This follows a post that I saw in a thread earlier, where someone referred to 'the squirty device that goes off every 15 minutes.' Not sure which thread or who posted it, but thought it was worth a polite reminder.

 

Please do not use air fresheners in the same room as your parrots. Whether they are solid-type, gel, plug-in or aerosol. The scents and propellants are toxic to birds and could result in serious respiratory illness or even death.

 

This isn't just a scare tactic - I'm sure there are people here on the forum that have heard of birds harmed in this way.

Please, for our birds' sake, don't use them.

Aren't scented candles a no-no too?? Does anyone have any ideas how we can keep our homes smelling sweet? I have dogs,cats and men in my house- I need something what with winter comming and doors and windows not open as much... Any ideas????

There are some purifiers that you can use ill look them up cant think what there called there water based

None of my animals smell, neither does my house.

Fresh air, cleaning, vacuuming and grooming elimates all smells. No need to mask them then.

Yes, and HEPA air purifiers are a great aid too!

At Christmas someone suggested orages with cloves pressed in them - never tried it though. And yes Laura, scented candles are banned too.

I wouldnt use ANY candles at all even unscented ones.The wicks are soaked in paraffin which also gives off fumes.
As shell says, lavender.
I also use fresh garden mint. Heated in a pan of water, it fills the whole house with a lovely smell.
I think there is also a solution that can be made up for household cleaning, which is totally natural and leaves a fresh lingering smell with lavender and lemons, it was on How clean is your house.

You can look on the how clean is your house website for all kinds of tips!

The cloves in oranges didn't work for me. It took LOADS of cloves,which weren't cheap and then it all dried out and went mouldy without so much as a christmas whiff!! I work full time,safe house and have a family. Cleaning,vacuuming and grooming have to take a back seat sometimes and MY house needs a bit of a boost in winter. The windows ect stay closed more. I just wondered if anyone had any handy hints to give my house that extra freshness,not mask a dirty house! My garden mint has died back for winter and the lavender is sparse..but I do have a "How clean is your house" book that iIwill check for the solution,or maybe there is a web site?

Yes there is Laura, it's brilliant!

Bicarb of soda as a carpet freshner vac some up to freshen up the vac. using diluted fabric conditioner in a spray bottle to freshen up the settee curtains etc.

I like the idea of the diluted fabric conditioner. I tried to find the household cleaning solution on the web site but haven't been successful. Thanks for the good advice so far.

I use the diluted fabric conditioner instead of tumble drier sheets when drying the clothes

you could soak old face cloth in fabric conditioner wring it out put it on the radiator to dry gives a lovely smell lol comes in a whole range of fragrance too

I have an Hepa air purifier, and it makes the room smell slightly damp, almost like a swimming pool. I've cleaned it thoroughly and it's made no difference to the smell. We don't have dogs any more, but a roomful of birds don't smell, unless the filter's on. Any ideas what causes that?
Doddie

Haven't experienced that problem Doddie, what I always do feel is that the room is somehow cooler, which it isn't according to the thermometer, can only think that it is because it is fresher. Are the filters in your purifier washable or disposable?

Been reading this with more than just a passing interest, it's a problem that all bird owners face, not only air freshners but down to things like surface cleaners, polishes etc etc, a bit of background first, for decades I have been involved in soils, composts, plants etc during this time I was always drawn to the organic side of things and this led onto herbs, natural remedies and all things "none chemical" now to the point, more recently I have become more involved in the birdy freindly stuff with a view to putting together and making available suitable products, because of my work I have access to trade supplies of the "right" ingredients, we have the means to package, sell and distribute. I have spent years looking at this stuff and would never use anything that I had the slightest doubt about, in fact all of the ingredients are ones that you would use but just not in a combined or usable state and all ingredients would be clearly listed. To date, I have not got my act together as I am very busy work wise and other things on the boil but this thread has prompted me to ask you good people if this is something you would be interested in and if so what birdy friendly household products would you be interested in? I would really like your thoughts .

Nigel

Nigel, air fresheners for one and, as you say, surface cleaners.

YES in a huge way , im abit of a cleaning freak and am always trying to find things that are bird friendly not much out there though
nicky x

Ditto Helen.Surface cleaners and room scenters are on my list. Though I am going to go down the fabric conditioner route for now.