The hygiene of companion birds is an extremely important one.
Cages
Droppings often accumulate on cage parts, perches, and they also tend to foul food and water cups, resulting in spoilage (bacterial proliferation and overgrowth) and mold growth. We recommend that perches be kept scrupulously clean at all times. Soap, water, and sandpaper may be used to clean perches. Cage bottoms should be changed daily. Cages should be given a thorough scrubbing and cleaning at least once a month.
Food and Water Cups
These should be thoroughly cleaned once or twice daily before they are replenished. We suggest having 2 - 3 sets of water and food dishes that are changed on a daily rotating basis. When not in use they can be soaking in a "bird safe" disinfectant solution. Whenever possible, use a dishwasher to clean water and food containers as the extremely hot temperatures reached by these appliances aid in the disinfecting process.
Water
Water should be changed at least twice a day, if not more frequently. The water may look perfectly harmless to you, but large numbers of bacteria which can be fatal to your bird can grow in a matter of hours from food, saliva or feces. Let the tap water run for a couple of minutes before filling your bird's water dish as there is bacteria in the water lines that seems to be tolerated well by man, but can have devastating consequences for pet birds.