! I wouldn't dream about using it anywhere near the herps.

[ReptiZone]

I use hibitane and luke warm water to clean my cages. Ive used vinegar and water in the past but i dont find it cleans enough and it just smells awful.

[hip]

Hey Brian you are gonna think I am on crack but this should work for you and Is non toxic to boids.Take an orange peel and squeeze it to get the juice running from the ouside of the peel.(citric acid) If my chemistry background does not elude me all these years later this should remove all the deposits on the glass and be rinsed away with warm soapy water no problem after you are done.I would try a small area first to see how it works if at all. I had a friend who was a heavy smoker and this was the only way he could get the gross tar stains off his fingers and it really worked like a damn too. best of luck man



Hip

[asphyxia]

Thanks Folks for all the suggestions and insights, I'll let you know how I make out.

Regards
Brian

[ranmasatome]

yuppers citric acid is great....only ones from oranges though....try squeezing it to and open flame..you'd get a mini flame thrower...hahaha..its fun..