Cork bark?

[squashy]

I have some cork bark hides in my vivarium and was wondering how you would clean them, would you just soak them in hot water? because I thought this might make the cork bark fall apart.
thanks.

 

[cowboyman13]

I used cork hides myself for a little while. Cork is what they use to make bobbers for fishing. Its not going to fall apart when you soak it. You can use a bleach water soulation to soak them in. You are going to need something heavy to hold it under the water. Make sure you let it dry really well because cork is very porous and you don't want any left over bleach in any little holes.

 

[sarah s]

I have used and sterilised cork bark alot for my spiders over the last 2 years. I found the best way was to wash it in boiling hot water, give it a good hard scrub with a dish / plate brush, dry it off with a clean towel of some sort and then strerlise in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Much longer and the bark will start to go funny, crack because of the microwave making the wood expand. This method has given me no problems at all and is quick and easy to do. I hope it helps you out.

 

[sarah s]

I always advoided cleaning chemicals to ensure there was no risk of posioning and as the boiling water and the microwave kill any harmful things parasites of infectious bactreia I dont really see the need to use bleech etc but you can if your careful and wish to do so. I would reconmend a second very good long soak and though scrub out with clear boiling water ( before the microwave step ) if you plan on using cleaning fluid of any sort to be safe from poissible poisoning.

 

[squashy]

thanks for all the replies.

 

[sarah s]

no problem hope it helps you out.