How to Clean Rocks for a Lizard's Cage

Your pet lizard̵7;s cage can harbor diseases and bacteria that are hazardous to your lizard and to you. It is important to clean all of the items in your lizard̵7;s cage on a regular schedule to prevent the growth of bacteria -- and it's important to always wash your hands before and after handling your lizard. Lizards can spread salmonella, so always wear gloves while cleaning your lizard̵7;s cage. The rocks in your lizard̵7;s cage may contain feces, urine and other matter you should never touch with your bare hands. Cleaning the rocks doesn't have to be a time-consuming process if you keep up with it on a weekly basis.

  1. Empty the Cage

    • Your lizard̵7;s cage needs to stay as sanitary as possible to prevent the transfer of disease, or bacteria, to your lizard and those that handle the pet. Remove all of the items from the cage and clean all of the items at the same time -- not just the rocks. This includes dishes and gravel. Find a secure area, or another cage, to place your lizard in while you are cleaning the cage. Wear gloves while you are handling the items from the cage.

    Cleaning the Cage

    • Wash out the cage with hot, soapy water. Use an antibacterial dishwashing soap, and ensure that you have rinsed out all of the soap when you are finished. Use a lint-free towel to dry the cage as best as possible, or set it outside in the sun to allow it to air-dry. You should wash the cage a few times a month to keep it free of bacteria and to help reduce smells.

    Cleaning the Rocks

    • Scrub the rocks with an antibacterial dishwashing soap. Use a wire brush, a toothbrush or an abrasive sponge. Depending on the severity of the rocks, you may need to soak them in hot, soapy water to help loosen any debris before scrubbing them. Rinse the rocks under hot water. Ensure that you have rinsed all of the soap off. Sanitize your cleaning supplies after you use them to prevent the transfer of any diseases.

    Disinfecting the Rocks

    • Bring a pot of water to a boil on the stove. Use a pot big enough to hold the rocks. Place the rocks in the water and allow them to boil for at least 30 minutes. The boiling water will kill bacteria. Remove the rocks from the water and allow them to dry and cool down to room temperature before putting them back into the cage. You do not want to use any cleaning agents that may be harmful to your lizard, such as bleach; a mild antibacterial soap is the least likely to harm your lizard.