How to Make a Homemade Cleaning Solution for Wood Cages

Keep wooden cages looking new with a homemade cleaning solution.

Using a non-toxic cleaning solution to clean a wood cage is extremely important if the cage is used to contain animals such as birds. Harsh cleaners containing bleach or ammonia could be harmful if the animal chews on or licks the cage after cleaning. While non-toxic cleaners are available in stores, you can make your own using items that you may already have in your kitchen.

Things You'll Need

• Vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Linseed oil
• Lemon juice
• Rag

Instructions

1. Measure 1/4-cup vinegar into a large spray bottle. Vinegar is a mild acid that will effectively clean the cage but is non-toxic.

2. Add 1/4-cup linseed or olive oil to the spray bottle. The oil will condition and polish the wood and also is non-toxic.

3. Add 1/2-cup lemon juice. Lemon juice also is a mild acid and it will give the homemade cleaning solution a pleasant scent.

4. Screw the cap onto the spray bottle and shake the mixture well.

5. Spray the homemade cleaner onto a soft cloth and rub the wooden cage with the damp rag to remove dirt.

Tips & Warnings

• Add more vinegar to thin the cleaning solution or more oil to thicken it until you are happy with the consistency and effectiveness of your homemade cleaning solution.

• Mix 1 tbsp. of mild dish soap into a quart of warm water to clean extremely dirty cages. When the dirt or debris has been removed, rinse away the soap with a rag dampened in clean water and dry the wood thoroughly with a towel. Clean the cage regularly with your homemade cleaning solution to prevent it from becoming this dirty again.

References

• KSC Recycling and Sustainability Office: Green Cleaning (see page 5)
• Birds N Ways: Galvanized Wire and Zinc