Terrarium Cleaning

Daily terrarium maintenance is essential to the health of pet reptiles. Waste matter and uneaten food should be removed from the terrarium at least twice a day. Fecal matter can be removed easily from the terrarium's sand or gravel with a scoop or small shovel.

At least once a month (more frequently for semiaquatic habitats), the entire terrarium should be cleaned thoroughly. Animals should be removed and placed in a spare cage or plastic box during cleaning. All interior materials should be taken out and either discarded or scrubbed clean. Scrub the interior of the terrarium with warm, soapy water and a mild disinfectant, or use a diluted chlorine bleach solution (one part bleach for 30 parts water). Rinse thoroughly with fresh water to remove all traces of detergent.

The terrarium’s contents can be sanitized with the same diluted chlorine bleach solution. Place terrarium carpet, water and food bowls, as well as other furnishings in this solution, making sure they are completely covered. Allow these items to stand in the solution for 10 minutes. This will give the bleach a chance to kill all germs. After soaking, rinse these items thoroughly in fresh water, and let them dry in the air. If possible, expose the items to natural sunlight during the drying process.

In general, wood branches and logs are very difficult to clean once they have been soiled by waste matter in a terrarium. It is advisable to replace wood products often to reduce the risk of pets becoming infected. Rope-based climbing products can serve as an easier-to-maintain alternative to wood branches.