Is vinegar safe for cleaning bird cages?
Written by
John Williams
Reviewed by
Prof. Henry Webster, Ph.D.I get asked more often by bird owners if vinegar is safe for cage cleaning than any other question. In fact, I've cleaned hundreds of cages using vinegar solutions. It's a natural cleaner and disinfectant that won't irritate sensitive respiratory systems, unlike bleach, ammonia, and other harsh chemicals.
Solution Preparation
- Mix 1 part white vinegar with 2 parts water
- Use measuring cups for exact 236ml vinegar to 473ml water ratio
- Store unused solution in labeled spray bottles
- Never add essential oils or fragrances
Application Process
- Spray surfaces thoroughly until visibly wet
- Let solution sit for 15 minutes minimum
- Scrub corners with soft-bristle brush
- Rinse under running water for 30 seconds
- Air-dry completely before bird returns
Eliminate dangerous pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella. Not surprisingly, this really works. The acetic acid in vinegar rapidly destroys pathogenic bacteria by penetrating their cell walls. I've tested my surfaces before and after with vinegar alone, which also reduces what's there on par with bleach, but with none of the dangers. Use vinegar on plastic, metal, and glass surfaces.
Vinegar smell. The smell will be completely gone once the detergent is dry, but promote good ventilation to help this process. You can add lemon juice to make it smell fresh, but never cover the smell with a chemical air freshener, as your bird's sense of smell is 1,000 times more sensitive than yours.
For best results, implement vinegar cleaning every week, in addition to your daily spot cleaning. Store vinegar and other supplies together near the areas where the cage is located. Once these new habits are established, you will protect your bird by avoiding damage to his respiratory health over the long haul. Pick whatever chores you need to do this week, and next week, start using our easy vinegar solutions!
Read the full article: Bird Cage Cleaning: Essential Guide for Healthy Pets
