How to sanitize used enclosure?

[Dragonpuff]

Hi all beardie-lovers! I just got a great deal on a 4ftx2ftx2ft wooden enclosure, that once housed a Boa. It is made of unfinished wood and I have no clue how to sanitize it for my beardie. Also, is it safe to put a stain and/or finish on the inside of the enclosure? My Puff is only 9 inches long right now, so I have time to spend on doing the job right...any suggestions?

 

[mybeardieslovefood]

They have some enclosure cleaning sprays. I wouldn't use a finish

 

[Dragonpuff]

Thanks! Do you think it's safe to stain and finish the exterior, or is that too risky, also?

 

[BadCon]

Is it particle board, or actual wood? If its actual wood, then use a 10% bleach solution and thoroughly wet the wood, and let it sit for 20 minutes. Then use several cycles of clean water to rinse. After that, you can use a non-toxic stain/sealer on the inside. Polycrylic is safe once cured (needs to air out for a few days), and Shellac is also very safe.

If its particle board, you won't want the liquid to sit for that long, so I suggest giving it a good wipe down, spraying on some bleach solution, and give it 5-10 minutes or so. If its starts to bubble up, dry it off. I would then put it in direct sunlight for a couple days...this should get it clean enough I would think. I would then seal it, to make future cleanings easier.

 

[mybeardieslovefood]

As long as it's non toxic stain. But with the bleach be sure to rinse it off with water several times. Or the cage cleaning spray.