Advice on weekly cleaning of the viv

[traceyb73]

I wasn't sure where else to post this....

So we've had Zoey for a week. I want to do a good, thorough cleaning of her viv but I want to make sure I am doing a good job and get everything as clean and humanly possible. What does everyone use? Even if I use Clorox wipes, I still need to rinse it over and over right? Or can I just wet a paper towel and wipe it down with water until i don't smell it anymore? Does everything get soaked/baked each week? You know, basic stuff. I've been using paper towels for now in her 20 gallon (I would love to do tile for her 40 gal which isn't too far off) and cleaning up as she poops but it's still smelling like there is a living, breathing, pooping creature in there. It doesn't "stink", just smells like it's time for a bit of a clean up. ANY info would be great and for the rest of us newbies, I think we all want to make sure we are doing the right thing! Oh, also, for her "blankies", can I use the super hot cycle with just regular clothes detergent?

I was thinking for her real wood basking area I would rinse it with hot water then put it in the oven at 200 for 20 mins? I've head quite a few different temps and times.

Thank you for your input...Zoey thanks you too.

 

[bunnyrut]

i use vinegar/water mix to disinfect. it doesn't smell as harsh as bleach, so you don't have to go through the rinsing, then rinsing, then rinsing again and letting it dry to get all the fumes out.

if at all possible, try to train your beardie to poop in the bath. it really helps with the cleaning process.

 

[traceyb73]

She will NOT poop during her bath, or even anytime around it, but with her feeding schedule I can estimate when I need to keep an eye out. I am lucky in the respect that I am home all the time and she is good about pooping anyway, she only goes in one spot and it's an area that is out of her way. Plus with me being home I check on her no less than every hour just because I can't get enough of that sweet little face. That's also why I use paper towels too, I've found it to be easier to clean up than the carpeting I originally bought. I want to get tile once she moves to a 40 gal, for now this is easier to maintain and change each day.

Vinegar and water is a great idea!! It will kill germs though? I knew you could use it on glass, just didn't know it disinfects and like you said, its not a harsh chemical.

 

[bunnyrut]

she only goes in one spot and it's an area that is out of her way.

LUCKY! did she do that on her own?
i would love to train Tasty Treat to do that. if she goes before i get her in the bath she will end up running through it! ugh!!!!

Vinegar and water is a great idea!! It will kill germs though? I knew you could use it on glass, just didn't know it disinfects and like you said, its not a harsh chemical.

yeah, it's great.
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/vinegar-kills-bacteria-mold-germs.html

 

[traceyb73]

She's never once gone where she hangs out. She's so funny, she will be sitting on her log and she somehow manages to hang her backend over just enough that the poop falls to the paper towels. LOL She's only missed once, but it was hanging off the edge....her intentions were good. :roll: Talk about lazy!!!!!

I'm going to start putting newspaper down in her "potty area" so when she is big enough and can run around on the floor hopefully she will look for the paper and we won't have any messes on the outside either.

 

[BeardieMommy3991]

I use Chlorihexidine. It's beardie safe. i got it from Lynn at Carolina Designer Dragons when I bought him.