I cleaned out my storage shed today looking for the plastic storage bins I want to use for packing.  I was appalled at how filthy they had become just sitting there over time.  Since I will be putting bird accessories into many of them, I need to use a cleaning solution that is entirely safe and non-toxic.

White, distilled vinegar is all natural, and can be used in many helpful ways.  It cleans, disinfects, deodorizes, and removes stains and mineral deposits.  It can be used on carpet and upholstery, in the laundry, in the garden to keep pests away, and it is a miracle worker on your kitchen appliances.  It is the only thing I use to clean windows and mirrors.

There are many “pet friendly” cleaners out there that claim to be safe and effective.  I don’t necessarily trust any company that manufactures a product for profit who make these claims.  Their idea of safe is not likely to be the same as mine.  Spending $10 on a 16oz bottle of commercial cleaning fluid doesn’t mean it will work better. Vinegar is effective and CHEAP, not to mention safe for the environment.  There are two ingredients in this cleaner: vinegar and the water you dilute it with.

Vinegar is so cool that it has its own museum and an international festival every June in Roslyn, SD.  Do they throw a parade for  Pine Sol??  I don’t think so.

Author Patty Jourgensen specializes in avian health, behavior and nutrition and has been working with and caring for rescue birds since 1987.