Washing rope perches

[NicoleN]

I was cleaning the cages this past weekend, and I took the birds rope perches and put them in the washing machine like I always do. Well...they BROKE it! Oh it was a disaster and now we have to get it fixed. Plus, it broke a few of the rope perches as well (plastic ends & frayed rope). This has never happened before to the perches and am completely shocked.

What are other ways to clean the perches? I used to squirt them with a vinegar solution and then scrub them with a brush, but it seemed to make them 'dirtier' somehow...like I was rubbing the poop into them. Gross. Plus it took forever to dry.

Thanks for any ideas.

 

[Deanna]

Wow, your dishwasher broke as a result of the perches or it was just a coincidence that the perches were in there when it broke?

I wash mine in the dishwasher pots and pans cycle all the time.

But, when I powerwash the cages, I leave them in and spray everything down with a bleach dilute and powerwash them really good.

I love our powerwasher, we finally broke down and got one and it was worth every penny we spent.

Anyway, Nicole, gosh, sure am sorry about your dishwasher

 

[Kais2ndmomma]

I use the dishwasher, too, but I bought a separate one for bird things versus one for dishes (guests get grossed out if they think bird poop has been in there). I've always found that old dishwashers that work (from a thrift store or something) work REALLY well for bird things because, they may be too harsh for fragile glasses or leave spots on things, they just DON'T get broken and they do a good job of washing bird things!
Also in the past, I'd go to the laundromat (break their washing machines, not mine!) and just throw them into the washer with no soaps or anything and some old towels (so they don't clunk around) and it worked great! Cost me about $1.00 to wash the things every 2 weeks, but it was cheaper than new appliances!

 

[Christy]

We use the dishwasher for some of the acrylic toys, but for the perches and stuff we actually use the bathtub. Fill it up with soapy/vinegar water and scrub the heck out of everything. Reading about the dishwasher now that seems so much easier!! Not as much effort. I'm sorry your dishwasher broke though. That's too bad.
And it would be nice to have two, you are lucky kai's momma....someday when we get our own house I think that will be a good idea. hmmm.something else to add to my wish list.

 

[Kais2ndmomma]

Haha the only reason I was able to get two was because the laundromat closed down and the thrift store had a working dishwasher for $25

 

[nzchickadee]

lol Guys, read the post again.
Washing machine - not dishwasher
But your all very cute!

 

[NicoleN]

Hahaha...yes...it's a washing machine. Don't worry though, usually whenever I refer to the dishwasher, or the washing machine (for clothes) I just say 'the washer'. Get's people really confused.

Just a little FYI for those of you that might use a washing machine. Apparently, it's only safe to put the perches, etc in top-loading machines. Front loaders have a much faster spin cycle, so it's not safe for the toys or washer. Thought I'd let you know, might save someone a headache in the future.

Maybe I'll use the dishwasher or the laundromat next time though

 

[Keupi]

I generally put them in a bucket (only used for his stuff) with a little dishwashing soap and hot water and let them soak for a few hours. Then I take a scrub brush and then rinse it off. I set them out to dry.

I also have two sets of Keup's two main rope ones (his sleeping one and his swing) so he's not without them. Though, one time I did pull a stupid and put the clean ones in the bucket instead of the dirty ones. I find that a hair dryer is very useful (also for a quick freezer defrost - college tricks) - high heat and blast LOL.

 

[Cashclan]

Oh my goodness I can tell I’m gonna learn a LOT here!!! I’m off to google “power washer” I haven’t even heard of it but I’m SURE I absolutely have to have one!!! Heehee

 

[LordTriggs]

all I do for cleaning perches is shove them in a sink with hot soapy water, let them soak for a couple minutes then get scrubbing! after which I leave them out on the side to dry

it really isn't that bad to be honest

 

[clark_conure]

Not for nothing, bird toys aren't that expensive, I'd just buy new, or buy a couple new and rotate them out and toss them, considering the cost of everything else it's virtually nothing.