What Disinfectant Do You Prefer For Tubs

I've been using natures miracle sanitation spray, I spray it and wipe the bin really clean then clean it again with water. I'm never knew people used such harsh chemicals, I wouldn't be able to do that because of my cockatoo.

10% bleach solution - easy, cheap, effective, and you can pick up a bottle of bleach anywhere

I get the Chlorahexidine from amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o00_s00_i01

The same seller also offers a generic pump for it, which I find helpful when making the solution in a spray bottle. I like it. I use it for my reptile tubs AND my ASF rat tubs.

I prefer to use this than bleach to disinfect because the ammonia in the rat urine mixing with bleach can be bad news. Probably not a problem, but when they mix together they have the potential to create chlorine gas-- a chemical weapon in WW1. I doubt that there is a high enough content of either chemical to cause a reaction, especially if you rinse your tubs well.

BUT you don't have to rinse after using chlorahexidine, its not toxic to the snakes in its diluted state, and it does the same job.

The only issue with bleach is its toxicity for reptiles. It is very effective, has a reasonable contact time (10-15 min) The downside is it is critical to keep it away from all reptiles (birds too I believe) spraying it can also be an issue for humans too. All traces needs to washed away a few hours in strong uv can also help but not always practical.

Hot water and Dawn dish soap

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Originally Posted by FoxReptiles

Thanks guys. I meant locally as in somewhere common (i.e. Lowes, Home Depot, Walmart...) I currently use a 1:10 Bleach solution, but would rather use something safer.

I do like the idea of a 6 month diluted shelf life though. That alone might push me over to the F10 camp. From what I've read, the Chlorhexidine should be used within a week of mixing... And I don't think the Bleach solution is much better.

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Bleach solutions need to be used within 24 hours.

Just a side note, regardless of what type of disinfectant is used, it should be applied after the tub has been scrubbed & is free of urates, feces, substrate, paper, etc. Disinfectants shouldn't be expected to do double duty as detergents & remove all the regular "cage guck" that soils the surface of a tub. Scrub first, then disinfect (lather/rinse/repeat as needed) for optimum results. :)

F10

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Originally Posted by kitedemon

The only issue with bleach is its toxicity for reptiles. It is very effective, has a reasonable contact time (10-15 min) The downside is it is critical to keep it away from all reptiles (birds too I believe) spraying it can also be an issue for humans too. All traces needs to washed away a few hours in strong uv can also help but not always practical.

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Any cleaner with a scent is dangerous to parrots, the smell must be completely gone and any residue can be potentially lethal.

For any parrot owners on the forum. I use the natures miracle sanitation spray in the tub when I'm cleaning it really good outside of my room(where my galahs cage is), and when I clean it in my room I use natures miracle cage and aviary. After using it I always go over with a water mister and wipe it down again to get off any residue. I'm still careful and keep my bedroom window open to allow fresh air in.

I use 2% Chlorhexidine and I love it.

What do you guys think of steam cleaners?

Ive been thinking of getting one...