How to Clean up After a Pet Lizard

Lizards are great pets that basically are low maintenance. Once you select the type of housing that you need to keep the lizard in, you'll need to keep it clean since that determines how healthy the lizard will stay. Poorly cleaned lizard houses can lead to the growth of deadly bacteria that can kill your pet.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Plan to clean your lizard's cage at least every 1 to 2 weeks. If it looks dirtier before that time, schedule an earlier cleaning. When a lizard's home needs to be cleaned, you are likely to notice a foul smell.

2. Put the lizard in a secure place. While you are cleaning up after it, the lizard should be out of its tank.

3. Take out all of the lizard's furniture. These should be cleaned and disinfected with hot water and mild soap.

4. Sift through the sand or gravel to look for lizard feces. Use a shovel to remove any feces that you find.

5. Remove any bedding that you may have put down for your lizard. The old bedding should be discarded and replaced.

6. Use a rag to wipe out the tank. The rag should be dipped in hot water and a mild soap mixture. After you wipe out the entire tank, rinse it thoroughly. No soapy residue should be left inside.

Tips & Warnings

• If you feed your lizard insects, you should remove any carcasses when cleaning up.
• Not cleaning out your lizard's tank on a regular basis can attract animals and insects that can hurt your pet.