Disinfecting enclosures

[Darwin]

I feel like I've been posting a lot since I've joined. I've had my snake a long time but I actually don't know anyone else in my real life that owns reptiles so joining this forum has been my first opportunity at getting feedback on issues. It's really great; I wish I would have found this site years ago when I was a new owner!

Anyway, I was just interested in knowing what people are using for disinfecting their enclosures. I've just been using either dish soap solutions or vinegar solutions when I do a total cleaning. What kind of solution would you suggest as the safest/most effective method?

On another note, I've noticed some grayness on the underside scales of my snake (just around the neck area.) I've recently started putting a layer of newspaper under his substrate, which I never used to do - do you think its just dye from the newspaper ink? I tried to wipe it off with water and some seemed to come off but the scale edges are still grayish...

Thanks!

[Daybreaker]

The grey is probably from the newspaper: I use newspaper with paper towels over that for substrate along with aspen for certain snakes.

I like a mild bleach solution for cleaning though some say to not use bleach. I use just a drop on a scrubby sponge and go over the tub then wash it out with hot water until you can't smell any bleach anymore. Haven't had any issues.

[Mike41793]

I've noticed a bit of discoloration around their heads before too. I use newspaper so idk if its from that or just natural. Its never hurt anything though.

Dish soap is fine to use. I've used vinegar solution to get out hard water stains.

I've never heard of bleach being bad to use, angela. Provided you do it safely/correctly.

[3skulls]

F10 or Chlorhexidine
We use a lot of bleach at work and I have seen it break down plastics over time.
It's safe if you use it correctly but it is a corrosive. (Maybe its not when mixed right?)

I used bleach for years before I knew of F10 and Chlorhexidine but its more of a personal choice now.

[Darwin]

Ok...good to know. My snake is a beyond terrible eater so, for lack of explanation for that, I'm always questioning whether I might be doing something that is unintentionally contributing to the problem.