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Member Comment
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11/17/2008 10:47:37 AM
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kondro86
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clorox has a entire green line. they use a coconut base cleaning agent. never had any problems using this stuff and its not that expensive.
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Member Comment
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11/17/2008 12:03:17 PM
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Hannebuddika
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I also primarily use a solution of vinegar and water. For a thorough cleaning I use a reptile approved cleaning product. (Can't remember the name right now) This product is said to kill most bacteria and even some viruses. I dilute that to its recommended amount and only use it for major cleanings espcially if a tank has been emptied, or another specie had been in it previously. Most of our messy animals like the boas and balls are on newspaper and paper towels. No fuss. Our borrowers like the hogs and sand boas are on aspen as well as the baby corns. They get dumped and changed less frequently but they are spot cleaned after every feeding.
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Assisted Answer
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11/17/2008 12:44:03 PM
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Mongrel Kitty
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I use bleach. I have a huge sprayer (something you would purchase at a hardware store for fertilizer, etc) that I mix with a bleach/water solution. I spray down an enclosure, let it soak, scrub if need be and then rinse and let dry. I have never had a problem using this method. Use it for my tropical fish too!
I keep most snakes, especially larger ones, on newspaper. Some aspen.
Easy Peasy.
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Accepted Answer
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11/17/2008 1:00:36 PM
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aaron
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Bleach (kills a lotta stuff)
Ammonia (kills crypto)
Maxima256 (kills just about everything else, salmonella and pseudomonas)
And Hannebuddika can attest to my love of chemicals.
I'm kinda paranoid like that.
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Member Comment
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11/17/2008 1:22:23 PM
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Krymsan
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I use Vinegar and water too.. and I have a multipurpose organic cleaner that I use occasionally. If the need for a chemical cleaner arises, I make sure it's well rinsed and dried before it goes back into the cages.
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Assisted Answer
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11/17/2008 1:51:24 PM
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Sparkle
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For spot cleaning I use the spray stuff (ZooMed? Repticlean? something like that) and for deep cleaning I use bleach/water followed by a thorough rinse then the Clorox Green stuff (to remove the bleach residue) then another thorough rinse. I'll use a vinegar solution if it's really stinky but I'm using aspen bedding so I don't have too much of a problem with smells (except for Ardeo, who I'm sure is somehow raiding the freezer behind my back....when he goes, I need industrial cleaner and a fire hose.....I swear he was a great dane in a previous life...). :)
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Member Comment
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11/17/2008 2:36:55 PM
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Hannebuddika
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I can.... he should wear a hazmat suit when he cleans... :)
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Assisted Answer
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11/17/2008 4:27:53 PM
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Kaiyudsai
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I love my chemicals too..... There is no substitute for good disinfectants.... Maxima 256 is the shit, I use it as well. I'm not a big fan of routine cleaning with bleach, but for big jobs, where a good rinsing follows, it works quite well... Spot cleaning i use quat. ammonium chloride spray..... I change all substrate weekly as well.... i just can't sleep good knowing my snakes have poop in their cage..... I really wish I could find a better system for my 5 foot anaconda though.... he has a 4 inch deep 2' X 1' basin in his cage.... He pretty much spends most of his time in there....until he takes a dump....then I have the painstaking task of getting it out of his cage without spilling anaconda turd water all over the place
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Member Comment
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11/17/2008 4:34:27 PM
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Sparkle
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Sounds like someone needs a great big SHOP VAC for Christmas!!
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Member Comment
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11/17/2008 4:41:31 PM
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magsj387
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I have my terrariums set up, so I rarely clean an entire tank. When I do clean I use a razor blade to clean the glass of, then bleach or a "green" glass cleaner, and afterwards I use Tap water conditioner for aquariums to clear up the bleach. It works like magic, and is completely safe.
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Assisted Answer
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11/17/2008 5:45:56 PM
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Joseph Jenkins
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Virosan/Nolvasan (Chlorahexadine) is where it's at, it is amazing.
Uses:
-Hospitals use as floor cleaner
-Vets use for mouthwash
-Can be used as an anticeptic by injection into infection or sprayed on wound
-Clean cages
-Wash your hands afterwards
-Even safe enough, in small amounts to use on frog injuries/infections
-Often sprayed in mouths of snakes to fight infections
-Many other uses
It is the miracle potion, but remember, it must be diluted as instructions say.
Here's a link:
http://www.proexotics.com/store/product.php?productid=16192
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Assisted Answer
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11/17/2008 6:08:30 PM
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dalvers63
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I use KennelSol for all cleaning of tubs and cages. Once my vet gets in some F10SC cleaner. I'll be using this stuff. It's known to kill almost all of the nasty bacteria and viral stuff and has been in use in the UK and Europe for quite awhile.
Here's a little blurb about the stuff: Benzalkonium Chloride is one of the only substances that is known to kill some of the nasty snake pathogens out there...
F10SC Disinfectants offers these significant benefits...
- Kills all types of pathogen – F10SC is bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal, sporicidal
- Minimal chance of microbial resistance due to F10SC’s unique benzalkonium chloride and polyhexamethylene biguanide combination of actives and mode of action
- Rapid kill times – less than 30 secs for gram positive bacteria, 60 secs for gram negative bacteria, Canine Parvovirus 20 mins
- Successfully tested against avian influenza (bird flu) viruses at a concentration of 1:500 in 10 mins Non-corrosive, non-toxic, non-tainting, non-irritating, aldehyde-free
- Highly cost effective Biodegradable & ecologically friendly
- Tried, tested, independently verified and documented, and approved around the world .
*For details on specific F10SC performance and references, please click on the following link: www.healthandhygiene.net
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Member Comment
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11/17/2008 9:02:11 PM
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Member Comment
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11/18/2008 9:47:28 AM
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Hannebuddika
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I used Nolvasan alot when I worked for vets. It's good stuff.
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Assisted Answer
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11/18/2008 10:04:09 AM
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Saffleur
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I use this stuff from ReptileSupply.com
Manufacturer
Natural Chemistry, Inc.
Size
22 ounce spray bottle
Healthy Habitat is specifically formulated to effectively eliminate odors and soiling caused by organic animal and food waste.
For use in any pet habitat, glass and other surfaces within habitat ie: heat rocks, gravel, artificial plants etc. Safe for use on all strong animal/reptile odor sources and stains, can even be used when pet is in it's habitat!
- Safe, yet powerful
- All natural
- Hypo-allergenic
- Easy to use
- Unconditionally guaranteed
Enzyme Technology
Natural Chemistry’s products are inspired by processes that occur in the natural world. Our patented technology uses trillions of natural enzymes and co-enzymes to break down undesirable organic materials safely and effectively...resulting in a healthier pet environment.
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Member Comment
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11/18/2008 10:34:48 AM
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tmth
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I use watered down listerine (mouthwash) for cleaning- citrus flavor so it smells yummy. :P Luckily.. my snakes aren't that messy and I don't really have to do deep cleaning very often at all.
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Author Comment
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11/18/2008 12:11:58 PM
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LokisKafka
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so something else Id like to get you guys to mention. How often do you clean using the products you use. Like what is your routine and under what circumstances do you deviate from that for deeper cleanings? I have my own methods like all of you that Im pretty comfortable with but new or inexperienced herpers really can learn alot from threads like these and even old hands like to pick up new ideas so what is your routine like? I clean once a week no matter what and as needed during the week. For the new babies I have everyone on paper towels wich, like you all suggested makes it all to easy to remove waste and just put a new paper towel in. Plus Im saving up the rolls to use as hides that span hot and cold sides of the enclosure as illustrated in Bill and Kathy Loves corn book.
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Member Comment
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11/18/2008 12:24:43 PM
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dalvers63
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All of my babies are kept on paper towels and I'll change the paper as needed. I'll also spray the tub with KennelSol and wipe clean/dry when I change the towel if needed.
All of my adults are kept on Aspen or paper. I'll spot clean those with the aspen and as needed change out their substrate and spray/clean the tub with KennelSol. The same for the ones on paper. If I'm changing the substrate, I'll always spray and clean the tub. On average this happens once a month or so.
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Member Comment
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11/18/2008 2:37:21 PM
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magsj387
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We'll I'm gone most weekends, Saturday and Sunday, so Monday is usually a big day for me as far as herps go. I go into each cage and first spot clean all the poop, excess food, and dead crickets I can find. Then I'll mix the top soil up a bit, to air rate it. From there, I usually scrape down the sides, re moisten the substrate, and wiped the glass down with glass cleaner. Throughout the week I tend to spot clean as I watch and mess around with the animals. Then on Thursday thats snake feeding day, so as I get each guy/girl out to feed them I thoroughly recheck their cage; clean and re moisten hides, check for poop, and sheds. Water bowls get changed everyotherdayish and everybody gets sprayed down at least twice a day.
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Assisted Answer
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11/18/2008 8:57:42 PM
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Greg Stephens
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The key here may be variety regardless of whether you like natural cleaners on the chemical napalm type.
I am currently using Chlorahexadine, Roccal-D, and just ordered Trifectant.
I like to rotate disinfectants weekly.
Trifectant is a new product and was highly recommended by my vet for it activity and the fact its activity is not as effected by organics.
Here is a link for the trifectant for those that are interested.
http://www.drugs.com/vet/trifectant.html
Greg
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Assisted Answer
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11/19/2008 1:15:12 AM
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Jeffriey
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Having different types of enclosures from bins, critter cages, tanks, pvc cages to wooden ones my cleaning varies from cage to cage, animal to animal and whether it's a spot cleaning to a thorough one. I mainly use vinegar and water, but I will also go from just soaking in hot water, antibacterial dish soap, window cleaner, amonia to pulling out the bleach for a thorough disinfecting and then rinse. Of course I always get bleach on me and end up with spotted clothes afterwards. I must have spilled some on the kids too at one time because they are half white....
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Author Comment
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11/19/2008 8:37:51 AM
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LokisKafka
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you know what tell brandon i said to poke you or something....seriously your bad ;-P
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Member Comment
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11/19/2008 9:37:33 AM
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FartherAway420
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I just use vinegar and water. I also have a high pressure hose I can use as well, but usually the water and vinegar does the job. But after seeing all the products you guys are mentioning for reptile cleaning, maybe I will pick up something else as well.
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Member Comment
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11/19/2008 1:51:07 PM
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Jeffriey
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LOL you know what my boys look like Jenn. Mikey may look like Dad but Brandon is the one that's a chip off the old block. Had them together once and I was bugging Brandon to do something. He turned around and said sure pick on the white kid...cheeky kid, wonder where he get's that from......
Just curious here. First does anyone handle cleaning water bowls differently from their enclosures? Being paranoid, it's only soaking in hot water or vinegar for me but if some of you remember my blog where my burmese attacked it's water bowl sometimes I'm not sure if it's enough. Mind you I stopped cleaning multiple bowls at the same after seeing that too..
Also thinking green and belonging to a city that is changing to enforce more recycling I have to separate waste meaning newspaper, paper towel, substrate and animal waste all has to be separated when cleaning out my enclosures. Would I be the only one here that has to do this extra task on cleaning days?
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Member Comment
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11/19/2008 1:56:31 PM
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Sparkle
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Hmm, anyone tried using snake poop as fertilizer? I imagine it would make some funky smelling compost....as if compost wasn't smelly enough!
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Assisted Answer
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11/19/2008 1:57:44 PM
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Sparkle
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Oh, and I use antibacterial dishwashing detergent for washing water bowls, and always one at a time.
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Assisted Answer
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11/19/2008 2:01:03 PM
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dalvers63
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Once a month or so, we take all of our water bowls and run them through the sanitize/high heat cycle of the dishwasher (all the bowls I use are glazed ceramic or glass). Between these times, they get washed and refilled as needed while we're cleaning.
Jeff - being in the suburbs of Seattle, we are lucky enough that we don't have to separate our recycleables, but that only applies to paper, plastic, metal, glass and not anything that has been soiled by food or animal. Food waste can go in yard waste recycle but everything else still goes in the trash.
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Assisted Answer
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11/21/2008 5:33:47 PM
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Nilloke
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I use a product called Wipe Out. It's really easy, you just spray it all over the tank after taking the animals out, let it sit for five minutes, wipe it out with a moist paper towel, let it air out for a couple minutes, and you're good to go. It's the only cleaning product I've used that got rid of some really nasty smells my corn snake managed to produce, and it is sold in pet stores, so I'm pretty sure that means it's animal-safe. I've had no problems with it. I usually clean each cage about once a month or so.
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Assisted Answer
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11/23/2008 11:00:43 AM
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ssscales
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I just started a question asking about Lysol. I've used Virosan (Chlorhexidine) for years along with detergent for spot and weekly cleanings, along with the occasional water/bleach mixture. Recently I've been considering switching from Virosan to Lysol I.C. Quaternary Disinfectant and wanted to know if others used this product or what others are using to clean their enclosures? I know a few old school breeders that use Listerine and swear by it...LOL This Lysol I.C. is supposed to be great stuff, but I don't want to go to a super strong burn your eyebrows and nose hairs off type chemical. I like Virosan for all the reasons already mentioned above, but wanted feedback if anyone used Lysol Quaternary.
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Assisted Answer
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11/26/2008 12:14:29 PM
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CnS Exotics
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I've always used Jurrasiclean lime scented or one of the Esu or exxo terra cleaners... but every now and then will use a dilluted bleach solution with very hot water to thoroughly deep clean and for peace of mind.
Never heard of mouthwash but I imagine it would smell fairly well and considering it contains alcohol I guess it would clean good too!
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Member Comment
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11/28/2008 12:36:40 PM
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balor223
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usually vinegar and warm water if i sell an animal the cage gets a good bleach soak before anything goes back in it.
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Assisted Answer
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11/30/2008 5:45:32 PM
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wiccabrat
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I use mostly vinegar & water myself, also use antibacterial Dawn, and occasionally a heavy duty green cleaner. As for how often and how exstensive it's different for each animal here. The more mess the more cleaning. lol My snakes are on aspen but they were on paper towels for a long while and they almost always mess in their water so they're easy to keep clean. My big Beardie is a slob and he gets his cage wiped down daily or you can't see him. Alot of ours are on soil so it's mostly wipe downs and scooping.
I'd be thrilled is someone could give me a great way to remove water stains (tried a razor balde) without emptying the tank.
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Member Comment
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10/4/2010 2:22:12 PM
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dalvers63
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This question has had no activity for 14 days and will be closed by an administrator unless the original poster takes action.
Recommended Action: Points awarded
An administrator will select responses and assign points at their discretion.
Original poster, please close this question out and assign points. If you have any further information in the resolution of your problem, please post it here so that others may learn from it.
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Member Comment
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5/30/2013 4:01:46 AM
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snlash
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Actually (and you can google this to confirm), spraying your tanks with hydrogen peroxide then vinegar on top will actually clean AND sanitize far better than actual chlorine bleach does!! I've researched it a lot, and the combination of the vinegar on top of peroxide causes a harmless chemical reaction which sterilizes the area, and both peroxide and vinegar are very safe to clean with unlike bleach water. Just a suggestion!
“By itself, vinegar is not a disinfectant, but when used with hydrogen peroxide, it kills bacteria more effectively than any commercial cleaner. Susan Sumner, a food scientist at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VPI) in Blacksburg, Virginia, published the following formula in Science News. Purchase a bottle of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and a bottle of plain white or apple cider vinegar. Pour each liquid into its own spray bottle. Spritz the item to be disinfected with both the vinegar and the hydrogen peroxide, then rinse with water. Using one mist right after the other is ten times more effective than usually spray by itself and more effective than mixing the vinegar and hydrogen peroxide in one spray bottle. Tests at VPI found the two sprays used together killed virtually all Salmonella, Shigella, or E. coli bacteria on heavily contaminated food and surfaces; this spray combination is more effective than chlorine bleach. It doesn’t matter if you spray with the vinegar first, then the hydrogen peroxide, or vice versa. There is no lingering taste of vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, and neither is toxic if any reside remains. This combination works exceptionally well for sanitizing counters and other food preparation surfaces, including wood cutting boards.” Natural Home magazine, Jan 2002
References: http://www.cooksinfo.com/peroxide-vinegar-sterilization
http://emilyslittlehomestead.wordpress.com/2012/08/17/natural-cleaning-vinegar-and-hydrogen-peroxide/
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