If you're going to soak stuff I would recommend a 10% bleach solution. Chlorhexidine I use mostely for tubs. I spray some on a paper towel and use it to clean any snakes that may have been sitting in feces/urine. I use it to quickly clean out water bowls and hides as well. Once a month I give everything a good soak in the bleach solution, hides, bowls and my feeding hemostats.