Dishwashers and bleach

[weco]

For those who are into sanitizing or like to use bleach in their dishwashers, you might want to contact the manufacturer of your dishwasher to check & make sure the use of bleaches does not void the machines' warranties.

Also, bleaches can ruin seals, washers and other parts not meant to be bathed in bleaches and bleach products, often causing leaks and damaged floors & ceilings.

This thread was prompted by another thread concerning the sanitation of used bird toys: http://www.parrotforums.com/off-topic/50342-i-can-t-stay-away-craigs-list.html

 

[getwozzy]

I would also like to add that bleach fumes are toxic to birds-- so if someone uses it to disinfect anything, to do it in an area with proper ventilation and to make sure the items completely dry out and there is no lingering bleach smell before giving the items to their birds.

Vinegar is a safer alternative to bleach....

 

[Amanda_Bennett]

Vinegar is a safer alternative to bleach....

Vinegar gives off toxic fumes at high heat, so be careful of that around your parrots too!

 

[getwozzy]

Vinegar is a safer alternative to bleach....

Vinegar gives off toxic fumes at high heat, so be careful of that around your parrots too!

Yes!! I have not used either in my dishwasher, but both would create toxic fumes if heated...

If someone were to use either to disinfect bird items, it would be sufficient to let them soak in the solution (1 tspn:1gal) for 20-30 minutes, scrub if possible, rinse as much as possible, and then air dry until all smells are gone.

 

[Sunset_Chaser]

I don't have a dishwasher, when I want to sanitize something I give it a soak in hot bleach water, scrub, rinse really well and then let it dry outside in the sun.

 

[strudel]

I tend to steer clear of bleach on anything "food-y", but if I do bleach things, I use milton instead of ordinary household bleach.

I tend to stick with vinegar or citric acid.

EDIT: and yes, agree not to put other chemicals in the dishwasher other than the manufacturer's recommendation

 

[Dopey]

Sorry I'm so late in posting to this.
Weco - thanks so much for this information. I was only going to spray the toys/perches down and let them sit for a few minutes...probably more like 20 minutes and then run the dishwasher.
I don't like bleach and prefer not to use it but I do want to sanitize these toys as best I can.
The bird store that I go to gave me a liquid yesterday (I can't remember the name and I left the packets at home) that will sterilize the toys/perches as well.
I'm hoping that this stuff won't bleach out the blocks of colored wood on the toys. But I'm not sure the birds care about the colors as much as I do.
As for putting things in the sun...we haven't had enough sun around here lately to do any good.