A few tips to make the job a little easier
Tip 1 First things first. Remove the bird from the cage to a fun play area with lots of things to keep said bird occupied before beginning your task. Some birds do not like anyone messing with their stuff, so this is a really smart tip. If your bird is not easy to handle or is fully flighted and may get into trouble if left unattended, place your bird in a carrier or small travel cage with fun foot toys or food treats (or both) while you clean.
Tip 2 - Remove all bird toys and perches from the cage before cleaning. This is a good time to inspect all toys for wear and tear and throw out anything that might not still be safe. Check bells, texture toys such as ropes or sisal strips, and leather strips or knots, bird beds, and even toy hanging/attaching links closely.
Tip 3 - Wooden perches can be soaked in a sink or bathtub in gentle dish detergent and water but be sure to thoroughly rinse and dry completely before returning perches to the cage. Rope and Sisal or other material perches can be brushed with a stiff bristle brush to help remove dried-on poop or food being careful not to cause loosened threads or strings from the brushing. Once wet, these types of perches may be harder to clean so it may be a trial and error job gently brushing and then thoroughly cleaning. Although some people may gasp at the thought, perches can also be run through a dishwasher cycle once brushed to better clean and disinfect. Again, make sure they are completely dry before returning to the cage. Throw out any rope or other organic material perches that look like they might trap tiny toes.
Tip 4 - If your cage is easy to move, spring is a great time to roll it outside and make great use of a sprayer hose to clean. If you choose to use a power washer be sure to test at lowest pressure setting first as some will literally remove the paint from your cage. If your cage is small enough to fit into the shower or bathtub, you may prefer cleaning indoors. (DO NOT LEAVE BIRD IN CAGE IN SHOWER UNATTENDED- drowning can happen!)
Cages can be washed with vinegar and water, or a mixture of gentle dish detergent and water. Always rinse well after cleaning. If you choose to use a manufactured cleaner, please choose a product specifically made to clean bird areas and something that is absolutely known to be bird safe.
NEVER use cleaners such as Mr. Clean, Lysol, Soft Scrub, Windex, 409, etc. to clean anything your bird can come in contact with, as almost all strong household cleaners can be deadly to your bird. Bleach is not recommended for cleaning either, as it is toxic if inhaled by your bird, is very caustic to cage finishes, and can burn skin if splashed accidentally.
Tip 5 - Once everything is nice and clean, it's a good time to add a few new toys before returning your bird to the cage area. Because the bird is absolutely going to know you have been messing with their stuff, and new toys may help soothe things over for you.
Happy Spring Cleaning!
