Habitat - Indoor :: Cleaning plants

[Sheba]

I wanted to get my plants really clean so I soaked them in bleach water, but now they smell strongly of the bleach. I'm afraid to put them back in the tank and it's been a couple weeks now. Any ideas how to get the bleach smell out? Are they toast?

Kathie

[Wes_RES]

i think they are...

Next time, just boil them in hot water for a few minutes...

[sonyj]

Bleach should dissipate within 48 hours from surfaces, I'm not sure if this goes for the material plants are made of as well. You could always try to boil them and see how they smell after that.

Next time, use a 10% bleach 90% water solution for cleaning them.

[kneecole]

Honestly w/ how cheep most plants are I'd say just start over. Better safe than sorry.

[steve]

Did you dilute the bleach before you used it?

[Sheba]

Thanks for the info. Didn't think about boiling. Think I will just toss those.

[gammeragirl]

I clean my plants with bleach diluted with water, about 1/8 of the amount being bleach. Then I rinse very thoroughly and dry. It's worked for me and hasn't damaged the plants.

[JuelisKaylee]

What do you suggest as far as placing LIVE plants in the tank. I dont hae anytng on the bottom of my tank (as far as rocks and sand). So i need to know where I can purchase/order some live plants for my 30 gallon tank.