Is Pine-Sol safe for birds?

Author: Prof. Norbert White  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Today's birds are in danger from many household cleaners, especially those with any phenol derivatives (Pine-Sol®, Lysol®, etc.), which are extremely toxic. Also be aware of toxicity from bleach (chlorine), ammonia, perfumes, and ingestion of rubbing alcohol.

Can I use Pine-Sol around birds?

In a word, no. Aside from its chemical contents, the scent of Pine Sol is too strong to use around birds.

What floor cleaner is safe for birds?

Yes, vinegar is a safe cleaner for your bird. We have all tile floors and use white vinegar (cheap bought in gallon bottles) and water. The vinegar smell disappears rapidly, and no harsh fumes for birds or humans.

Is Pine-Sol safe to use around pets?

Yes, Pine Sol is toxic to pets.

Is pine bedding safe for birds?

Pine Shavings: Please note that wood shavings - such as pine, cedar and redwood - give off aromatic hydrocarbons (phenols) and acids that are toxic and very damaging to the respiratory tract. They should not be used in cages, aviaries, or nestboxes.

7 Pine-Sol Hacks You Never Knew

What is the safest bedding for birds?

For your bird's health, I'd stick to paper pellets or even plain, untreated paper. If you're worried about odor, frequent cage cleaning is key.

Is pine bedding safe for small animals?

Plush Pine is ideal for hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils and rabbits. Highwater Hardwood, a maple and alder blend, is the best choice for exotic small animals like snakes, lizards and turtles. It is also a good alternative for people that are sensitive to the smell of pine.

What should you not use Pine-Sol on?

Pine-Sol® is not recommended for use on marble, aluminum, or unsealed, waxed, oiled or visibly worn wood. Q: Where should I NOT use Pine-Sol® Cleaners? A: We do not recommend using Pine-Sol® Original Multi-Surface Cleaner on aluminum, copper or marble surfaces.

What is safe to mop floors with pets?

5 Best Pet Safe Floor Cleaners + DIY Tips
  • Steam Mopping. Steam mopping is a wonderful way to clean almost any type of floor with no chemicals or cleaning products. ...
  • Vinegar + Water. ...
  • Lemon Juice + Water. ...
  • Liquid Castile Soap + Water For Hardwood Floors. ...
  • Branch Basics or Human-Safe All-Purpose Cleaner.

What animals hate the smell of Pine-Sol?

Effectiveness: Pine Sol contains pine oil, which is known for its strong scent. This scent can act as a deterrent for certain pests, such as ants, spiders, and cockroaches. However, it may not be as effective against all types of critters.

What disinfectant is safe to use around birds?

Chlorhexadine-containing compounds are frequently used as disinfectants and for wound cleaning. They are considered relatively nontoxic and noncorrosive, and safe for use around birds. They have good activity against many bacteria, yeast (particularly Candida) and some enveloped viruses.

Is Dawn dish soap safe for birds?

Q: What do you use to wash birds? A: We use Dawn dish soap. International Bird Rescue has conducted research on most of the commonly available cleaning agents and Dawn meets all the criteria we have established for appropriate cleaning agents.

What can I put under my bird cage to keep the floor clean?

Rubber Flooring Rolls 1/4 Inch 4x10 Ft Colors work really well under birdcages. They are designed to endure heavy weight and exercise equipment, so they most certainly can handle anything a birdcage will throw at your subfloor.

Is Pine-Sol safe after it dries?

Is Pine-Sol Safe After It Dries? Yes, Pine-Sol is less harmful after it dries, but it's still a good idea to be cautious. Some residue can remain, especially on surfaces that your dog might lick or come into contact with.

Will spraying vinegar keep birds away?

The smell of vinegar is very unpleasant for birds. It's a common household item, so you can easily put it in a spray bottle and use it anywhere you want to avoid birds in your garden.

Is pine scent safe for birds?

Avoid using these essential oils around your bird: Tea tree. Peppermint. Tree oils such as – Eucalyptus, Arborvitae, Pine.

Is pine sol pet safe?

Pine-Sol® products should never be used on or consumed by animals. Please consult label instructions and cautionary text for safe use and handling of the product. Keep cleaning products out of reach of children and pets.

Is mopping with Fabuloso safe for pets?

Floor Cleaners

If you are looking for something more reasonable and without shipping, check out Fabuloso Multi-purpose Cleaners which are non-hazardous to pets and babies.

What is the most hygienic way to mop floors?

Water and white vinegar: A simple solution of water and white vinegar is effective for most hard floors. It disinfects and cuts through grime without leaving a residue.

Do you need to rinse after mopping with Pine-Sol?

If you must use pine sol, I'd definitely follow with a clean water washing to remove residue especially for safety of animals and children.

Why was Pine-Sol taken off the market?

In 2022, certain Pine-Sol cleaners were recalled due to a potential health risk involving harmful bacteria.

What bugs does Pine-Sol repel?

If you have a problem with wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, or bees, Pine Sol can spare you from painful stings. Remember not to use it on honey bees – we need them to help pollinate our food plants – but for other hive insects, spray full strength Pine Sol as an insecticide.

Can birds have pine bedding?

As for nesting materials, the only safe material is all natural Aspen shavings. Never use pine, cedar or other shaving as they have aromatic oils that can be toxic to the birds.

Is pine disinfectant safe for animals?

Unfortunately, the source of that scent, usually longleaf pine oil, is one of the ingredients that can be dangerous to pets. Aside from pine oil, other ingredients in the formulation of Pine-Sol that can be harmful include benzoic acid, isopropyl alcohol, and sulfonic acids like phenol.

What is the best bedding material with pets?

One of the longest-lasting and durable bedding textiles, linen has been a popular favourite for quite some time. But did you know it's also one of the best pet-hair resistant fabrics, and the ideal choice for dog and cat owners?

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