Expert: Jan Hayner - 10/30/2008

Question
I have 2 birds. Most chemicals are toxic to them (as well as to just about anything else that breathes oxygen.)

Is there a safe way to remove odors from my apartment?

Answer
Hi Kayla;
I have a few suggestions for you that won't hurt your little birds. The best cleaner around that is non toxic is baking soda! You can also add this to water, place in a container and set it in the room to absorb odors. I would put it in a salt or sugar container that has the small openings, but that your little birds can't get at, although it won't hurt their little bodies, it is better to be safe than sorry.

I have also included an article from a website that sells a chemical that I know is also safe, it is called Simple Clean and I have had many of my readers tell me how good it is, it is also recommended by vets:

BIRD CAGES
Simple Green can be safely used around birds if certain common-sense precautions are taken. Birds are keenly sensitive to foreign agents in their environment, and cages are a closed environment, making proper usage even more critical.

Remove the bird from the cage. If possible, place them on a perch or in a travel cage in a different room.
Remove all paper, litter, bowls and toys from the cage.
Mix a 1-part-Simple Green to 32-parts-water solution.
Using a sponge, scrubbing pad, or non-metallic bristle brush, scrub down the cage. If the cage is really large, start at the top and work downward, stopping after sections to rinse, so that the cleaning solution does not dry on the cage and become much more difficult to rinse off. You can apply the diluted solution with a spray bottle, but be careful not to "mist" it around your bird, making it much easier for them to inhale.
Rinse each section, or the entire cage, by either hosing down (if outside) or using a bucket of clean water and a sponge or cloth to wipe/rinse down all bars, perches, base & legs. Do not leave bits of foamy Simple Green clinging to the cage.
Wash all water-safe (hard, non-porous) toys and dishes or bowls with the 1:32 solution and rinse extremely well.
Let cage dry and then set it back up for the bird (paper or litter, feed and water, toys, etc.)
Return the bird to the cage.
You may be reassured to know that we have three birds in our Corporate Headquarters office: An African Grey named “Scarlet”, a Severe Macaw named “Oscar”, and an Umbrella Cockatoo named “Jimmy”. All three birds are healthy and (we hope) happy — — and all have their cages regularly cleaned with Simple Green.

Vinegar is also a great odor deodorizer although I am not sure if this product inhaled by a bird could be disruptive to thier tiny resiratory tracts, I would contct a vet on that one issue. I know that the smell from vinegar disipitates (absorbs in the air so you can't smell it), but I am sure that close contact with the odor may cause a problem.

However, the baking soda is something that I can guarantee, It is also used in small animals as a mild antacid, I am told. So, you would be safe to say that they will not get sick from it. The main idea is to make sure that you clean the cage well and keep anything that you use in a container that their little beaks will not be able to fit into.
Happy cleaning and deodorizing!
Jan