What do you use to clean your cham cage?

[rachelk]

I was wondering if there is anything safe to use to disinfect my cham cage? I've been using really hot water but wanted to get any ideas if there is anything safe to use that is non toxic? I was thinking about vinegar and hot water together when I do a good deep cleaning, would that be safe? I am scared to use it..

 

[Brad Ramsey]

I use it, it's safe.
It's also a good idea to clean a couple of times a year with a 10% bleach/ 90% water solution.
Always make sure you rinse well.
I wipe down and spot clean a couple times a week with vinegar and water and clean fecal/urate matter immediately.
But, taking everything apart and really cleaning the enclosures only happens once in the spring and once in the summer.

-Brad

 

[THECHAMMAN]

i use a steamer like a carpet steamer and some bleach and water mix.

 

[ciafardo 4]

does vinegar kill germs?

 

[ciafardo 4]

i use the 10% bleach solution for all cleaning

 

[ciafardo 4]

i use a steamer like a carpet steamer and some bleach and water mix.

they have a small steam cleaner on an infomercial dont know the name but im goin to order it when i see it again i think the steam is the way to go chamman

 

[Dave Weldon]

I was wondering if there is anything safe to use to disinfect my cham cage?..

Howdy Rachel,

For our reading pleasure:

http://www.anapsid.org/disinfectants.html
http://www.anapsid.org/cleaning.html
http://beautifuldragons.503xtreme.com/Disinfectants.html

Depending on what mood o) I'm in, I may use diluted Clorox or diluted Ammonia or a diluted Chlorhexidine product or hydrogen peroxide (6%) or very hot water or a soapy spray combined with an electric high pressure water blaster. Don't ever let any of these chemicals come in contact with each other or (your) death may result.

If you suspect or know that you have a parasite problem then it may require particular chemical to be the most effective for that particular type of parasite. For example, there is some evidence that 6% hydrogen peroxide may be effective against Coccidia. 6% is twice the strength of typical pharmacy peroxide.

As far as safety is concerned, never use Clorox or Ammonia in the presence of your chameleon. It should be safe to return your chameleon to its enclosure after the enclosure has had a thorough rinsing to the point that you don't smell any residue.

 

[opihiman]

I have been using hydrogen peroxide as a disinfecting agent. So far it has been working out fine, but I haven't tried to culture anything...

Dave

have you found any benefit of using one over the other.?

I like Hydrogen peroxide as once it reacts, the by product is Water. With the others you are waiting for it to evaporate.

what are all of your thoughts and peferences?

OPI

 

[sandrachameleon]

I usually clean using a strong white vinegar and hot water solution. (yes, vinegar kills germs). I do intense cleaning (remove everything) twice a year with a high-end steam cleaner as well as vinegar and a scrub brush.

If a cham were sick, that cage would get scrubbed and vinegar cleaned every week, as well as steam cleaned monthly or more often, possibly a bleach and water solution cleaning, and possibly repainted (my cages are wood).