Cleaning your reptile housing is an important routine for the health and happiness of your reptile. Failing to keep your reptile’s home clean leaves him susceptible to infections and can be a health hazard to humans. Cleaning your reptile housing includes removing waste and debris as well as disinfecting the housing itself and all accessories.
Be sure you have a dedicated set of supplies used only for cleaning your reptile housing. You should never use the same bucket you would use for washing the car, for example, nor should you use a cloth you have used for cleaning your reptile housing for wiping down your bathtub. Supplies you will need for cleaning 
your reptile housing include a back-up place to keep your reptile while his home is being cleaned, rubber gloves and goggles for your protection, brushes for cleaning (a medium sized scrub brush and a toothbrush for small areas are a good start), a sand sifter, sponges, buckets, cotton swabs or toothpicks (for very small cracks and crevices), paper towels, and herp-safe cleaner. Dish soap can be used, provided it does not contain any phenol or pine scent.
The amount of time needed and frequency for cleaning your reptile housing vary, depending on your breed of reptile, as well as his size and his general habits. As a general rule, you should plan to remove waste, uneaten food, and clean the food and water bowls daily. On a weekly basis, cleaning your reptile housing includes cleaning and disinfecting the cage or tank, substrate, and decorations.
On a daily basis, remove any uneaten food from your reptile’s home. As you do so, observe the amount and condition of the food you are removing. Is it normal scraps, or are there large amounts of food that appear untouched? Is there more uneaten food than usual, or about the same amount? Signs of changes in eating habits can be a sign of illness in your reptile, so make sure to take just a moment to notice these things each day. Remove any waste products, taking a moment to observe those, as well. Is the appearance and quantity of waste normal for your reptile? Remove and clean the food and water dishes. Many reptile owners keep more than one set of dishes, so that clean ones can be placed in the house while the others are being cleaned. When cleaning your reptile dishes, wash them in very hot, soapy water and use a herp-safe disinfectant. Always rinse the dishes well in hot water, to remove all traces of the soap and disinfectant. Sand substrate can be sifted daily, to extend the life of the sand.
On a weekly basis, perform a more thorough cleaning your reptile housing. Move your reptile to his safe back-up location, put on your goggles and gloves, and get to work. Remove all decorations, bag any waste and disposable substrate, and remove and disinfect food and water bowls. Clean all cage surfaces with hot,
soapy water and rinse them well. Wash all decorations and non-disposable substrate in hot, soapy water. Use brushes, toothbrushes, cotton swabs, and whatever is needed to make sure all dried liquid and waste is cleaned of all surfaces. Allow the cage or tank and all accessories to dry thoroughly before reassembling everything and returning your lizard to his home. Always wash your hands thoroughly after any cleaning procedure!
Cleaning your reptile housing regularly keeps your reptile’s home clean and hygienic. Regularly cleaning your reptile housing also minimizes odor and reduces potential biological hazards to you and your pet.
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