Okay i replace the reptile carpets about once a month and soak them in hot water once a week, rinse and air dry. He has a 7gallon tub for water too big to put through dishwasher.
That's 48 quarts for water... how big is his enclosure? Also if you're down in a basement is it cooler and more humid than where you used to live? You might be able to get away with a smaller water container and still keep decent humidity in the enclosure.