How to Clean a Bird Cage Safely

A clean cage keeps your bird healthy and your home smelling fresh. But birds have extremely sensitive lungs, so how you clean matters as much as how often. Here's a simple routine and the safest products to use.

Why cleaning products matter for birds

A bird's respiratory system is far more sensitive than ours. Fumes from harsh chemicals, strong fragrances and aerosol sprays can harm a bird, especially in a small or poorly ventilated room. That's why many bird owners choose cleaners made specifically to be safe around birds.

Daily cleaning (5 minutes)

• Wash food and water dishes with hot, soapy water and rinse well.
• Replace the cage liner or paper.
• Spot-clean droppings on perches and the cage.
• Remove uneaten fresh food before it spoils.

Weekly cleaning

• Wipe down the cage bars, grate and tray.
• Scrub perches and toys, and replace anything that's broken or heavily soiled.
• Check for worn rope toys with loose threads that could tangle toes.

Monthly deep clean

• Move your bird to a safe spot in another room.
• Take the cage apart as much as you can and scrub every surface.
• Rinse thoroughly and let everything dry completely before putting it back together.

Getting rid of dried-on droppings

Dried droppings are the hardest part of cage cleaning. Instead of scraping, use an enzyme-based cleaner that breaks them down for you. Poop-D-Zolver is an all-natural, ready-to-use bird poop remover that uses enzyme-producing bacteria to loosen droppings, so they wipe away easily.

For everyday cleaning and odor

Cage Clean-N-Fresh is a non-caustic, biodegradable cleaner that uses a natural enzymatic process to clean cages and accessories and leave a fresh scent. If you want everything in one order, the A&E Cleaner Bundle includes Poop-D-Zolver, Cage Clean-N-Fresh, San-A-Hand and Cage Scrub.

What about bleach?

Some owners use a diluted bleach solution for occasional disinfecting. If you do, always take your bird out of the room, ventilate well, rinse every surface thoroughly with clean water, and let it dry completely before your bird goes back in. Never mix bleach with other cleaners.

Other safety tips

• Avoid air fresheners, scented candles and aerosol sprays near your bird.
• Be careful with nonstick cookware, which can release fumes that are deadly to birds when overheated. Learn more in foods and household hazards that are toxic to parrots.
• Wash your hands before and after handling your bird and its cage.

Related reading: How to store bird food so it stays fresh