Cleaning question?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 10:11 am

We just deep cleaned our crabitat, I boiled all the shells and water dish in regular tap water. I also nuked (microwaved) the log. Should I wait a day before I put those things I boiled back in there? I ask that because I remember reading that you can clean with bleach (which I did not) as long as you let the stuff sit out for 24 hours before you put it back. I know there are chemicals in tap water, including chlorine. I am kicking myself for not using spring water if that's the case. Just wondering! I think I'll play it safe and let them sit out. But it would be nice to know for next time.Thanks again!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 10:13 am

Well when ever I clean the wood, I boil it then bake it. As for the bleach, I would hesitant in using it. When I clean the sand, I wash then bake it as well.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 10:43 am

I really DON'T use any bleach in cleaning our crabitat or dishes in there. I boiled them(shells and dishes) in city tap water and was just concerned about the chlorine content in the tap water. What I DO use in cleaning our tank, is a reptile tank cleaner that is safe for crabitats.

PSUPrncess10 · Post by **PSUPrncess10** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 11:03 am

I always put my decor back in after it's cooled from boiling (usually pretty quickly)... I just boiled everything last night cuz it's been awhile - I used salt water, but made it with tap water.... I would think it would be ok - I've NEVER had any problems with it.... the reptile cleaner sounds ok, but I've only ever used water to clean out the tank....

Ren1216 · Post by **Ren1216** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 11:40 am

I would hesitate using bleach unless you get it from a reliable source that its ok... just scares me. Let us know if you find info on that some place.

Willow · Post by **Willow** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 2:33 pm

Bleach can be OK, if used carefully. You would have to use a dilute bleach solution, soak the item in strong dechlor water, then let the item air out for a good long time. Chlorine is not very stable and will dissipate within a few days, tops. Never put anything in the tank that still smells chlorine-y.But, there are also a lot of good reasons NOT to use bleach, so it's up to you.

KittyCaller · Post by **KittyCaller** » Tue Sep 13, 2005 10:22 am

A ratio of a very very small amount of bleach to a large quantity of water is all right for cleaning crab items. However, you have to let the stuff sit for 24 hours (preferably in sunlight) so it can break down. Vinegar is also great for cleaning. Boiling in tap water is okay, I believe.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Sep 13, 2005 5:41 pm

The story that letting something that's been bleached sit out overnight and the bleach will evaporate is a myth. It's not a good idea to use bleach on anything that's going to go in your crabitat. Boiling/baking works just fine and is actually much more effective.If you can't boil it or bake it, just throw it away and get another one!I really wish they made some cleaners specifically for hermit crabs lol. It's so hard to tell exactly what is and isn't safe, but as always it's a good idea to be cautious and don't take any chances with chemicals.

Nicole · Post by **Nicole** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 1:37 am

When I do a deep, deep clean (read: every couple of months!), I soak all the usable wood and toys in a large tub of dechlorinated salt water. I scrub the wood with a baby bottle brush, or a toothbrush, and let it air dry overnight. If I'm in a hurry, I microwave the wood for a short time and let it cool before using it. You can also use salt water, or plain water to wipe down the sides and bottom of the tank, and then dry it thoroughly with paper towels. I am allergic to bleach, I can't stand the smell, and the salt water soak has worked as well for me as other methods. I do boil the shells periodically, and throw out unusable wood pieces and dirty playsand, but other than that I try to stay as far away from chemicals as possible. If I had a bug infestation, I would probably use something stronger, but so far my tank is OK.