If you’re a new tarantula owner, learning how to clean a tarantula cage might be incredibly stressful – at least it was for me the first time or two I did it! So I decided to make things easier for you by recording my process as well as creating a supply list so you know exactly what to expect!

Here’s what you’ll need in your journey of learning how to clean a tarantula cage:

• Terrarium like this for arboreal and like this for terrestrial
• A holding tank (I use Kritter keepers like this for my spider while I clean the terrarium)
• Tank and decor cleaner (like this)
• Substrate (I use Eco Earth loose coconut husk fibre)
• Garbage bag (for old substrate)
• Any additional new decor you want to add
• Gloves (if you want to keep substrate from getting under your nails)
• Towels and a cleaning scrubby brush or sponge
• A catch cup for emergencies

Here are the decor/cleaning items I directly mention in the video:

Wipe out terrarium cleaner

Tree water dish

Plastic plant decoration

Fairy garden kit pieces (logs)

Geometric glass terrarium

There are many different ways to clean and set up a tarantula’s tank. I am just sharing what has worked for me and tarantula.

To prepare, you want to make sure you have at least two hours to spend on this in case this is your first time or an unexpected accident occurs such as the spider escaping. You want to make sure you’ll be completely uninterrupted as well – make sure all pets, kids, or annoying/distracting roommates or family members are not going to interfere!

You will also want to plan out your process, gather your supplies, and have everything nearby before you even start this process. This means also having a plan for extracting your spider and having and little holding tank for holding your tarantula while you clean their terrarium. If you want to make this process really easy on yourself, you could buy an extra terrarium so you can set up the new tank and simply move your tarantula, and then clean the dirty tank at your leisure. I only have one tank for Spidey, so I have to use a Kritter Keeper while I clean her tank.

PREPARATION + LOCATION

Preparation is key in any situation. Place all of your supplies, the tank to be cleaned (with your spider) and everything else you’ll need in the same place. I recommend doing this in the bathroom because you’ll be close to a water source for cleaning (I use the tub because Spidey’s tank is big). It’s also a small room so if your tarantula escapes, they can’t go far. Just make sure to put towels under the door to seal the room and block any open drains or pipe holes. Making use of the tub also keeps the mess contained. Here’s what I use for tank cleanings:

REMOVE THE SPIDER

Next, you want to transfer your spider from its dirty enclosure into either a new enclosure that is already clean and prepared, or at least a clean small holding container where it will be safe until its clean terrarium is ready for it. I use Kritter Keepers, however many tarantula owners successfully use tupperware with holes in the lid. Make sure you have a catch cup if your tarantula bolts and try to move slowly, gently, and carefully. Also, test their temperament before doing this so you know what kind of “mood” they are in. My Spidey is quite docile so I just nudge her into the container, however you may want to educate yourself on techniques for this if you have a more defensive or bolty spider. Make sure to put this container somewhere safe but in your view so you can continually check on them.

Sometimes I put some old dirt/webs in the little container with Spidey to make her feel more comfortable. If these webs look extremely clean and she has been fasting since her last tank cleaning, I will usually save them for her and put them in her new enclosure to help her feel at home.

Remove everything

After the tarantula is in its temporary container, you can remove everything from the dirty tank. Take the toys out and place them somewhere for when you are ready to clean them. Then remove all the old substrate. I usually just dump Spidey’s 10 gallon tank into a garbage bag while standing in the bathtub – this cuts down on mess and is very efficient.

CLEAN THE TANK

This is where being in the bathroom is handy. I use hot water, a scrubby brush/sponge, or soap to start cleaning the enclosure. I make sure to clean the walls of any tarantula feces and the bottom to make sure any mold issues are taken care of. I use a terrarium cleaner as well during this process – but you can also just use regular soap and water. Just make sure to rinse thoroughly and not leave ANY residue especially if you are using a chemical cleaner. If you have a small tank, this will be a very easy cleaning process.

Thoroughly dry the tank

Once the tank is clean, take several towels and make sure that you dry the enclosure of any and all moisture. This will ensure that you do not have any mold issues.

ADDING SUBSTRATE

Once the tank is dry, you can add the substrate or flooring based on your tarantula’s needs. As Spidey is a grammostola rosea whose species HATES any moisture on the substrate, I use loose coconut fibre substrate. I used to use compressed bricks, but stopped due to the amount of time it took to set up and I hated the drying time. The loose substrate works much better for me and Spidey. Your tarantula may have different requirements based on humidity – some need moisture in their substrate or benefit from substrate mixes involving potting soil or peat moss.

Clean and dry decor, then decorate

Once the substrate or flooring is in the clean enclosure, you are ready to decorate and redesign the enclosure once you’ve cleaned all decor and hides/water dishes. Make sure you clean these items just as thoroughly as the tank, and rinsed and dried them thoroughly.

INTRODUCE YOUR SPIDER TO ITS NEW HOME!

Once your tarantula’s tank is all set up with clean substrate and its water dish, hides, and decor, you can slowly and gently put your tarantula back into its new home. Do this just as gently as you did when you took them out and have the lid ready to go so you can stop them from making a run for it. Some tarantula owners (as well as myself) opt for sometimes leaving the small container in the larger clean enclosure and allowing the spider to come out on its own, when it’s ready. Then you can take the Kritter Keeper or tupperware out when the spider has moved out of the way. Then, you can return the enclosure to its original spot in your home!

OBSERVE

You don’t want to move your tarantula into a new, clean terrarium the day before you go on vacation. Tarantulas are extremely sensitive to change and it’s very common for them to roam, climb, or get into trouble after a tank change or cleaning. So it’s best to be sure you can be around every few hours to observe them in the days after you clean the tank.

Injuries can be reduced/prevented by adding enough substrate and taping the lid.

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I hope you liked this little guide! If you’d like to WAY more about tarantulas and how to care about them, be sure to purchase my full tarantula guide!

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