Best way to sterilize found rocks/tree limbs?

[Aaron+Edward]

Okay so I was at a river the other day, and found some awesome rocks and a really cool tree branch. I want to use for Edward's enclosure but I am unsure of how to properly disinfect and sterilize them. I have read about baking and soaking in bleach solutions and letting dry for days and scrubbing. What should I go about doing to make sure these items are safe for Edward?

 

[Twobeardieguy]

I would use the ratio of 8 parts water 2 parts bleach!! Because it came from the river!!Dry it out and bake in oven 375-400 for an hour!!

 

[Rachella]

I know the wood you can bake, but be careful with the rocks. I don't know if this is true or just a rumor, but I've heard stories of rocks exploding in the oven if they have air pockets in them. :shock: Just wanted to inform you to be careful if you try it!

 

[Aaron+Edward]

The branch is too long for the oven :lol:

Do I need to wrap the rocks in aluminum foil or anything? Just scrub with bleach solution and rinse? Or soak in the bleach solution for x period of time? I am a little iffy about the baking because I don't want rocks exploding in my oven, but if it is the only way then that's what I'll do.

 

[Twobeardieguy]

You can scrub and soak but just make sure you rinse well! You will be fine just putting them in the oven!! I do it all the time... Good luck..

 

[smurfthebeardie]

I know the wood you can bake, but be careful with the rocks. I don't know if this is true or just a rumor, but I've heard stories of rocks exploding in the oven if they have air pockets in them. :shock: Just wanted to inform you to be careful if you try it!

Usually only a problem when you are near a place with natural gas. If the rock has gas pockets it can potentially explode, so be careful.

 

[gypsygoddess723]

I know some don't but I was told to wrap rock in foil first so Thats what I did and it came ok .