Cage and Toy cleaning - what's safe?

[Jong81]

Hi - I read that diluting bleach (heavily) with water and using a rag was okay to use to clean the cage and play gym/toys so long as you allow a few hours to dry. Is this safe? If not, what is a safe cleaning agent that gets the bird poop and such off their toys and cages?

Thank you!

[The Outlaw]

My most favorite cleaner for routine cleaning is Grapefruit Seed Extract (25 drops in a quart of water). You spray it on the cage, let it sit for about 10 minutes and then wipe it down. It is odorless, doesn't bleach out anything it touches and really cleans well.

I also use a dilluted bleach and water mix about once a month. I use a cup of NON Ultra bleach, the old stuff, and hot water in a pail. I hate the smell however. Same with white vinegar. It works very well but smells to high heaven.

Whenever you use something like bleach or detergent, you must carefully and thoroughly rinse the cage to remove residue.

Hope that helps.

[kensbuns]

I absolutely use no chemicals where my birds are concerned. However I have heard that the GSE is wonderful. I have a shark steamer that I use weekly and I wipe my cages down daily. That is any poop or food that has gotten on the bars or perches. I put the bird toys in the dishwasher and use only hot water. This will take the color out of them however. I also run the steamer over them weekly.

[Jong81]

Thanks! And once again Outlaw, you da bomb! Where might one obtain this GSE? And do I have to worry about residue with that? I'm not comfortable using bleach if it leaves any residue at all.

[cliftonite]

Originally Posted by Jong81

Thanks! And once again Outlaw, you da bomb! Where might one obtain this GSE? And do I have to worry about residue with that? I'm not comfortable using bleach if it leaves any residue at all.

http://nutriteam.com/Grapefruit_Seed...p-1-c-264.html
is where I got my 4 oz bottle from.

[Jong81]

Thank You! :-) But the GSE can't hurt the bird at all right? Like even if there's a residue? Obviously I would still take him out of the cage to clean it?

[The Outlaw]

Nope. Can't hurt the bird and it is sometimes added to water dishes in the summer to retard bacteria growth. Its used in some hospitals as their safest cleaner and disinfectant. You can usually pick up GSE at any GOOD health food store, too. Vegans use it to clean sprouts, fruits and veggies. Its about $10 for a 2 oz. bottle. I know that SOUNDS pricey, but it really isn't. It may last you an entire year. When I only had a few birds, two bottles would get me through a year and that's when I had 5 birds.

GNC won't likely carry it. Of course, they really aren't GOOD health food stores, anyway. Just thought I'd save you a wasted trip.

[Freedomoflight]

Steam cleaners :) I use a steamcleaner on my cages.... works like a charm!

[The Outlaw]

I steam clean once a week. With 5 macaws and 5 other larger parrots, its the only efficient way to clean. I just don't feel like being hot and steamy unless I get dinner and a movie first

[Jong81]

LOL! LMAO! Umm ... I just checked Amazon.com (because I always compare with them first and I have a $25 credit) and I found a 4oz. bottle of GSE for $10.77. Here's the link if it will help you!

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...s=hpc&n=507846