i have used a 1/10 bleach/water mix for years with no effects as long as the items and cage where completely dry and odor free, i have not used sunflower oil, but i do use Extra Virgin Olive Oil as an aid with mites, when i have the issues to help suffocate the mites on the animal, but only then and no other times, prevent-a-mite is a great aid as well and although it is a great aid when you have mites, when used properly, it helps prevent the re-infestation later on.