cleaners

[jimpierce7]

I have read about the GSE and a couple other cleaners here recently. I really didn,t give it a lot of thought BUT I haven't seen what I use mentioned anywhere so far so I figure I better ask. When I picked up a cleaner shorty after I got Zoey I went and picked out what I knew to be a non-toxic cleaner that works good. Simple Green. No, not soilant green, thats people, Simple Green. Anyway, am I way off and needing to change it?

[Quito's Qage]

A while back, someone posted some cleaning solutions here. I printed it out for future reference. They listed Simple Green as good for "floors, counters, cabinets, dog crates, etc". Did not include it as a good one for cages, perches and such though.

[milihandra]

I've been curious about the same thing, safe cleaners that is.
What about the newish ones that are vinegar based?

[felisdomesticus]

I use Simple Green in my kitchen on everything that stands still. I even tried to use it to clean out the oven. That didn't work out so well. I also have used it to clean out Scarlett's cage many many times.

I also love the Method line of cleaning products. I buy them at Target but they are also sold at www.drugstore.com and Linens N Things, I think.

[carriesb]

Simple green I have always heard is fine but strongly diluted. I found this on they simple green site
http://consumer.simplegreen.com/cons...ri_faqs.php#20
Can Simple Green be used around birds or to clean birdcages?

Simple Green can be safely used around birds if certain "common sense" precautions are taken. Birds are keenly sensitive to foreign agents in their environment, so it is important to follow these precautions.

1. Remove the bird from the cage. If possible, place them on a perch or in a travel cage in a different room.
2. Mix a 30:1 solution of water and Simple Green (add an ounce of Simple Green to about 1 quart of water. If more solution is needed, add four ounces Simple Green to 1 gallon of water.)
3. Using a sponge, scrubbing pad, or non-metallic bristle brush, wash down the cage. If the cage is really large, start at the top and work downward, stopping after sections to "rinse" the cage so that the Simple Green doesn't dry on the cage (it's harder to remove if allowed to dry.)
4. Rinse each section, or the entire cage, by either hosing down (if outside) or using a bucket of clean water and a cloth or sponge to rinse down bars, perches, toys, food and water dishes, base and legs. Don't leave small bits of foamy Simple Green clinging to cage.
5. Let cage dry and then set it back up for the bird (paper or litter, feed and water, toys, etc.)
6. Return the bird to the cage.

You'll be reassured to know that we have three birds in our headquarters office - an African Grey "Scarlet", a Severe Macaw "Oscar", and an Umbrella Cockatoo "Jimmy". All three birds are healthy and (I hope) happy - - and have their cages regularly cleaned with Simple Green.

[LeilaLuv]

Well I use ALL non toxic products becaue I have asthma, cats and birds. No one is safe with toxic stuff. I purchase everything from a referral company, but its everything from cleaner to laundry stuff. Also I use something called natures miracle, usually used for stains, its an enzyme cleaner and it wors fantastic on pet stains, but also great for cleaning.

[felisdomesticus]

Originally Posted by LeilaLuv

Also I use something called natures miracle, usually used for stains, its an enzyme cleaner and it wors fantastic on pet stains, but also great for cleaning.

Wow! Nature's Miracle is expensive. I could never afford to clean my house with that stuff.

[LeilaLuv]

U can get it cheap on ebay
Also you dont have to use alot, uness its a a giant poop stain

[jimpierce7]

sounds like I have been being safe with it then. I usually get away with just water and a sponge when I clean the cages as I try to do it often so its easier to do. But I tell ya if I get lazy and wait 3 or 4 days.......YIKES...Zoey's cage is just awfull. I never would have thought that my Ekkie would be the "clean" bird!

[Dayna]

Originally Posted by felisdomesticus

Wow! Nature's Miracle is expensive. I could never afford to clean my house with that stuff.

I buy it in gallon jugs and use it to clean everything in my store. I really like the odor control for the rodents. It is the best cleaner I have found yet.