This information exists in the treatment thread, but it tends to get overlooked with all the medication information. So, I'm going to put out here our protocols for cleaning and sterlizing when treating for a parasite.

Please share how YOU manage cleaning/sterilizing when you treat for a parasite.

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Here is what *I* do.

I move the gliders to a smaller cage. They will survive a few weeks in a smaller cage and it cuts down the chances that I am transferring something around the house.

I also put that cage in a room in my home that does not have carpet. Usually, I keep gliders with a parasite in a smaller travel size cage in the bathroom.

I also remove ALL fabric items from the cage except the pouch they are in. Only plastic items otherwise. I keep two sets of toys for the gliders during this time and use them every other day.

Each day, I fill the steam cleaner (I have a wagner) and turn it on. I fill a stock pot with water and put it on to boil.

I bring with me the clean toys, a clean pouch and two empty plastic bags to do my cleaning.

I put a button down shirt over my clothes and I use those slip on shoe covers from the hospital. But, you can also use a pair of slippers or shoes that you just keep in that room.

I then remove everything from the cage (including the gliders in their pouch). I put the glider's pouch in a day tripper and then I move the small cage into the bathtub. I put everything else into a plastic bag (except the wheel, which I leave in the cage). I spray the cage down with a strong bleach solution (usually like 25% - 50% bleach) and let it sit. I also spray down the wheel. After letting them sit for about 5 minutes, I return to the cage and rinse it with hot water from the shower. Then I run over the entire cage (ESP. the bottom grate) and wheel with my steam cleaner.

I wipe them down with a towel and throw the towel in the washing machine (which is in the bathroom). Otherwise, I would put the towel in a plastic bag for carrying to the washing machine.

I then transfer the gliders to the clean pouch and put the dirty pouch in the plastic bag with the toys. I put their clean pouch and their second set of toys in the cage and then repeat this cleaning process with the day tripper real quick.

I am now finished with their cage.

Then I remove the button down shirt and shoe covers. Shoe covers go in the garbage and shirt goes in the wash with the towel. I then run the steam cleaner over the floor.

I then take the plastic bag with all the toys in it to the kitchen. I put the toys & pouch in boiling water to sterilize them and then lay them on a towel to dry so they can be used tomorrow.

I start the washing machine and when it is full of hot water, I add 1/4 - 1/2 cup bleach and run the cycle. I put the pouch, the shirt and the towel in the dryer to dry and lay them out for use the next day.

It sounds like a lot of work, but it really isn't. It does not take that long to clean a smaller cage. Usually, the ones I use during this time are 18X18X36 inches.

Sometime during this time, I also clean their regular living cage by spraying it with a strong bleach solution and letting it sit then steam cleaning it twice.

Using this method, I have never had a glider or group of rescues test positive for a parasite when they return for the follow up testing.

I'm so glad you posted this and broke it down as you did. It definitely seems less daunting the way you explained and while I hope I never have to do it, I'm very sure I could do this quite easily if need be. Thank you, Val!

Good measures.
I also cleaned the walls and floor surrounding the cage with a diluted bleach solution. (we have tile) Back then, I didn't have a steam cleaner. I cleaned everything in the cage and the cage itself, every day. Two cases of parasites came in with two different incoming gliders. Neither case came back. It was lots of work but the work means you're likely getting rid of the parasite for good. It's worth it.