Cleaning method/ Liquid

[MaxGuy]

What do you use to clean up after your leo goes to the bathroom? I used to use 1 part vinegar and 5 parts water and then put it in a spray bottle. Is this good and effective? I don't really like the stink of the vinegar though...

 

[Yuk]

Personally I use vinegar windex. It is pet and people safe and doesn't smell as much as vinegar on its own

 

[MaxGuy]

Personally I use vinegar windex. It is pet and people safe and doesn't smell as much as vinegar on its own

Ok thanks. I actually didn't know that was a thing. You mean this right? Gentle Surface Cleaner | Windex® Multi-Surface Vinegar

 

[Yuk]

Yep. Obviously you don't want pets licking up the liquid, but I mist a paper towel and clean using it. TBH I didn't do much research on it. I have been using it for my dogs' areas and chicken coop with no ill effects.

 

[JIMI]

You guys may find this useful: Tau Topics - Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide as Disinfectants
I use the combination above to clean the actual enclosure because it is large and the UTH prevents me from being able to thoroughly rinse it. Afterwards I use a steamer. I also use it to clean the general area around his enclosure. To clean his tiles, hides, and water dish I use something that's stronger, but also non-toxic. Apparently, it doesn't have to be wiped off: http://www.reptilebasics.com/F10SC-100ml. It's used in veterinarian offices. I soak and rinse them in water afterwards just in case! I've wanted to use it in his enclosure, but I'm worried about not being able to rinse it thoroughly.

Here's some articles regarding all that good stuff:
http://www.anapsid.org/cleaning.html
http://www.anapsid.org/disinfectants.html
http://www.zooniversity.org/pdf/XTimbersHerpNov05CageClean.pdf
More can be found by doing a google search

 

[MaxGuy]

You guys may find this useful: Tau Topics - Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide as Disinfectants
I use the combination above to clean the actual enclosure because it is large and the UTH prevents me from being able to thoroughly rinse it. Afterwards I use a steamer. I also use it to clean the general area around his enclosure. To clean his tiles, hides, and water dish I use something that's stronger, but also non-toxic. Apparently, it doesn't have to be wiped off: F10SC 100ml. It's used in veterinarian offices. I soak and rinse them in water afterwards just in case! I've wanted to use it in his enclosure, but I'm worried about not being able to rinse it thoroughly.

Here's some articles regarding all that good stuff:
Cleaning, Disinfecting and Sterilizing (Reptiles)
Information on Disinfectants from the Reptile Veterinary Literature
http://www.zooniversity.org/pdf/XTimbersHerpNov05CageClean.pdf
More can be found by doing a google search

Where do you get the F10SC from? Every place online that I find it it is always out of stock. Also, do you have to mix it with water before dissecting, or can you use it straight out of the bottle? By the reviews and descriptions, it sounds like you can use it in their enclosure. Can anyone confirm?

 

[JIMI]

I'm also waiting for it to be in stock! I am actually currently using the F10SCXD which just has added detergent for an all in one disinfectant/cleaner. They say you don't have to rinse with water, but I do it anyways just in case. Yes, you do mix it with water. I believe you have to mix 10 or 15 ml in a 1 liter spray bottle- it specifies in the set of directions that comes along with the cleaner. I believe it also says that on that site I linked above. It may be a different amount for the F10SC. They can be used in the enclosure. Just rinse well afterwards. Hopefully this makes sense, I'm typing on a small touch screen!

 

[MaxGuy]

Ok thanks! This is yet another small question (sorry XD): Do you use it for the big cleans (ie weekly cleans) or do you also use it for cleaning the small amounts of poo in their enclosure??

 

[JIMI]

It's okay I don't mind! You don't want to clean their enclosure to often because removing their scent that often stresses them out. Do spot clean daily! I just wouldn't use this for spot cleaning. I use it to do a deep cleaning of his enclosure about every 1-2 months (I'm still unsure as to how often I should do this, I'm thinking that once a month is good). I steam it every month. I disinfect his tiles with the F10SCXD every month. I do the same with his hides. You can use it to clean anything just make sure to rinse well.

My spot cleaning usually consists of wiping up coconut fiber that he gets all over the place from his moist hide with hot water,cleaning his water dish and giving him fresh water, making sure his moist hide is moist and occasionally replacing the soil, and cleaning up poo. I place a small tile on my leopard gecko's poop spot which I remove and replace with a separate clean tile once he defecates on it. Then I dump the poo into the toilet, rinse it in a tub, spray it with the F10SCXD and allow it to soak for 15-30 min. Afterwards I rinse it and leave it out to dry for the next day my leo poops. That's the only time I use the F10 in my daily spot cleaning routine.

Hopefully this answered your questions!

 

[Yuk]

How do you go about steaming it? I am just curious We have a steamer but I haven't contemplated using it for the geckos.

 

[JIMI]

After I wipe off the F10 and rinse with a little bit of water I use a shark handheld steamer and steam the inner walls of his enclosure for about 30 min or longer. It's a good way of making sure that there are no left over residues from the cleaner. I think it would be a bit difficult to use without messing up your natural setup and killing your springtails though!

 

[Yuk]

Yep, but it would be good for my next setup. I am only using captive bred isopods from their current tank and well washed grass. I'm planning to steam then dry the dirt out for about a month. Thanks for the steaming tip!