Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello.
When I mix up a batch of chlorhexidine and water in a spray bottle, after about a week, blue clumps begin to appear. It seems as if most of the chlorhexidine is binding together.

It does this when stored in a dark cabinet or if left out in the light of the room.

Any idea why this happens and how to prevent it?

Also, how long is this product effective after it's been mixed?

Thanks for any help you can offer.

How much of it are you putting in the spray bottle?

I have been using the stuff for years and have never had a problem like that. I use about 2 capfulls in a 900 ml spray bottle.

Chlorhexidine is only good for a few days (up to maybe a week) after mixing -- so just mix enough to use during cleaning and you'll eliminate the problem.
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Tosha
JET Pythons
Toshas Blog

>>Hello.
>>When I mix up a batch of chlorhexidine and water in a spray bottle, after about a week, blue clumps begin to appear. It seems as if most of the chlorhexidine is binding together.
>>
>>It does this when stored in a dark cabinet or if left out in the light of the room.
>>
>>Any idea why this happens and how to prevent it?
>>
>>Also, how long is this product effective after it's been mixed?
>>
>>Thanks for any help you can offer.

Are you using tap or well water to mix the chlorhex up with? Chances are what you are seeing is just iron or other sediment in the water settling out. Because there is blue dye mixed with the chlorhex concentrate, the iron/sediment is likewise tinted blue as it settles. I know the tap water at work here has a lot of sediment that you can start seeing after a week of sitting...at two weeks it looks pretty nasty LOL.

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DP

So do you guys use this stuff as a sterilizer for your tubs or for some sort of medicinal treatment? I am not happy with what I am currently using to clean my tubs with, any ideas or suggestions?
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1.0 sunrise (unproven ball python morph)
2.0 pastel
1.0 spider Het ghost (fingers crossed for humblebees)
1.0 normal (rescue as he was VERY HUNGRY)
0.1 poss Het albino
0.5 Breeder normals
0.1 black pastel (unproven)
0.1 reduced pattern (unproven but looks like a Tiger morph)
0.1 mojave (best looking one ever! thanks Jeff Luman)
0.1 pastel Het ghost (Humblebee please!)(fingers crossed)
1.2 red tail boa
1.0 albino Het snow corn
0.1 albino Het snow corn
0.1 snow corn
2.2 felines aka boa food ;o

Brian H
Brianhettinger@hotmail.com

I use it to clean tubs and cages. The generic chlorhexidine is antibacterial and the name brand Nolvesan is antibacterial and antiviral. The generic is much cheaper and I think is ok if you don't buy wild-caught or farm-bred (captive-hatched) animals. I use mine like Tosha recommended and just make up enough to use for one cleaning since it only lasts a few days with tap water and up to a week with distilled. Vets use it to clean their exam tables so I trust it and it's much gentler than bleach.
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The Voices have won!

jeff pfeifer

I use "Chlorhexiderm Solution," which is 2percent Chlorhexidine. I buy it buy the gallon at the Animal Hospital I work at. We uses it as an all around disinfectant -- mostly to clean woulds, treat infections, sterilize equipment, and its a must have for Surgery (even Dental Sx)... It's real good stuff. Plus, it only takes 2 ounces diluted in a gallon of distilled water, so the original bottle lasts forever. I put it in a spray bottle, and no rinsing involved, just the Chlorhexi and a paper towel. Its quick, easy, and very clean. It also has a decent smell to it and cancels out any stinkiness in your racks.

(I have no problem with Chlorhexiderm Solution clumping up, by the way).
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Cheers!
• Chelsea Lynn Gardiner
(and Frank M. Wood)