Got dirty reptile carpet? This guide will get you from dirty to fresh in no time.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Why cleaning your reptile carpet is important
- Step-by-step how to clean reptile carpet
- How often should you clean reptile carpet
As a reptile owner, it’s essential to keep their living space clean – including their carpet!
Carpets can be breeding grounds for bacteria and other harmful organisms, which is why it’s so important to clean them regularly. But how do you go about cleaning reptile carpet?
It’s not as simple as just vacuuming it up – there are special considerations you need to take into account.
What's In This Guide?
Why Cleaning Your Reptile’s Carpet Is Important
Keeping your reptile’s terrarium or bearded dragon enclosure clean is essential as a reptile owner. For owners who use a reptile carpet as a substrate, you must keep it fresh and clean.
5 reasons to keep your reptile’s carpet clean:
1. It Helps to Keep Your Reptile Healthy
A clean cage is a happy cage. By keeping your enclosure and the reptile carpet clean, you’re helping to prevent your reptile from getting sick.
2. It Makes Your Reptile’s Enclosure Look Better
Have some pride; no one likes a dirty cage. A clean cage is more aesthetically pleasing and will be more enjoyable for you and your reptile.
3. It Helps to Keep Your Reptile’s Cage Smelling Fresh
A clean cage means a fresh-smelling cage. No one wants a smelly reptile cage.
4. It’s Easier to Clean a Cage That Has a Clean Reptile Carpet
If the cage is already dirty, it will be harder to clean. A clean cage is much easier to keep clean.
5. It Sets a Good Example for Other Reptile Keepers
Keeping your reptile’s cage clean is setting a good example for other reptile keepers. Show them that keeping their reptiles’ cages clean is essential too!
How to Clean Reptile Carpet
Reptile carpet should be cleaned regularly. It requires weekly checking for urine and fecal stains, which requires spot cleaning. Deep cleaning bi-weekly is fine. This helps your reptile stay healthy, but it also helps prevent the spread of disease, bacteria, and mold.
Here are some tips on how to clean reptile carpet:
1. Remove all of the furniture, basking props, and accessories from the enclosure
This includes any plants, hides, or other objects in the enclosure.
- Take the reptile carpet out of the enclosure.
- Wipe down the entire enclosure, including the walls and ceiling.
- Wash the reptile carpet in warm water and mild soap.
- Allow the carpet to dry completely before putting it back in the enclosure. This is very important.
Following these simple tips, you can easily keep your reptile’s enclosure clean and tidy.
Pro-Tip ⚡
Throw that reptile carpet into the washing machine! Spot clean and urine or fecal stains first.
What You’ll Need to Clean Reptile Carpet
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A stiff brush
- A vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment
- A solution of mild soap and water
- A bucket
Start by using the stiff brush to loosen any dirt or debris stuck to the carpet.
Next, vacuum the carpet using the hose attachment. Make sure to go over the area multiple times to get all of the dirt and debris. Once you’ve vacuumed, you’ll want to mix a mild soap and water solution. Use this solution to scrub the reptile carpeting. Be sure to rinse the carpeting thoroughly afterward. Finally, use a bucket of clean water to rinse the carpeting one last time. Allow the carpeting to dry completely before letting your reptile back on it.
Pro-Tip ⚡
Set the carpet outside to dry in the sunshine for best results.
How Often Should You Clean Reptile Carpet?
The answer will depend on a few factors, including the type of reptile you have, the size of your carpeted area, and how often your reptile is on the carpet. We recommend daily removal of fecal matter, weekly spot cleaning, and bi-weekly deep clean of the entire carpet.
If you have a small reptile that doesn’t spend much time on the carpet, you may be able to get away with cleaning it once a month. However, if you have a larger reptile or one that spends a lot of time on the carpet, you may need to clean it more often.
FAQs
Can I put reptile carpet in the washing machine?
Yes, you can put reptile carpet in the washing machine. Reptile carpet must be spot cleaned as needed and fully replaced every 1-2 months depending on wear and tear.
What can I use to clean my bearded dragons carpet?
You can use a few things to clean your bearded dragon’s carpet, such as a vacuum cleaner with a reptile attachment or a soft-bristled brush. You can also use warm water and mild soap to spot-clean any areas that seem particularly dirty.
Can you use Dawn dish soap to clean reptile carpet?
Yes, you can use Dawn dish soap to clean reptile carpet.
What cleaner is safe for reptiles?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as different reptiles have different sensitivities to chemicals. Therefore, it is recommended that you consult your veterinarian or reptile specialist for guidance on what cleaner is safe for your specific reptile. In general, however, carpet cleaners free of harsh chemicals and fragrances are less likely to cause problems for reptiles than those containing them.
Conclusion
Carpets can be breeding grounds for bacteria and other harmful organisms, so please clean them regularly or switch to a loose substrate.
