Cleaning Wood Decor

[ProXimuS]

Is there a certain way to clean wood stuff? It seems like if you used bleach or even soap and water it wood just soak into the wood an not wash out.

[guidofatherof5]

Unsealed wood would soak it in so additional drying time would be needed.

[ProXimuS]

Do I soak it in just water?

[Invisible Snake]

I have given up using wood decors such as Newegg.com - Zoo Med Habba Hut Extra Large (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA0KR05N0484) because it's hard to fully clean and disinfect them, IMO. Now I just use various pieces of cardboard tubes or cardboard boxes, it's easier to work with and you can get creative with designs and once it gets soiled you just throw it away and get new cardboard pieces.

[d_virginiana]

I've never actually bought wood decor, but when I use stuff I find in the woods, I usually just wash it really good and bake it.

[ConcinusMan]

I try to use cured, well seasoned hardwood. The harder the better. It's less porous and therefore less absorbant. I use a mild bleach solution (about 1/4 cup to 5 gallons water) periodically but this isn't necessary for every cleaning. Just a quick dunk in hot water to get it wet, then use a brush to scrub off fecal matter/urates and rinse. Less time in the liquid means less time to absorb it. It's not rocket science.

[pinkypink]

clean it with water then bake it at 200degrees for an hour.

You can also get a product called BioSheild from Pro-products that seals and prevents bacteria, mold, fungus etc growth for up to 90 days. I recently use this on a piece of wood for my tree boa viv that just kept getting mold on it.

Pro-Products | BioShield

I (http://www.pro-products.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49&Itemid=63) should also note that I don't treat the wood I have in the garter viv simply because the parts of wood that could mold gets taken care of by my isopods and springtails...but in my other vivs such as the beardies and ATB's its kind of a awesome product. Less is more with this stuff a light spray is all you need.

[ConcinusMan]

Seasoned hardwood shouldn't get mold on it unless it's constantly wet, which also shouldn't be happening.

[Selkielass]

Spray it down with the hose or power wash with no detergent. Soak and scrub with hot water.
Boil in plain or vinegar water, or soak and bake.

For daily/ weekly cleaning I spot clean w hot water.
I only deep clean and bake if something suspicious turns up or quarantine is involved.
I gather my own wood and weather it in my garden.
I'd never be more suspicious of purchased or second hand stuff.

[CrazyHedgehog]

Some wood pieces are to big to bake etc,:eek:
I spot clean with a damp cloth,
but yearly or for a new piece (say a piece of drift wood I find etc) I soak it in the bath with a mild bleach solution.
Then scrub it with an old tooth brush and rinse several times.
let it drain.
pour a pan or a couple of kettles of boiling water over it. (turning wood so it all gets splashed)
leave in the bath on a clean towel or over a radiator to dry.
once the worst is dry, the heat in the tank will dry the rest out.
all good so far, haven't seen a mite in years!:D
(runs to touch wood):rolleyes:

[Spankenstyne]

The neat freaks might not like this but I normally just bang off the wood and give it a quick rinse to get any dirt/bugs off and that's about it (for wood found outside). Most of the wood in my enclosures I've done this way for almost 25 years now without any issues. Never have had a single snake mite yet *touch wood*. You can bleach & bake etc if you want but it's overkill imo, and I've tried those methods too in the past and it didn't make any difference in my case other than create a lot of unnecessary work. Your mileage may vary, also consider I live in Canada.

A steamer is a good investment for someone wanting to quickly sterilize without worry of chemicals or having their oven smell nasty for months.

[Spankenstyne]

but to answer the original question... For cleaning any cage decor I use good 'ol dish soap & warm water. If it's going into a different reptile enclosure then I might use a little bleach or the steamer just to sterilize.