Safely clean bird baths without using bleach.
Time 20 to 30 minutes
ComplexityBeginner
Cost$0 to $10
Introduction
Here is how to clean a birdbath with vinegar to ensure that your birds are happy, healthy, and will return to your yard on a regular basis.
Imagine how unpleasant taking a bath in a dirty tub would be. That’s how the birds in your backyard feel when their birdbath isn’t kept clean. Cleaning birdbaths properly is important to create an appealing environment for birds and ensure their safety. A safe and effective method is to use a mixture of white vinegar and water. Vinegar has the power to eliminate algae without posing any harm to the birds. Bleach or other harsh chemicals, on the other hand, are not recommended, as they can leave toxic residues that can harm birds and disrupt the delicate ecosystem. Neglecting to maintain a clean birdbath can have severe consequences for birds.
As we welcome the arrival of spring, it’s an excellent opportunity to give the birds a sparkling clean birdbath. The birdbath I cleaned was made of concrete, a popular choice for these types of baths. I even know people who have used concrete to make a birdbath themselves. I grabbed some supplies, rolled up my sleeves and got to work, and believe it or not, I had that bath squeaky clean in under 20 minutes! And hey, with some regular TLC, I bet it’ll be even quicker next time.
Tools Required
- Bucket
- Garden hose w/ nozzle
- Heavy-duty brush
Materials Required
- Rubber gloves
- White vinegar
Watch How To Clean a Birdbath the Right Way
Project step-by-step (5)
Step 1
Rinse the birdbath
Quickly rinse the birdbath with a high-pressure garden hose nozzle to remove any loose dirt and debris. When done, dump out the remaining water.
Step 2
Mix the vinegar solution
In a bucket, mix one part vinegar with nine parts water.
Step 3
Scrub the birdbath
Pour the mixed vinegar and water solution into the birdbath and scrub with a heavy-duty bristle brush or a sponge. If the birdbath is extremely grimy, you may have to repeat the process of adding solution and scrubbing a few times.
Step 4
Rinse clean
With your garden hose, rinse away any remaining dirt and vinegar solution. Then, fill the birdbath with clean water no more than two inches deep.
Step 5
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bleach to clean a birdbath?
The Audubon Society recommends using vinegar instead of bleach and other harsh chemicals. Strong cleansers can harm birds by stripping essential oils from their feathers.
How to prevent algae growth in a birdbath?
Changing the water in your birdbath every other day will help prevent algae from growing. Periodically deep cleaning the birdbath also prevents algae build-up.
Where is the best place to put a birdbath?
If you live in a warm climate, birdbaths should be shaded to keep the water cool. Do not place birdbaths underneath trees, shrubs, or tall outdoor plants that could contribute to seeds, leaves, and other fragments falling into the birdbath. Accumulating debris will dirty the birdbath water quickly and encourage algae growth.
