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What is a Safe Cleansing Agent?

lazer

Juvenile Dragon
3 Year Member
Messages
122
I bought five pounds of "River Rocks". Actually, they are very large smooth pebbles. I want to use them in my B.D's terrarium, but I fell I need to clean these rocks even though they look clean right now. I actually did not buy them in a pet store.
I called the Palmolive company and although they said that the soap is non toxic to humans (obviously) she can't guarantee it would be safe for a reptile.
So does anyone possibly know a good way to clean about 50 large size pebbles? Thank you in advance.


Dr. Larry
 

diegothediggy

Bearded Dragon Veteran
3 Year Member
Beardie Club
Messages
1,341
Give them a gud wash and put them in the oven for 40 mins on 200 degrees this will kill any germs on it :) pet them cool and put them in ;)
 

PatsyB

Super Moderator
Staff member
1,000+ Post Club
Beardie Club
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9,390
Location
Chicago
One part bleach to 10 parts water. Wash real good then rinse, rinse, rinse until you can't smell the bleach anymore then rinse again! Vinegar and water is good too. That's my actual go to for everything.
 

lisa127

Hatchling Dragon
Messages
33
I rinse rocks off with water, and then put them in a large pot. Cover with water and boil for 10 or 15 minutes.
 

lazer

Juvenile Dragon
3 Year Member
Messages
122
One part bleach to 10 parts water. Wash real good then rinse, rinse, rinse until you can't smell the bleach anymore then rinse again! Vinegar and water is good too. That's my actual go to for everything.
These all sound great so what do I do?????
 

lazer

Juvenile Dragon
3 Year Member
Messages
122
Ok, I am messing up badly trying to thank everyone. These all look like great answers.

So what does one do when they are given many viable solutions to a problem?
 

Canicke

Super Moderator
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3 Year Member
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A lot of decisions come as a result of experience. I don't like bleach because I think it stinks and I tend to spill things and it gets all over and then I have white spots on my T-shirt. That would Narrow down my options to vinegar or boiling. Vinegar and water is pretty good cleanser but I would probably boil and cool the rocks. Sometimes there is no one best answer. It's an adventure enjoy the quest
 

diegothediggy

Bearded Dragon Veteran
3 Year Member
Beardie Club
Messages
1,341
U do wich eva u feel more comfortable with weather u use bleach vinegar or put them in the oven they will all clean the rocks so the choice is urs :)
 

lisa127

Hatchling Dragon
Messages
33
Honestly, I would go with the baking in the oven or the boiling. Bleach is a dangerous and toxic chemical. I know people have been using it for years, but I don't even allow it through the doors of my house. Baking, boiling, or chlorhexidine only in my home.
 

MisterD83

Juvenile Dragon
Messages
200
Location
Clearwater, Florida
I clean all my beardie's things (aside from drift wood) with hot water and vinegar. Depending what it is and how dirty it was, I'll let it soak in pure vinegar and rinse till I can't smell it any more then rinse for another 30 seconds to a minute.

Driftwood I only do a hot water rinse cause I dont trust getting chemicals of the pores in the wood afterwards.
 

PatsyB

Super Moderator
Staff member
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Beardie Club
Messages
9,390
Location
Chicago
These are all viable options. Do whatever you feel comfortable doing and what is going to be easiest for you.
 

lazer

Juvenile Dragon
3 Year Member
Messages
122
Honestly, I would go with the baking in the oven or the boiling. Bleach is a dangerous and toxic chemical. I know people have been using it for years, but I don't even allow it through the doors of my house. Baking, boiling, or chlorhexidine only in my home.

I agree about the Bleach. All of the rocks are all uniform in size, shape, and they are all prety smooth. Boiling should take how long and what about baking? Thank you.
 

Canicke

Super Moderator
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Boil for 15 to 20 minutes. Put a cover on the pot and let it cool before you take the cover off. Boiled rocks can explode. You can bake at 3:50 or 400 for an hour to an hour and a half. Baked rocks can explode. Be careful my friend
 

lazer

Juvenile Dragon
3 Year Member
Messages
122
Boil for 15 to 20 minutes. Put a cover on the pot and let it cool before you take the cover off. Boiled rocks can explode. You can bake at 3:50 or 400 for an hour to an hour and a half. Baked rocks can explode. Be careful my friend

I didn't want to seem foolish but that's exactly what I was afraid of. I remember throwing rocks into campfire and hearing them explode. Believe it or not, I think it's because of the water they contain that is the main culprit. Not 100% sure but thanks for the input.
 

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