First Time Hatching, Used Dirty Bator?

[jlgoinggreen]

Hi Everyone,
We will be hatching our first eggs this week. Our eggs should be getting here tomorrow. We will be receiving chicken and turkey eggs. The chickens are lucky enough to get a brand new HB Genesis 1588, but my turkey eggs will be getting an old used LG 9200. The LG has not been used for a VERY long time. It was very dirty and dusty. My husband sprayed it down with the water hose the best he could, but it still looks very dirty. Especially since most of the dust turned into muddy slush that embedded itself into the creases of the styrofoam. I tried wiping it myself with a wet rag, but it still looks very dirty. We decided to leave it alone being that it is styrofoam and I didn't want to ruin it. I already have it on (since yesterday) and FINALLY got the temp right in the LG for the turkey eggs.

Well as I am excitedly perusing through BYC trying to get as much info as I can on hatching turkey eggs, I keep reading about washing and disinfecting the bators and eggs. Eeeeek!!!!

Do I now need to turn this thing off and try to clean it better and disinfect it?

I just keep thinking of how long it took me to get the temp/humidity right.

And how can I clean it better without ruining the styrofoam?

 

[kelliepulido]

I cleaned mine with bleach.It took out alot of the dust that had settled on it out in the garage.We have alot of dirt flying around layers of dust from plowing the fields

 

[MissDeb]

I love clorox clean-up, it works wonders on dirt and grime.

 

[HBuehler]

You wont hurt it..use some bleach and a brush to get the dirt out of it.I use just a regular kitchen type brush on ours.It wouldn't hurt to remove the fan and as much as you can to clean under it.The cleaner the better with these.Also,your new one will need to be washed down completely and bleached before you set more eggs or you will start seeing a reduction in your hatch rates quickly.Then a good dose of sun is great for them when Mother Nature is willing.
I find with my bators I never have to touch the temp controls after I find the magic spot on it even when it's turned off and back on it is right..just be careful when you handle the cover not to touch the temps.