Cleaning Products?

[Pomlover2586]

Ok so I want to to what cleaning products are safe to use around my WBC. I generally use lyscol, swiffer wet solution, clorox wipes, as well as febreeze occasionally. I have heard these are not good for birds, but is that really the truth or just extreme caution? My grandmother has a Goffin Cockatoo and my mom had a Grey and used all of these products around the birds......so I'm a bit confused on how truthful this is? I know for a fact it doesn't kill them like teflon fumes would. We have already switched to stainless steel pots and pans......so no worries there. Any ideas?

[marie83]

Well before I knew better I used to use febreeze with no obvious ill effects but who knows what it does over the long term. Being exposed to the smoke of 1 cigarette won't kill a bird but we know its no good for the bird, especially with repeated exposure. I don't know the effects of various cleaning products are harmful to health but I don't know they aren't harmful either and I wouldn't take the risk as I really doubt enough research has been done on the products so they cover their own backs by saying they are not suitable for use around pets.

[Rokisha]

Well... if you still want to use those products i would suggest getting an air purifier and putting your bird in another room away from where your cleaning at the time. You may also want to open windows to help ventilate. You could also get the shark steam pocket and steam mop... it really does wonders when it comes to cleaning and sanatizing without having to use chemicals.

[Michael]

I try to avoid aerosols and stick with dry products as they are less likely to circulate through the air. Static wipes, vacuum cleaners, just paper towel with water are all preferred. For disinfection, a steam cleaner is blowing boiling water so no chemicals involved. I use that on the cages or special made parrot poop cleaners.

[Pomlover2586]

Can I use non scented baby wipes on the cage? I've used a few to spot clean poop......thoughts?

[Grey_Moon]

Vinegar with water or hot soapy water are the cleaners of choice around here. Occaisionally i'll spring for one of those bird-specific enzyme-based cleaners (LOVE IT) but it gets expensive!
I have a big bottle of ammonia-based disinfectant that I haul out when I hose down Jacko's cage in the summer outside---but nothing else gets used.

I personally hate febreeze and clorox etc (gives me a headache and runny eyes/nose) but I can survive them, but I know its not doing me any good. I'd imagine birds to be the same scenario. I'd say why risk their health especially when 'he was fine with it all the other times' can turn into 'omg how could I have been so stupid!?' because that infamous 'it takes just once' ends up happening. Vet bills or death are always unfortunately possibly just around the corner.

[marie83]

No idea if it's safe, I don't even know whats in them to be honest but warm water and kitchen towel usually does the job for me. Sometimes need to hold the damp kitchen towell to it to loosen it though. I only do this in between full cleanouts though.

[Rokisha]

It depends on the brand. Some have alcohol whereas others do not, some are scented and others aren't, ect. I wouldn't know if the wipes are safe for parrots or not. They may be safe around a newborn but whats safe for a human baby may not be safe for a parrot so hopefully someone with more experience with birds can answer that for you.

[Pomlover2586]

They're the pampers ones if that helps?