What's the best cleaning routine for a Crested Gecko's enclosure?
Keep your gecko's habitat healthy with a daily spot-clean, weekly refresh, and monthly full clean, plus regular grooming.
Daily Cleaning
Begin each day by spot-cleaning the enclosure. Remove any waste or uneaten food to maintain a clean environment and reduce disease risks.
Use a soft cloth or paper towel to wipe down any visible messes. Be gentle to avoid disturbing the gecko's hiding spots, which are crucial for their stress levels.
Check for any signs of disease or injury daily, as early detection is key to their health.
- Remove waste and uneaten food daily
- Wipe down visible messes with a soft cloth
- Inspect for signs of disease or injury daily
- Ensure the water dish is clean and filled with fresh water daily
Weekly Refresh
Perform a weekly refresh by replacing any soiled bedding and cleaning the enclosure's decor. This helps maintain a hygienic environment.
Remove all decor and wash them in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and let them dry completely before placing them back in the enclosure.
Check decor for any signs of wear or damage that could affect your gecko's safety.
- Replace soiled bedding weekly
- Wash and dry decor weekly
- Inspect decor for wear or damage weekly
- Empty and clean the food dish weekly to prevent mold growth
Monthly Full Clean
A monthly full clean is essential to maintain a healthy environment. This involves cleaning the entire enclosure, including the substrate and any permanent decor.
Remove all bedding and wash the enclosure with a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely before adding new bedding.
Inspect and replace any worn-out decor to ensure your gecko's safety.
- Clean the entire enclosure monthly
- Wash bedding and enclosure with mild detergent monthly
- Inspect and replace worn-out decor monthly
- Empty and clean the substrate thoroughly monthly to prevent bacterial growth
Grooming and Hygiene
Crested Geckos have a self-cleaning coat, so grooming is minimal. However, regular nail trimming is necessary to prevent overgrowth.
Trim the nails every 2-3 weeks using a pair of nail clippers designed for small pets. Be careful not to cut too close to the quick to avoid bleeding.
Inspect the skin for any signs of parasites or injury regularly, as they can be indicators of health issues.
- Trim nails every 2-3 weeks
- Inspect skin for parasites or injury weekly
- Provide a shallow water dish for drinking and occasional bathing
- Ensure the humidity levels are between 50-70% by misting the enclosure every 2-3 days
Why Odour is a Frequency Problem
Odour in your gecko's enclosure is often a sign of inadequate cleaning, not a product problem. Regular cleaning helps prevent odours from becoming a persistent issue.
Daily spot-cleaning removes waste and uneaten food, which decomposes and causes odours.
Weekly and monthly cleaning routines help maintain a hygienic environment, reducing the likelihood of odours.
- Daily spot-cleaning removes waste and food
- Weekly cleaning replaces soiled bedding and washes decor
- Monthly cleaning cleans the entire enclosure and substrate
- Regular grooming prevents overgrown nails and skin issues
Keep reading about Crested Gecko: Crested Gecko care sheet
Related questions
How often should I mist the enclosure?
Mist the enclosure every 2-3 days to maintain humidity levels between 50-70%.
What type of bedding should I use?
Use a paper-based bedding like aspen shavings or newspaper for easy cleanup and to prevent mold growth.
How do I clean the water dish?
Empty and clean the water dish daily with hot water and mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly and refill with fresh water.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your crested gecko is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.