In my experience it depends on the snake. I have some that seem to have trouble starting to peel it off if they have nothing but tub sides to rub against and some that have no issues. i will place a smooth is rock in with the ones that seem to need something. and remove it after the shed is over. It is easily disinfected after I just submerge in in water from a kettle (boiling or close it it) with f10sc 1:125 until it cools.