Sanitizing Rocks for my turtle

[hermeticcharm]

I went on a little hike today and wanted to pick up some rocks for my turtle.

I've hear you can bake them but I've also heard you have to be
very precise or they could explode. So I decided to take a
different route. Just wanted to know if this will be effective.

First I rinsed off all of the dirt and debris in hot water and then
sprayed the rocks down with a standard orange kitchen
antibacterial spray. Rinsed again, sprayed again and let them sit,
then rinsed them off again. Then I filled up a rubbermaid tub with a
water/bleach mix and now there in there soaking for a bit.
Next I will take them out, rinse, and then let them air dry.
Probably rinse and air dry again to make sure.

Then I was going to stick them in the freezer for a day. Don't know if that's overkill, or I should keep them in there longer or wrap them in something while there in there?

[littleindiangirl]

I think soaking in a 10% bleach solution is sufficient, or washing in chlorhexidine.

I have baked rocks before, and some of the lichen and stuff can really stink!

[hermeticcharm]

How long do you usually soak for? I was thinking something like 20 minutes.

[littleindiangirl]

I just throw them in there to be honest. I think 20 minutes is long enough.

[hermeticcharm]

Awesome, thanks a bunch I can't wait to see him all excited for his new set up. Right now he's pretty P.O.d at me for putting him in a 10gallon while I clean his big tank.

[Sarin]

Be careful if you do ever decide to bake... I've heard that rocks can sometimes explode in the oven.