How to Clean a Bird Cage

How to Clean a Bird Cage. Birds can be very messy. They throw food, spill their water bowls and deposit droppings on the bars of their cages. All of this can quickly lead to mold growth and an unhealthy environment for your pet bird. Along with daily changes of cage liners, the cage itself should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a month.

Things Needed

• Hose with sprayer attachment
• Stiff brush
• Towels
• Chlorine bleach
• Empty spray bottle

Step 1

Remove everything from the cage. This includes toys, perches, accessories, food and water dishes, and the bird itself. These should all be cleaned separately.

Step 2

If possible, break the cage down to make cleaning easier. This is not absolutely necessary, but does make corners and crevices easier to access.

Step 3

Take the cage outside for cleaning. Using a hose with a sprayer or pressure washer attachment, spray down the entire cage, paying special attention to any visibly soiled areas. Try to use the force of the water to spray off any droppings and food debris.

Step 4

Use a stiff brush to scrub away any remaining visible dirt, droppings, or other matter. Be sure to check corners and gaps where the cage panels are attached. Rinse away the debris with the hose.

Step 5

Using a diluted mixture of bleach and water (1 tsp. bleach for a 16-oz. bottle) in a spray bottle, mist the entire cage. Allow to dry in the sun, or rub down thoroughly with towels. Be sure the entire cage is completely dry before putting the bird and accessories back in the cage.

Warnings

• Small cages can be cleaned in the shower instead of outdoors with a hose.
• If the weather is good, consider letting the bird spend some time in the dry cage while it is still outside. Cover a portion of the cage to provide shade.
• Consider the ease of cleaning when purchasing a new cage. Powder coated and stainless steel cages are much easier to clean than those made of other materials.
• Enzymatic cleaners can make removal of dried droppings much easier.

Warnings

• Never use undiluted bleach to clean a bird cage. It will leave a toxic residue.