We’ve taken the time to examine a huge number of the products on the market. Some are based on our personal experience and the experience of many other actual customers. We put together a list of what we think are the 5 Best Chicken Coop Cleaner and Deodorizers on the market.
Like most cleaning products, there are a ton of different chicken coop cleaners on the market. And just like most cleaning products, very few of them do the job that they promise to do.
We will be diving into the pros and cons of each in the full article. If you want to get right to our favorites, you can see them below.
Our Top Picks
- Absolutely Clean Chicken Coop Cleaner and Deodorizer
- Sweet PDZ Coop Refresher
- Microbe-Lift Chicken Coop Spray, Coop Cleaner & Deodorizer
- Chick Fresh Odor Eliminator Spray For Backyard Chickens
- Absorbent Products Inc. Fresh COOP Odor Control for Backyard Chicken
Why Use a Chicken Coop Cleaner and Deodorizer?
In addition to being irritating to your nose and eyes (and annoying to your neighbors). The pungent smell coming from your chicken coop can be dangerous for your chickens.
The main culprit in this smell is ammonia. Even small concentrations (as low as 25 ppm) can be toxic.
While this common chemical is used in many household cleaning products, it’s extremely potent in animal feces and urine.
Long-term exposure to concentrations of ammonia can result in a variety of health issues for your chickens. Especially during the winter season.
All of the chicken coop cleaners and deodorizers we will be talking about in this article. They are designed to specifically target ammonia. They will help keep your chickens healthy and your neighbors happy and stench free
Absolutely Clean Chicken Coop Cleaner and Deodorizer
One of our top picks is the Absolutely Clean Chicken Coop Cleaner and Deodorizer.
Not only is this product made by a family-owned small business based in Colorado, but this stuff also works.
Despite being a naturally derived formula, the combination of enzymes and non-toxic surfactants is one of the most powerful on the market.
This cleaner deodorizer is designed to work great across a variety of different surfaces. These are wood floors, walls, and even rubber mats or concrete.
The quick application process using their spray bottle and fast drying time (typically between two and five minutes). This helps take the hassle out of your coop cleaning process.
Although the formula is vet-approved and pet safe. The manufacturer suggests you remove all of your chickens, movable fixtures, and bedding. This should be done before applying the product and keep them out until the coop is completely dry.
The Clean formula is available in two sizes. A 32-ounce bottle that comes with the sprayer and a 128-ounce refill bottle.
Pros
Garden Spray Bottle:
Unlike many of the spray-based deodorizing products, the Absolutely Clean formula is most commonly found in a garden sprayer bottle.
Not only does this make application a breeze, for people that have dexterity issues. Thus, makes the process much faster as well.
Additionally, the garden sprayer is designed to switch between using the spray and euros directly meaning you can complete the process in one simple trip.
Ideal For Deep Cleaning:
If you’re looking for a cleaning and deodorizing product that’s ideal for deep cleans. It can remove odors from just about any surface, this is the product for you.
This is one of the best deep cleaning products on the market. The easy application process makes it a no-brainer to use
Cons
Expensive For Frequent Use:
Since this product is designed as more of deep cleaning formula. It can become extremely expensive if used regularly (as compared to the other options).
Our suggestion is to use this only for a deep clean (a few times per year). And to use one of the other products for more regular treatments of your coop.
Requires Full Removal of Animals and Bedding:
Although this product is naturally based and animal-safe. You need to remove everything (animals, bedding, and anything that isn’t a permanent fixture) from the coop before use. And leave it out of the coop until the coop is completely dry.
Even though the formula itself dries quickly. The frustrating part of this process can be waiting for the suggested water rinse to dry. This can take several hours in more humid environments.
Sweet PDZ Coop Refresher
While Sweet PDZ is a cleaning and deodorizing product in the same way the others on this list are,. We would be wrong to not included it in this list
This 100% natural product is created from the mineral known as zeolite. This helps to absorb moisture and keep your coop smelling fantastic.
The Sweet PDZ formula doesn’t contain any additional perfumes or masking agents making it safe for people and pets.
The magic behind Sweet PDZ is the way its minerals interact with the nasty parts of chicken waste, like ammonia. It turns them into usable fertilizer loaded with nitrogen, calcium, and potassium.
This product is recommended if you prefer a completely natural approach. You should regularly clean and maintain your coop. Particularly, if you plan on reusing betting or waste products from your chickens to fertilize other areas of your garden or property.
Pros
All Natural:
Since the sweet PDZ formula has only one ingredient. That ingredient is a naturally occurring mineral. This product can be considered to be extremely safe to use for everyone involved.
Easy to Use:
The Sweet PDZ Coop Refresher comes as granules (about the size of table sugar) and comes in an easy to spread bag.
Although carrying around a 10-pound bag may not be an ideal solution for some senior wranglers among us. A small amount of the stuff goes a long way. Meaning you could easily use a smaller container like a measuring cup to transport the amount you need. Always leave the bag in a safe and dry location.
Cons
More For Prevention Than Deep Cleaning:
While the Sweet PDZ formula is great for treating affected areas. It also helps improve the compostability of your chickens’ waste. It’s a product designed more for odor prevention than for deep cleaning.
If you’re someone who cleans your group regularly, this may be the ideal product for you.
If on the other hand, you’re looking for a solution to long-term for your current odor problem. You may want to consider one of the more potent solutions.
Might Be Over-Priced:
Depending on the current price of the chicken-specific packaging, you may find it to be extremely overpriced.
This manufacturer also makes a horse-branded variety, with an identical formula, that can often be found for a lower price.
Additionally, the horse packaging often comes in a larger bag, meaning you can get substantially more bang for your buck.
Microbe-Lift Chicken Coop Spray, Coop Cleaner & Deodorizer
The Chicken Coop Spray, Coop Cleaner & Deodorizer from Microbe-Life is one of the few 100% natural and biodegradable products on the market in a spray format.
While they don’t dive into the specific formula or ingredient, the product is designed to not only eliminate foul (and fowl) odors but is also designed to work well with the deep litter method, meaning you’ll be able to keep your coop odor-free AND not have to deep clean it as often.
This spray cleaner and deodorizer are available in two sizes. A 32-ounce spray bottle and a 1-gallon jug come with a pump and spray attachment.
Pros:
Designed For Deep Litter:
The Microbe-Life spray is designed to work well with the “deep litter” method, meaning you need to change bedding and clean your coop less often and end up with great fertilizer when you’re done.
All of that with NO bad smells coming from your coop is a HUGE win in our book.
No Rinse Needed:
While it may not be as quick-drying as some of the other cleanings sprays on the market, the Microbe-Life spray is designed to not need to be rinsed.
This means, not only are you going to save a good bit of water in the cleaning of your coops, but you can save valuable time because there’s no need to wait for your coop to dry from a water-based rinse, which can take several hours in more humid areas.
Cons:
No Garden Sprayer:
Unfortunately, the Microbe-Life spray is only available with a hand sprayer (similar to a Windex bottle) and does not have a garden spray option making it difficult for people with dexterity issues to use this product.
Most Common Version Is Hard To Handle:
While this product does come in several sizes including a 32-ounce spray bottle, the most commonly found version of this product is the get one sized bottle.
Although a little of this product goes a long way, hauling around an 8-pound bottle in one hand while using a hand pump sprayer in the other is an experience most people enjoy.
Keep your eyes peeled for the 32-ounce bottle and grab one any chance you can.
Chick Fresh Odor Eliminator Spray For Backyard Chickens
Chick Fresh Odor Eliminator Spray for Backyard Chickens is one of the most convenient options on the market.
Not only does it come with an easy to use for about, but you can typically find a package that also includes enough concentrated formula to create over a gallon of the spray (meaning it comes with quite a few refills).
Although the manufacturer does not let us know exactly what ingredients are, they do claim to have a 100% natural formula specifically to target the ammonia odor created by chicks or chickens.
There’s also a lot of customer reports (although I don’t have any personal experience) for this product working well on other ammonia-based odors, such as dirty cat litter or inside rabbit hutches.
Additionally, they claim that one purchase of this product (with the refill bottle) will last 8 to 10 months in a standard chicken coop and up to one year in a brooding environment of up to 15 chicks.
Pros
Multiple Uses:
As mentioned in the description, there are lots of customer reports that the Chick Fresh Odor Eliminator Spray is not only great for use with chickens and other poultry but can be very easily used for other ammonia-based orders such as dirty cat litter.
Anytime you can use a product for multiple things and have it work just as well, it’s a win in our book.
Comes With Refills:
The most common version of this product comes with a refill bottle which, depending on your usage, can last you up to one year of proactive odor elimination
Cons:
Pump Spray Bottle Only:
Unfortunately, like many other spray-based deodorizers, there is no garden sprayer option available for the Chick Fresh Odor Eliminator.
While this isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, it can be a frustrating experience, especially if you have a larger flock.
Designed Only For Odor Control, Not Elimination:
The chick fresh odor eliminator, unlike many of its competitors, is designed more for control and not true elimination of odors.
While the formula is extremely powerful, you need to be diligent in the application of this product to make sure that no unwanted odors escape your coop.
Absorbent Products Inc. Fresh Coop Odor Control for Backyard Chicken
Absorbent Products Fresh Coop Odor Control is a granular formula designed to be applied directly to the bedding of your chickens
This natural formula made from diatomaceous earth, Calcium Montmorillonite, and citric acid works by targeting ammonia, the stuff that makes urine smell bad, and can even be used to help reduce existing odors.
This product is best used as a proactive treatment each time you add new bedding to the coop but should be applied AT LEAST weekly to keep your coop odor-free.
Fresh Coop Odor Control is most commonly available in 7Lb jugs, although some larger farm supply stores may carry it in bags as large as 20lbs.
Pros
Easy To Apply:
This granule formula is extremely easy to apply by simply opening the top of the jug and shaking it over the area where you wish to control the odor.
The common 7-pound jug is easy to use and has a large handle that can be used by people even with some dexterity issues.
Natural Formula:
The simple and natural formula makes this product extremely pet and people safe and doesn’t require any ventilation or removal of anything that is bolted down before application, unlike some of its competitors.
Cons:
Not For Deep Cleans:
Unlike the spray-based deodorizers, this is not a product designed for very deep cleans.
If you have an existing and overwhelming odor problem, you’ll want to start to use this product after you’ve used one of the spray based products that are designed for deep, penetrating claims
Small Size:
The most common size of the fresh coop odor control product is a 7-pound jug. As we mentioned above, it’s easy to handle, but its small size also means this will be an item that needs to be purchased frequently.
Occasionally, you will be able to find bags as large as 20 pounds, but these are very few and far between.
If this is the product you’re choosing to use, our suggestion is to set it up to be AutoShipped, so you never run out.
How To Choose The Right Chicken Coop Cleaner and Deodorizers For Your Flock
Choosing the right cleaner for your flock doesn’t have to be a difficult process.
After examining most of the products available, there are three basic criteria you should consider when trying to find the best product for you.
Cleaning Frequency:
The first important criterion is how often you are cleaning and maintaining your coop.
If you’re not able to apply a cleaning and deodorizing product every few days, you may want to consider one of the deeper cleaning options such as the Clean Chicken Coop Cleaner and Deodorizer.
On the other hand, if you have a regular cleaning schedule then the Sweet PDZ Coop Refresher is probably the right formula for you.
Cleaning Depth:
Just as important as the frequency of your cleaning is the depth of your cleaning. If you are starting with a strong existing odor, lean towards one of the more deep cleanings options to get started on the right foot.
If you’re starting with a new coop you don’t have any existing odor; granule-based formulas are probably more appropriate for your situation.
Ease Of Use:
Chicken coop cleaners seem to come in every size and shape imaginable, so the third and final criteria you should consider when choosing one for yourself and your flock is the ease of use.
If you have any dexterity issues, our suggestion would be to stay away from any of the hand sprayer style (the ones that look like Windex bottles) applicators.
Additionally, you may want to consider the overall size of the product.
While some of these formulas, in gallon or more bottles (or 40-pound bags for the granular versions), can be hard to handle especially if you don’t have a storage space near your chicken coop.
With these three factors in mind, you should be able to use the pros and cons listed for each of the five best chicken coop cleaners deodorizers above, to help figure out which is the best for your specific situation.
Our Recommendation:
Unfortunately, I can’t make a blanket recommendation for every situation.
That being said, out of this list of five that you should consider, in my opinion, there are two standout winners.
For those of you looking to keep your coop from stinking and/or proactive cleaners, the simple and 100% natural formula from Sweet PDZ is the clear winner.
Not only is it available in a variety of sizes and easy to apply, but the correct application can result in turning something that’s otherwise a waste product into some of the best and most valuable fertilizer you’ve ever seen.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a product to remove an existing odor or to truly deep clean your chicken coop, the Absolutely Clean Chicken Coop Cleaner is the way to go.
While it’s a little bit more difficult to apply, due to waiting time for the water to completely dry after the product has been rinsed away, it eliminates odors beyond just the service level and does so extremely quickly.
