Cleaning Wood for Use?

[IvoryNatalia]

I'm not liking any of the wood or "wood" decorations I'm finding online or in the stores, and I'm very much wanting to give Vash the Stampede a long, thick branch to climb and rub against to help with his sheds. If I find this mythical piece of wood, say, down by the local creek, how would I go about cleaning it so it would be safe to use in his tank? I mean, is that even possible? Or is fake junk that looks like it's from Ali Express truly my only option?

 

[Gormagon]

When you find the piece you want, clean and scrub it real good to remove any loose particles with a water and vinegar solution. Then be sure to bake it in the oven for an hour @ 225 and, let it cool. This will eliminate any and all bug, parasites and, bacteria that might be present. Hope this helps!!!