Chlorhexidine

When using chlorhexidine do you have to rinse? I saw a guy on youtube who used chlorhexidine mixed with water and he didnt rinse. So I'm curious.

I use chlorohexidine to clean my snake's tubs and I do rinse after spraying the chlorohexidine because I don't want their to be any residue from it. I just want to be safe rather then sorry.

Yea it's kind of an opinionated thing. Do you HAVE to? No, there are lots of people that dont and get by just fine but there are also lots of people who keep 5 snakes in one tank and get by just fine doesn't mean it's a good idea. :) I work in the healthcare field and we use a disinfectant not commonly available to the public due to it's strength and we never rinse afterward. It really boils down to preference and whether you can have piece of mind without rinsing. :)

The beauty of Chlorhexidine is that rinsing is optional. Really a personal choice, as it is pretty close to the safest disinfectant out there (in small quantities).

I use Chlorhexidine, but I use one of the soap-mixtures, and I feel it's pretty important to wash that off.

Do some research of your own, and make the best choice you can. :)

We use chlorahex all the time at the vet clinic I work at and we don't rinse afterwards. If we do its with alcohol but I wouldn't use That ob my tubs.

I rinse afterwards but you really don't have to. I'm just a clean freak and don't want any residue left over.

No. As long as you're using the right water/Chlorhexidine ratio...

When I clean my tubs i use dish soap and water.. Then rinse them very good let them dry.. spray them with Chlorhexidine with suggested ratio to water from a label...
Wipe them dry with paper towel.. let them sit for couple minutes and that's it..

Don't rinse after wiping .. so far i dont have any problems with my animals :gj::gj:

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Originally Posted by sho220

No. As long as you're using the right water/Chlorhexidine ratio...

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This is true, it can be mixed at different concentrations for different purposes. My vet uses it at high concentrations to sterilize surgical tools and at lower concentrations they use it to clean wounds on animals(not humans). He recommended rinsing it when using higher concentrations. I say better safe than sorry. Getting it on skin or scales shouldn't be dangerous but I wouldn't want the residue getting on a rodent or in the water bowl and being accidentally ingested. ;)

Glad this question came up. I just ordered some.

I use a .08% solution. I spray wipe down and let dry before putting my animals back in. Ive been doing this forever and no issues at all.

This stuff rock and as long as you mix correctly it does not need to be rinsed. I clean my cages with this, waterbowls, hides... pretty much everything. The chlorohexidine breaks down so fast that's why it isn't potentially dangerous. I mix new spray bottles every two weeks because it will break down in tap water, light, heat etc.

Regards,

B

I have never rinsed after and I have never had a problem. I don't personally measure exactly any more either. I just eyeball it. Just got a gallon in the mail of the stuff for $15 shipped :banana:

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Originally Posted by Boanerges

I have never rinsed after and I have never had a problem. I don't personally measure exactly any more either. I just eyeball it. Just got a gallon in the mail of the stuff for $15 shipped :banana:

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I use two capfuls per squirt bottle. That's almost on point for the ration. Close enough not to harm anything :) A gallon would last FOREVER. I have the small bottle and it's barely dented.

Regards,

B

Where do you buy chlorhexadine locally? I was thinking the IFA. Also is it the 2%?

It's the 2% and I get mine from Amazon.com

Just bought more from ozbo.com $15 + change for 1G, Thanks Jeff!!! :D

No rinsing is not needed but there are two things to keep in mind. It breaks down quickly so it needs to be re-mixed often it doesn't keep well diluted. The second thing is it takes time to work all 'safe' sterilants do. Usually 30 mins is recommended.

Thanks! Just ordered a gallon on eBay for 16.95 shipped!