Safe cleaners/disinfectants. Blue Vitriol?

[Cosmographer]

It seems like a lot of people use F10 but that's not as easy to get here. I've seen other options that involve vinegar, bleach, etc. but if possible, I'd rather not be mixing my own household cleaners every time.

A little dishwashing soap with water seems to be one option. But they also sell something here called Blue Vitriol. It's not marketed towards pet owners like F10, but it says it's odorless and bleach-free. On the other hand, it does have copper sulfate as an ingredient. Any thoughts?

 

[noodles123]

Wouldn't spray anything with copper...They can't ingest even the smallest bit (very toxic) so if they breathe it in, that is concerning to me.

3% hydrogen peroxide can be used on non-bird items around the house...that kills lots of stuff...just dump it into a chemically resistant sprayer (no water needed)

Less effective by far, but a decent cleaner is white vinegar ...then there is baking soda for grime...Oh---non-scented magic erasers are safe for non-bird stuff.

You don't have to mix vinegar daily...heck-- you don't even have to mix it (TECHNICALLY) although too much can still harm your bird if you are going crazy with the non-diluted stuff...

 

[Cosmographer]

Thanks! I knew copper was toxic but figured as a cleaner in liquid form there would be nothing for her to ingest. But if it's that's toxic, then I guess any residue that might get onto fallen toys, etc could make it quite risky.

 

[noodles123]

Thanks! I knew copper was toxic but figured as a cleaner in liquid form there would be nothing for her to ingest. But if it's that's toxic, then I guess any residue that might get onto fallen toys, etc could make it quite risky.

My thought is, their nares connect to their mouths, so if it is being sprayed, bits of it would be in the air and if they breathe them in, it just seems like it would still be getting into their system...I Personally think it seems risky, given the issue with copper...I am just speculating, but it would make me uncomfortable. I have never used it it myself, nor have a researched it, but I do know copper is highly toxic to them- so I don't like the idea of spraying copper particles into the air.

Oh aslo-- with f10, it's SO easy to mix (takes like 10 seconds max)...a mixed batch is good for 6 months after mixing (while the concentrate unmixed is good for years). I just mix up a new batch whenever I need one (directly into the sprayer), but it's not like you are going to use a bottle a day...A 200ML bottle of the concentrate will easily last you a year..(even if you use A TON of it daily and at moderately high concentrations)--more than a year for most...
You can make 13.2 gallons-worth of the stuff if you do 2ml to 17oz per batch...aka a 1:250 mix ratio (200ml/2(based on 2ml per 17 oz)=100x17oz=1700 oz). So even though it seems expensive...it actually is a good deal..and my ratio is higher than the minimum needed for certain tasks-- so you could technically stretch that further, depending on what you are disinfecting.

For my method, all you need is a chemically resistant spray bottle (preferably with ounces/measurements pre-marked)
a 1 ml plastic pharmacy syringe--you can get them for free at most pharmacies (the really tiny ones)
bottle of f10 concentrate
tap water (17 oz)

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Stick the syringe right into the f10 bottle and suck up 2 ml (2 syringes worth). Squirt into the bottle. Fill to the 17 oz line. Done.

 

[Cosmographer]

Yeah the F10 would been my first choice but it's hard to get around here, unfortunately.

 

[noodles123]

Yeah the F10 would been my first choice but it's hard to get around here, unfortunately.

Have you tried Ebay?
Where (roughly) are you located, if you don't mind?