How to Clean Hermit Crabs

As a hermit crab digs and climbs in its environment, sand, dust and mites can get stuck between its body and shell. Weekly cleaning in chlorine-free water can loosen and pull the debris out, leaving the hermit crab and its shell clean. Do not clean a hermit crab more than once a week, as it can stress it out. Also avoid cleaning the hermit crab if it is molting or out of its shell.

Things You'll Need

  • Chlorine-free water
  • Dish
  • Hermit crab sponge
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Instructions

    • 1

      Rinse out a clean dish or bowl that is large enough to hold and submerge the hermit crab in. Rinsing the bowl ensures it is free from dust and all soap residue.

    • 2

      Fill the bowl with a quarter inch of chlorine-free water. Set the hermit crab in the bowl.

    • 3

      Place a hermit crab sponge in the center of the dish or bowl. Place the hermit crab on top of the sponge.

    • 4

      Pour chlorine-free water slowly into the bowl until there is enough water to submerge the hermit crab.

    • 5

      Leave the hermit crab fully submerged in the water no more than three minutes. If you leave it under water for longer than three minutes, it may drown. While the crab is submerged, watch its behavior. If you notice anything that indicates the crab is stressed or drowning, immediately remove it from the water.

    • 6

      Lift the crab from the water and place it on a dry towel. Allow it to move around on the towel for 10 to 15 minutes to dry its body.