probably a silly question

[AnnBrown]

This is probably a silly question but here it goes. Raz's sleep cage is in the laundry room, this seemed like the perfect place for it sense it is warmer than any other place in our house. It doesnt have any windows so no drafts or early morning sqauking, and at the time it didnt have a washer or dryer either. well.... my washer and dryer were delivered today and as I poured the laundry soap in the washer I started to worry about the scent from the laundry soap ect. I dont plan to run either machine when she is in "bed" but i'm worried that the machine will "hold the smell" what do you wonderful more experienced bird owners think?

 

[Flboy]

Soap is nasty, but the fabric softener is a killer!

 

[SailBoat]

If you have purchased one of the new 'front' loading wash machines; I would suggest that you quickly return it! They are very prone to meldew and if not regularly cleared, mold. It will be easy determine when, since your cloths and the machine will stink! In addition, you will need to clean the wash tank's drain holes at least every three months to prevent the build-up of sand, etc... which will block the drain hose. When, not if you need to empty the tank, you will have to do it with with a pan. Also you will need to clean the door seal - a job that if not done regularly will truly be a Dirt Job!

Target a top loader, you will still need to run a cleaner though them, but not as often.

NOTE: In both cases, the cover (door) needs to be left open when not in use!

Since, most people store the full cross-section of soaps, bleaches, softeners, and dryer sheets in the same room, it could be said that it is one very toxin mix. In addition, not having a vent (other than the dryer's vent) or window, I hope you plan on leaving the door open all the time.

New Technology Dryers: Since it sounds like this room is located more in the center of the home and not along an outside wall. The longer the dryer vent piping, the more often you will need to clean that pipe. New dryers operate a lower temperature, which means that the lint will have a higher moisture level and will build-up in the pipe quicker.

Personally, I would look at a different room.

 

[kq_fan]

I agree with Flyboy, the fumes are too much. Also the air in a washing machine/dryer room is very dry. I know dry air is bad for tropical birds. It might not be as bad for Australian birds but I still don't think it is the best... can you put your bird in a room with a safe heater possibly?

 

[AnnBrown]

Soap is nasty, but the fabric softener is a killer!

I dont use fabric softener, and am thinking about changing to scent free laundry soap if that is the main problem.

 

[AnnBrown]

If you have purchased one of the new 'front' loading wash machines; I would suggest that you quickly return it! They are very prone to meldew and if not regularly cleared, mold. It will be easy determine when, since your cloths and the machine will stink! In addition, you will need to clean the wash tank's drain holes at least every three months to prevent the build-up of sand, etc... which will block the drain hose. When, not if you need to empty the tank, you will have to do it with with a pan. Also you will need to clean the door seal - a job that if not done regularly will truly be a Dirt Job!

Target a top loader, you will still need to run a cleaner though them, but not as often.

NOTE: In both cases, the cover (door) needs to be left open when not in use!

Since, most people store the full cross-section of soaps, bleaches, softeners, and dryer sheets in the same room, it could be said that it is one very toxin mix. In addition, not having a vent (other than the dryer's vent) or window, I hope you plan on leaving the door open all the time.

New Technology Dryers: Since it sounds like this room is located more in the center of the home and not along an outside wall. The longer the dryer vent piping, the more often you will need to clean that pipe. New dryers operate a lower temperature, which means that the lint will have a higher moisture level and will build-up in the pipe quicker.

Personally, I would look at a different room.

I purchased a top load style washer, I do not store any chemicals (dont use bleach EVER) other than laundry soap. There are two doors in the laundry room (the back door is located in the laundry room) there just is not a window allowing light in. I do plan on placing a fan in the room while/ after using the washer/dryer to air out any extra "fumes" The only time this door is closed at this time is when Raz is in her cage for the night but the door can be left open if that would make it safe. I really do not have anywhere else in the house to place a cage the size of her sleep cage. She is on a stand in the living room when ever someone is home (I work from home so she is out 90% of the time) The machines are only in use in the morning so there is typically a 8+hour air out period before she is back in the room.

 

[Aquila]

I would actually say a closet with a shelf would be a better option, since you can leave the door open.

My concern would actually be the heating element of the dryer, if it emits any fumes like teflon would or anything of that sort.

 

[AnnBrown]

we are in a rental with VERY small closets and short of putting her cage in the middle (an I mean middle as in open on 4 sides dead center) of my living room I really dont have a way to fix this. What I need to figure out now is how to make it safe for her. I moved all cleaners out of the laundry room before bringing her home. I can not find any research on line that details any risk to her health of simply sharing the room with the machines when they are not in use and have been properly ventilated.

 

[Taw5106]

Where does she spend most of her time when she's not sleeping? Clive does she have a play stand in a separate room? My fids do not go in the laundry room, not because they can't or need to. Mine laundry is in the garage and my fids are in the living room so I've never had or thought about this as being an issue but now that you've asked, excellent question. Do you have another room or space in your bedroom to move her cage too? I know space is going to be a big issue.

 

[ToMang07]

I know it's not entirely related to the post, however...

As far as the front-loading washers "smelling" or "molding," as long as they are used once a week AND the door left OPEN, they will be fine, I've used them for years without issue. (Besides it eating socks and occasionally getting plugged, which is an easy fix.)

IMO... I would not have birds in a room where I store chemicals.

 

[Mimsy01]

I don't have my birds in the laundry room. But the laundry room is right off the kitchen so they are around it quite a bit.

I use unscented laundry soap. No fabric softeners. The only additives I use are vinegar and baking soda on smelly yucky laundry. We do laundry a lot, between a husband who does construction, a starling who poops on everyones shoulders and a load of towels that are covering all the favorite bird areas, rugs on floor by favorite bird areas, rat hammocks, dog bedding, bunny laundry and my daughter. I've never had any issues, knock on wood and we've had sensitive animals in the house for the last 30 or so years.

 

[AnnBrown]

Where does she spend most of her time when she's not sleeping? Clive does she have a play stand in a separate room? My fids do not go in the laundry room, not because they can't or need to. Mine laundry is in the garage and my fids are in the living room so I've never had or thought about this as being an issue but now that you've asked, excellent question. Do you have another room or space in your bedroom to move her cage too? I know space is going to be a big issue.

She is on her stand in the living room most of the day. She only goes to the laundry room to sleep. I spoke to my vet and we made some changes to what laundry soap we are using (chemical free organic laundry soap witch is great because it does have a scent but it comes from natural citrus and lavender) I am also keeping a fan in the doorway when the machines are running, keeping the door open and only washing first thing in the morning so there is plenty of time for the room to air out before she is in there again. Problem solved.