How do you properly sanitize your snake's enclosures?

I have no clue how to properly sanitize my snakes tubs. I usually just stick the tub in the shower and give it a really hot spray down, but depending on the snake's "mess" hot water does not get rid of the smell. You always hear about the risks of using chemicals like bleach or eco clean. I tried the vinegar route but it stinks and using paper towel as a substrate does not mask the smell like aspen or cypress would. F10-SC is stupid expensive. What do you guys use that is safe and efficient?

I'm using the detergent form of F10 and its been working pretty well for me. I don't even rinse mine out as long as theres enough time to dry. I've been using it between my SO and I (we both have snakes) and it comes out to like 2-3 dollars per bottle of product we mix. Mind you, each bottle lasts like 3-4 months at a time so I think it's well worth the investment.

I usually use hot water and soap and scrub the tank lining.
This article may help, though.
http://www.anapsid.org/cleaning.html

I use F10SC. I don't use it for cleaning, I also take my larger snake tubs into the bathtub and use mild dish soap and water for general cleaning. The F10SC is used afterward, a light misting is all that's required as an antiseptic/disinfectant. I bought a 100 ml bottle a year ago and I'm still using it.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

I use F10SC. I don't use it for cleaning, I also take my larger snake tubs into the bathtub and use mild dish soap and water for general cleaning. The F10SC is used afterward, a light misting is all that's required as an antiseptic/disinfectant. I bought a 100 ml bottle a year ago and I'm still using it.

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The problem here with F10 SC is I have no choice but to make a vet appointment to get it which is like $100 in itself then $37 for 100ml and I cannot ship it from another country.

http://www.winnipegreptiles.com/index.asp has F10 SC and SCXD.

So does Cornel's World in Calgary. http://cornelsworld.com/product-category/cleaning/

I generally use antibacterial hand soap and warm water when cleaning cages and water bowls. When I do heavy cleaning I have used a bleach/water mix.

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Originally Posted by jclaiborne

I generally use antibacterial hand soap and warm water when cleaning cages and water bowls. When I do heavy cleaning I have used a bleach/water mix.

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This is exactly what I do.

I shop on Healthykin.com and they have a wide array of reasonably priced medical supplies. Actually more than reasonably it's economically priced. They have a product called CAVICIDE which is comparable to F10SC but much more affordable. It's a surface disinfectant decontaminant cleaner that is bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal as well as tuberculocidal! Spray on and wipe off then rinse. I haven't had any sick animals for years. Just my experience and my opinion only. It works for me. :gj: Healthykin.com

If you have the time available, and your machine is large enough, a dishwasher with no soap or rinse agent would also work. the water gets hot enough to saturate everything with steam, effectively sterilizing it. Works great for beer and wine bottles for home brewing. I have bottles filled 10 years ago that are still good to go when opened.
This might only be effective for water bowls/hides/decorations though, since they easily fit in the average dish washer.