How do you disinfect?

I honestly don't like using chemicals in my cages when it comes to my animals so I'm kind of curious to get some input on how I clean/ maintain my tubs and cages. Usually when I clean the tubs I take the snake out and put them in a separate tub and dump the Aspen. Then go to the sink and get the hottest water I can and soak the tub and hides/ everything in it for as long as I feel nessesary (few minutes usually). My water gets very hot, usually hotter than my hands can handle. I've never really bothered measuring it. Never have had any RI's or infections. Then I run the inside of the lid with hot water and let it sit and wipe everything down. With my glass reptile cages I pretty much remove everything and wipe it down and soak all the decorations and water bowls in hot water and refill with clean Aspen. I can't really afford the reptile spray from petsmart/ I don't like supporting them anyways. I've seen people mix some chemical that was blue with water and use that but not sure what it was but me being 16 and currently looking for work and haven't found anything yet this as best as I get. I've looked in my schools chemical/ science departments selection of chemicals but I didn't really find anything that rang a bell. I also talked with a chemistry teacher and she wasn't sure either. I'm curious how you clean your tubs/ cages? Hoping we can all exchange ideas. I'm sure this is common knowledge but it's important to know how to properly clean things to prevent the spread of illness in a collection.

I use this stuff and it does what I need it to. they have a few different types of sprays to
Look through.

http://www.reptilebasics.com/cleanin...f10scxd-200ml/

Hello:

You can use a 10% bleach solution to help you clean your tubs and cages. Your science teacher can help you make this solution - real cheap and easy. Just make sure to allow the cleaned tubs/cages to air out the bleach smell for a bit before you put your reptiles back.

A

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Originally Posted by Ba11er

I use this stuff and it does what I need it to. they have a few different types of sprays to
Look through.

http://www.reptilebasics.com/cleanin...f10scxd-200ml/

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That stuff is terrific. Just a tiny bit of it goes a long wait. Definitely also gets rid of the smell.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ba11er

I use this stuff and it does what I need it to. they have a few different types of sprays to
Look through.

http://www.reptilebasics.com/cleanin...f10scxd-200ml/

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For what I'm doing would you consider it unsafe? I'm just curious to get other people's opinions. Thanks for the link! Definitely going on my Christmas list lol :gj:

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Originally Posted by Joshyboy

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For what I'm doing would you consider it unsafe? I'm just curious to get other people's opinions. Thanks for the link! Definitely going on my Christmas list lol :gj:

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Did you click the link? It's a veterinary cleaner/sanitizer being advertised on one of the best sites, IMO, for snake supplies. Unless you're using it wrong, it's perfectly safe for what you want to accomplish.

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Originally Posted by Eric Alan

Did you click the link? It's a veterinary cleaner/sanitizer being advertised on one of the best sites, IMO, for snake supplies. Unless you're using it wrong, it's perfectly safe for what you want to accomplish.

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Sorry I should have been more specific lol, what I mean was what I'm doing now. For what I am doing/ done for the last year or so, would it be frowned apon? I mean if it's not enough (usuing hot scalding water) then I'll mix up something else until I can get my hands on it but just wanted a little input.

I use F10SC to disinfect on monthly cage cleanings as well as for spot cleanings and water bowl cleanings. F10SCXD has detergent in it so you must rinse it off completely where as F10 SC can be left to dry and still provides a barrier while being safe for the animal. For a scrub down, I just Dawn soap and water. Just remember, you need to let the stuff sit for about 10-15 mins so it works. Spraying it on and then wiping it off right away does nothing.

I also used to use Chlorhexadine but since have switched to the F10SC.

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Originally Posted by Joshyboy

Sorry I should have been more specific lol, what I mean was what I'm doing now. For what I am doing/ done for the last year or so, would it be frowned apon? I mean if it's not enough (usuing hot scalding water) then I'll mix up something else until I can get my hands on it but just wanted a little input.

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Chances are the water coming out of your faucet is 120-140°F. That's good for cleaning, but not effective for sanitizing without additional chemicals.

The blue chemical you're thinking of is probably chlorhexidine. Personally, I use F10SC when I'm cleaning tubs and leave it to air dry before I put them away again.

I've used a 50/50 vinegar and water mix. Never had an issue. Although not sure how well it disinfects.

Joshyboy, I think your hot water cleaning technique is okay. It doesn't kill everything like the bleach solution or other products mentioned. However, if your animals are healthy and your collection is "closed" then imho you should be fine.

If your animals are being exposed to new animals or you are introducing possibly infected caging or equipment, then you might consider the bleach solution. Bleach is quite inexpensive and a very effective way to clean caging and materials.

I have always used vinegar. It takes any smell away, just have to let it soak for a bit. Works on tubs and glass, cheap too. As has been said before, if your not adding new animals and no one is sick, then soap and hot water is fine. Maybe get some antibacterial soap, I use ajax. Just make sure it is rinsed very well.

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i agree with the bleach solution if money is a concern. It's cheap and effective. If your reason for avoiding it is because you don't like to use chemicals, 10% is a mild solution, between rinsing it off and letting everything dry, there isn't really anything left behind.