Best invention *ever*

So I'm burned out on the whole "clean the parrot cage" thing. I've been burned out on it for.... well, since about three days after I got a parrot cage. Really, it's the least attractive thing about having Boo - cleaning that damned cage. A good wipe down every day, then a once a week, haul it out into the yard, spray it top to bottom, scrub everything, then disinfect, then let it dry, while I try to entertain Boo on his perch (the perch he doesn't like - he wants his cage, and he wants it NOW!) until it's finally ready to come back into the house and resume its accustomed place.

So what did I do? I went and bought a bigger cage. A huge cage. A cage that is a good 12" taller than I am. I think it's about the same size as my college apartment, but more conveniently arranged, and with better views. And I just thought I was burned out on cleaning cages before. This cage really takes it to whole new levels.

Technology to the rescue! A steam cleaner. Best invention ever! I spray the de-poop goop on, I give it a couple of minutes, I steam clean everything (my steam cleaner has a scrub brush on it), which disinfects as it cleans, and there's no drying off required. I don't even have to take it outside anymore. The steam is so hot that it dries almost immediately, and it's ready to accept Boo back just as soon as I do the last wipe. Even the crud that had worked into the crevices of the perches is gone. It practically sparkles.

I am so loving this steam cleaner.

Absolutely!!!

I bought one of those Steam Shark things....and found out that it sucked for most things they said it was for. Not a lot of power. But one thing it was great at was cleaning Gandalf's cage. It really gets into the nooks and crannies. No soap or toxic cleaners to worry about him ingesting. Just a nice, clean cage.

WHAT??? What cleaner are you using? I researched the hand held Shark and the reviews were not good! I have five cages!!! Is there a better way?????

There are steam cleaners on the Pampered Pet and I think Windy City for cleaning cages. http://search.windycityparrot.com/search/index?query=steam+cleaner

What a brilliant idea !
Ps I love the way you describe the new cage lol

I got the Shark, but not the one on the link up above. It's bigger and has a lot more attachments to it. It also has a hose, so I can clean the cage without the whole thing being in there. It was about $70 at K-Mart, but just in the time it's saved me so far, it was worth every penny. There are several places that recommend a different one - McManus, or something like that. It's only rated at 1500 watts, the Shark is rated at 1550, so they're comparable.

We've got the Shark floor steamer, and it also works great. When Boo hangs his butt over the edge of the cage to poop, I whip that out, plug it in, and wipe up the mess. It doesn't matter if it's had all day to dry out, it still wipes right up - no scrubbing needed. When I saw this steamer on the shelf, I grabbed it and ran.

I also have the shark hand held and it works awesome. Especially for those of us that have crappy cold weather majority of the year. I only get to do the good outdoor scrubbing when it's not cold and either raining or snowing..

Thanks a lot for the tip! Those grooves always gets me down and you make it sound so easy. Steam Cleaner on my Christmas whishlist!

The reviews I read were not good for the hand held Shark. I had just bought it on sale, and returned it without taking it out of the box...Is there a steam cleaner than can do floors, and has attachments to do cages...

What a brilliant idea.

Thanks for the feedback Sharon. Now we know which kind not to purchase.

I got this one, but it was on sale:

Clothing, Toys, Electronics, Jewelry, Jaclyn Smith - Kmart.com

ScottinVentura said:

I got this one, but it was on sale:

Clothing, Toys, Electronics, Jewelry, Jaclyn Smith - Kmart.com

Click to expand...

Im sure thats the one my mum got, i borrowed it off her and its brilliant for everything!!!

Thanks for the info! Officially now my number one thing on my Christmas list!
This is going to sound funny, but I've never used one, does the goop, poo, food and whatever else our furkids make a mess of, just like...dissolve from the steam? Does it fall on the floor? I'm pretty sure a couple of you said you clean the cage right there (in the house) and this is just BRILLIANT because right now, it's hauling two cages through the house to the patio outback for a good powerwashing, and the snow is on its way!

Good question, Jodi! I'm also wondering, when you spray out, does water or steam get everywhere?

yes..very curious! My husband is not a "bird person" but very tolerant, and understanding and supports me. However, I highly doubt he will appreciate me making a mess of the dining room he finished all by himself last year lol! Everything the birds do, is easily cleaned up, hardwood floors. I'm guessing you just pull the cage(s) out away from the wall and go to town...

i've had a steam cleaned sat in a cupboard for ages cos its a bit crap, its coming out tomorrow!!

I cant say I've used it in the house I've only used it outside on the parrot cage cause i think wheres the poop going to go otherwise!!! Food will not get disolved by it, it will just blast it away so it will end up somewhere else instead! lol!
But if your going to use a component on it like a brush for example i dont seem why you couldnt do it inside - or just get rid of the food and stuff first then off you go to get rid of all the other stuff without an attachement. It was brilliant with the 'flat head' for the grease on the extractor fan and things! I wouldnt want to say for sure with the cage though as i wouldnt want anyone to go ruining their homes!

Another tip for cleaning - i put her toys in the dishwasher with no products for cleaning and they come out sparkling!

SHARK PORTABLE STEAM POCKET from Taylor Gifts

This is the one i borrow off my mum - its brilliant - its light and it takes no time at all to heat up!