York Area Pet Bird Club

Grapefruit Extract: What Is it? Is it Safe? How do I use it?

by Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S.

Grapefruit seed is an underrated treasure in the opinion of many. It cleans, protects, preserves delicate foods, and there is research indicating it is effective as a natural antibiotic, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-protozoan and antiseptic disinfectant. It had been used for bird-related purposes for several years by aviculturists.

In the years since its discovery, grapefruit seed extract has been tested and validated by the FDA and USDA as well as a number of physicians. The active ingredient of grapefruit seed extract is non-toxic and is synthesized from the seed and pulp of grapefruit. This liquid is loaded with polyphenolic compounds. GSE has been proven in laboratory tests to be 10 to 100 tomes more effective as a disinfectant than chlorine, colloidal silver, and iodine. The United States Department of Agriculture tested GSE and found it effective against four animal viruses including avian influenza.
Uses...

• Preventing Mold In Sprouted Seeds - Use 1 tablespoon GSE per gallon of water for the initial soak water and subsequent rinse water.
  
  
• Disinfecting Laundry - Add 10- 15 drops of GSE to the final rinse water
  
  
• Skin Rinse (For minor skin irritations & Cleansing hands) - Mix 1 - 2 drops per tablespoon.
  
  
• Antibacterial Soap - Add 10 - 15 drops of GSE added to an eight-ounce pump container of your favorite hand-soap.
  
  
• Vegetable Wash (Sink Washing) - Add 20 or more drops of extract into a sink full of cold water. Briefly soak any vegetables or fruits.
  
  
• (Spray Washing) Add 20 drops per 32oz bottle of water with sprayer pump. Shake thoroughly and spray on any vegetables of fruits. Rinse when done.
  
  
• Dish & Utensil Cleaner - Add 10-20 drops of extract to sink dishwashing water or to final rinse. You may do the same for dishwashers.
  
  
• Cutting Board Cleaner, Perches & Other Wood Surfaces - Apply 5 - 10 drops of extract to cutting board and work into entire board with a wet sponge or dishcloth. Leave on for at least 60 minutes. Rinse with water before using. As an alternative method, mix a tablespoon GSE in 16 ounces of water and spray of dip perches, leaving on for half an hour. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
  
  
• All Purpose Cleaner - Add 15 -30 drops of extract to any 32 oz pump sprayer filled with your favorite cleanser or this can be added just to water. Use on all surfaces of the house and aviary.
  
  
• Carpet Cleaning - Add 10- 15 drops per gallon in the reservoir is effective in killing staph, strep, aspergillus, salmonella and many other pathogenic organisms.
  
  
• Preventing Algae Growth in Incubators & Humidifiers - Add 3 -4 of GSE per gallon of water in the reservoir.
  
  
• Cleaning chicks After Feeding - Add 2-3 Drops GSE to a large bowl of warm water to wet the cleaning cloth.
  
  
• Add to Drinking Water - 1 drop of GSE in 8 ounces of water prevents the growth of pathogens and removes existing parasites.
  
  

Reprinted with permission from the SPBE Journal.