That’s my list. These are the ONLY products I use in any situation where my birds could come into contact with them.
Parrots are slobs. They urinate on the ground when they’re not throwing food at the walls. Wood chips and toy parts are everywhere. Just the dust and dander will bring you to tears. Literally. Living with parrots makes it very challenging to maintain a spotless home, but we must make an effort. An unhygienic home will result in diseased birds (and humans), rodents, insects, and possibly an unwelcome relationship with the Board of Health.
I want you to understand that not all store-bought items labeled as “pet friendly” are made with birds in mind. There are many bird specific cleaning products on the market. I’ve tried a lot of them, and none work better than the ones you can easily make at home with inexpensive ingredients from your kitchen. I recommend sticking to the tried-and-true strategies for maintaining the safety and cleanliness of your bird’s surroundings.
In addition to aerosols and chemical cleaners, I would like to add that you should NEVER use carpet fresheners like FaBreeze. They bear direct responsibility for several bird deaths. If something smells bad, it should be cleaned rather than covered up with a nicer scent. Furthermore, keep your birds well away from recently shampooed carpet and be cautious of the solutions used in carpet cleaners. No Scotch Guard type products on your furniture upholstery, either. Sorry. I know birds enjoy pooping on couches.
When it comes to the products that we can use around them safely, birds are delicate little flowers, despite their ability to create a mess that resembles a construction site. Whether you are cleaning the house surrounding your bird or the bird’s cage and accessories, there are a few things you need to remember:
FAQ
Is Murphy Oil Soap pet friendly?
What soap can I use to wash my bird?
What should you not use Murphy’s oil soap on?