HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Tell me how you use vinegar to clean inside of the crabitat, please. I've used diluted vinegar in a spray bottle to clean the outside glass, but I never thought to use it inside the tank.

I'm getting some water spots and I want to clean them off, but don't want to harm my crabs.

I need the directions, please!

I just sprayed some on a towel and wiped the water spots with it-- I'd read that it's safe for crabs so just assumed that meant in the tank. I hope I didn't do something wrong.

Tala's way is exactly how you would want to do it. Just dampen the towel, not dripping. I always dilute the vinegar with water 50/50. Most of the time I just wash the glass with plain water though.

I slosh some onto a paper towel and use it straight for all my critter tanks inside and out. Works like magic, and a pair of disposable gloves keeps my hands from smelling like fair fries.

Thanks y'all! I use vinegar all the time to clean but never thought I could use it inside the tank too!

I use a microfiber washcloth with diluted vinegar. It seemed to help with hard water buildup inside the tank better than paper towels did.

@Sweet Pea
That's a great idea! The glass will be less likely to haze or etch with microfiber. Thanks for the tip!

Is the vinegar diluted with dechlorinated water?? I usually keep a spray bottle with dilute vinegar in my kitchen for cleaning but it is mixed with tap water.

Kermie16 wrote:Is the vinegar diluted with dechlorinated water?? I usually keep a spray bottle with dilute vinegar in my kitchen for cleaning but it is mixed with tap water.

I use straight vinegar, like wodesorel; just put some on a washcloth and wipe the glass. If it seems super-"fumey" I'll leave the lid open for a minute and wave them out; otherwise no problem.

Kermie16 wrote:Is the vinegar diluted with dechlorinated water?? I usually keep a spray bottle with dilute vinegar in my kitchen for cleaning but it is mixed with tap water.

Put a drop of de-chlor in it and problem solved!!