How to Remove Lizard Smell

Becoming a pet lizard owner is an adventure in itself. The fun moments are also accompanied by unwanted odors and unexpected messes. Dirt cages are often the culprit of unpleasant lizard odors. There are some daily and weekly things that you can do, to cut down on the smell and provide a comfortable environment for your lizard. Use natural and safe methods to clean and disinfect -- so you don't put your lizard's health at risk.

Things You'll Need

  • Slotted hand shovel
  • Rubber gloves
  • Cage bedding
  • Bleach
  • Vinegar
  • Spray bottle
  • Buckets
  • Washcloths
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean spills, shed skin, urates and feces daily. Sift out the urates and feces with a slotted hand shovel and discard it in the trash.

    • 2

      Remove cage bedding, so you can clean and disinfect the entire cage. This should be done weekly.

    • 3

      Take out the items in the cage and wash them thoroughly in hot water and soap. Then rinse with clean water. To disinfect, use a mixture of one part bleach and 16 parts water -- 1 cup to 1 gallon. Spray the mixture on the surface and allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse with clean water. Disinfecting helps to kill, or minimize viruses, bacteria and fungal growth. Cleaning is not the same as disinfecting.

    • 4

      Use a vinegar solution to naturally neutralize odors. A ratio of one part vinegar to three parts warm water should be sufficient. Spray a vinegar solution on the cage items and cage. Wipe dry or let it air dry thoroughly.

    • 5

      Place new bedding in the cage. Opt for a vinyl or newspaper lining instead. These do not soak up smells as easily. Discard any carpet pieces that you may have placed in the lizard cage. These will soak up and hold unwanted odors.

    • 6

      Clean around the lizard cage. Open the windows to get a fresh air flow. Vacuum the carpet and wash anything you can in the immediate area. This may cut down on unwanted odors.