What is the best thing to clean a bird cage with?

Cleaning a bird cage regularly is essential for the health and wellbeing of pet birds. A clean cage prevents the spread of bacteria and diseases and allows birds to thrive in a sanitary environment. But with so many bird cage cleaners on the market, how do you know which one is best? The most effective bird cage cleaner will sanitize the cage thoroughly, be safe for birds, and efficient to use on a regular basis.

How Often Should You Clean the Bird Cage?

The frequency of cleaning a bird’s cage depends on the size of the cage and number of birds. Generally, a good rule of thumb is:

• Small bird cages (like budgie or parakeet cages) should be cleaned 1-2 times per week
• Medium bird cages (for conures, cockatiels etc) should be cleaned 2-3 times per week
• Large bird cages (for macaws, amazons etc) should be cleaned daily or every other day

You’ll also want to spot clean throughout the day – wiping down perches, food cups and toys as needed. A deep clean of the entire cage 1-2 times per week is ideal for most average sized parrot cages.

Here are some signs it’s time to give the bird cage a thorough cleaning:

• Leftover food or feathers accumulating on the cage bottom
• Build up of dried feces sticking to perches/bars
• Cloudy or dirty water
• Noticeable odor coming from cage

Cleaning the cage frequently keeps bacteria, molds, parasites and other contaminants from multiplying and creating an unhealthy environment.

The Cleaning Process

Follow these steps for a thorough bird cage cleaning:

1. Remove your bird from the cage and put them in a safe temporary space. Cover their temporary cage to minimize stress.
2. Remove all perches, toys, food bowls, and other accessories from the main cage. Clean these separately in hot, soapy water. Rinse and let air dry completely.
3. Cover any cage grates/floors and line the bottom with newspaper or puppy pads to catch debris and make cleaning easier.
4. Use a bird-safe cage cleaner to spray down the bars, corners, doors and feeder areas. Allow it to soak for 5-10 minutes.
5. Scrub all surfaces with a soft brush or cloth soaked in the cage cleaner solution. This helps remove stuck on debris and sanitize the cage.
6. Rinse surfaces thoroughly with clean water to remove all cleaner residue which can be harmful if ingested.
7. Remove any cleaning supplies or damp newspaper from the main cage area.
8. Let the cage air dry completely before putting any accessories back in.
9. Add fresh newspaper, bird-safe cage lining or bedding to the newly cleaned cage bottom.
10. Return cleaned accessories to the cage and add fresh food and water.
11. Do a final inspection that there’s no cleaning product residue left before returning your bird to their home.

Following this cleaning routine helps maintain good hygiene and remove health hazards for your feathered friend!

Choosing a Safe and Effective Bird Cage Cleaner

The key to cleaning a bird cage thoroughly is using a safe and effective bird-friendly disinfectant. Here are some things to look for in a good bird cage cleaning product:

• All-natural ingredients – Avoid cleaners with harsh chemicals which can be toxic to birds when inhaled or ingested. Look for plant-based, non-toxic ingredients like essential oils.
• Disinfectant properties – A good bird cage cleaner should kill viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and other pathogens to sanitize the cage.
• Deodorizing power – Effective enzymatic cleaners break down waste and neutralize odors.
• Rinses clean – The cleaning product shouldn’t leave any soapy residue after rinsing the cage. Residue can be harmful if ingested by birds.
• Safe for frequent use – Choose a cleaner that can be used daily without irritating your bird’s respiratory system or delicate skin.

Natural plant-based cleaners are ideal because they have disinfectant and deodorizing powers without harsh chemical fumes.

Top 3 Best Bird Cage Cleaners

Based on safety, cleaning power and convenience, here are my top picks for the best bird cage cleaning products:

1. PoopOff Bird Poop Remover Spray

• Plant-based enzymatic formula breaks down waste and residue
• Removes stains, odors, and disinfects surfaces
• Safe for all cages, perches, and toys
• No rinse formula, just spray and wipe away
• Mild lemongrass scent

PoopOff is my top choice cage cleaner because the enzymatic formula cleans and deodorizes the cage thoroughly without harmful fumes or chemicals. The no-rinse application makes cleaning quick and easy. It’s also an economical choice that lasts a long time with regular use.

2. Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator

• Uses natural plant oils to sanitize and deodorize
• Safe for birds, dogs, cats, and small animals
• Foaming aerosol clings to vertical surfaces
• Pleasant citrus scent
• Kills bacteria, breaks down organic matter

The foaming aerosol works great for targeting nooks and corners of the cage. It kills bacteria leaving a clean citrus scent behind. Angry Orange is non-toxic but you do need to rinse it off thoroughly. Overall an effective disinfecting cleaner for bird cages.

3. F10SC Veterinary Disinfectant

• Strong disinfectant approved by vets and animal hospitals
• Kills 99.9% of germs, bacteria, viruses, fungi
• Non-toxic and biodegradable
• Highly concentrated – dilute before use
• Unscented

F10SC Veterinary Disinfectant is a professional grade cleaning product trusted by bird vets, breeders and rescues. The concentrated formula must be diluted but provides unmatched disinfecting and sanitizing power. It’s residue-free, non-toxic and won’t irritate bird’s respiratory systems.

While a bit pricier than other options, F10SC is one of the strongest daily cleaners for bird cages available. It’s ideal for a deep sanitizing clean of the cage, food bowls, and toys.

DIY All Natural Bird Cage Cleaners

Many bird owners like to save money by making their own non-toxic cage cleaners at home. Here are some popular DIY formulas:

1. Vinegar & Water Disinfectant Spray

• 1 part white vinegar
• 3 parts water
• 5-10 drops essential oil (optional for smell)

Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Vinegar is a natural antibacterial that cleans and deodorizes. Rinse surfaces after use.

2. Dish Soap & Hydrogen Peroxide Solution

• 1 tablespoon dish soap
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide

Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. The peroxide reacts with the soap to form a cleaning foam. Rinse cage thoroughly after use.

3. Non-Toxic Bleach Alternative

• 1 teaspoon borax powder
• 1/4 cup vinegar or lemon juice
• 3 cups hot water

Mix borax, vinegar/lemon juice and water until borax dissolves. This solution sanitizes the cage without bleach fumes. Always rinse thoroughly with water after cleaning.

These homemade cleaners offer budget-friendly alternatives using pantry staples. Be sure to rinse all surfaces fully after cleaning the cage for bird safety.

Cleaning Products to Avoid

When selecting a bird cage cleaner, there are some ingredients and products to steer clear of:

• Chlorine bleach – toxic fumes are hazardous to birds
• Ammonia – can fatally damage bird’s respiratory systems
• Aerosol sprays – propellants are often toxic
• Scented or dyed products – artificial fragrances/dyes can be irritants
• Alcohol, peroxide or vinegar – too harsh when used undiluted
• Multi-surface cleaners with added chemicals

It’s better to stick to all-natural cleaners specifically designed for animal enclosures. Read ingredient labels carefully and contact the manufacturer if you have any concerns about a product’s safety. When in doubt, dilute cleaners before spraying them in your bird’s cage.

Cleaning Perches, Toys and Accessories

In addition to the main cage, all accessories need regular cleaning including:

• Perches – use a small brush and diluted cleaner to scrub residue from crevices.
• Toys – disassemble parts, soak in warm soapy water, use a bottle brush and rinse well.
• Food bowls – wash frequently in hot sudsy water and rinse.
• Water bottles – use a bottle brush and unscented soap to remove biofilm buildup.
• Cage grates/trays – cover with cage liner and clean grates with solution and brush.

Cleaning all cage components helps remove hidden bacteria Hot water, mild soap and scrub brushes make perch and toy cleaning easier. Remember to rinse all accessories thoroughly before returning them to the cage.

Rotating cage toys helps keep them cleaner between deep cleanings. Have a supply of duplicate toys to swap into the cage while others are being washed.

Tips for Cleaning Bird Cages Thoroughly

Follow these tips for a complete bird cage cleaning routine:

• Quarantine used cage items like perches/toys in a 1:10 bleach solution for 15 minutes to disinfect.
• Rinse food bowls with boiling water to kill bacteria missed by soap and scrub brushes.
• Use cotton swabs dipped in vinegar to clean between cage wires.
• Place cages outside periodically to sun-dry and kill germs. Avoid using bleach cleaners first.
• Keep multiple sets of food bowls and toys so used ones can be washed separately.
• Vacuum or wipe down cage surfaces between full cleanings to control daily mess.
• Disinfect water bottles weekly by filling with distilled vinegar and shaking vigorously, then rinsing.

These extra steps help remove contaminants hiding in small crevices. Implementing a thorough cleaning routine keeps your bird’s cage sparkling clean.

Conclusion

Keeping your feathered friend’s cage clean takes some work but is essential for their health and happiness. Follow a regular schedule of washing the cage, perches, toys and other accessories with a natural disinfecting cleaner safe for birds. Remove all visible debris, sanitize surfaces, rinse thoroughly and allow the cage to dry completely before putting your bird back inside their nice clean home! With the right tools and cleaning products, you can easily maintain proper hygiene within your bird’s living space.