how do i disinfect a heater?

[orphansparrow]

hi there,

i need to disinfect a heater, but i'm not sure if the normal 5% bleach solution for disinfecting is safe for a heater.

thanks for any advice!

[LeroyTheBetta]

Originally Posted by orphansparrow

hi there,

i need to disinfect a heater, but i'm not sure if the normal 5% bleach solution for disinfecting is safe for a heater.

thanks for any advice!

For the glass part of the heater it'll be fine. I'd probably not use it on any plastic/rubber bits at the top. You could maybe use vinegar and a toothbrush to gently give the top parts a light scrub.... be sure to rinse REALLY well when you're done with it all. Don't want residual anything!

[orphansparrow]

thanks julie. ^_^

the entire heater that i have is enclosed in plastic, there is no glass. it's like a solid black piece of plastic.

also, do you know if apple cider vinegar would work? i don't have regular white vinegar.

thank you.

[laughing]

I would use regular vinegar. It isn't that expensive. Just use a diluted solution of it, scrub on, then rinse, rinse, rinse!!! Use really warm water, too!

[Thunderloon]

... Boil it? Or you can use chlorinated salted water with vinegar and rubbing alcohol in it.

If you DO boil it, heat it up slowly and cool it off slowly. In order to be sold in the US as an electrical appliance (to meet UL listing) it has to withstand 235 degrees if it contains electronics.

DO NOT boil it in chlorinated salted water with vinegar and rubbing alcohol in it...

[Here Fishy Fishy Fishy]

orphansparrow,

When cleaning, I always make my final rinse in conditioned water, to help furthur neutralize any chemical expsoure. Air dry in the sun if you can, as sunlight also kills bacteria.

Good luck!