How to clean a bird bath

Bird baths are a delightful addition to your outdoor space and an essential water source for birds, attracting them to your garden. Bird baths can naturally accumulate dirt, algae, and debris over time, becoming unclean and potentially dangerous for your frequent visitors. But by following our step-by-step guide on how to clean a bird bath, you will maintain a healthy and inviting environment for all the wild birds flocking to your garden.

What will you need for cleaning?

Cleaning a bird bath is easy, but knowing what you need and how to clean it properly means you can be sure it’s safe and hygienic for you and the birds.

Rubber gloves
Scrub brush or sponge
Bird bath cleaning formula
Bucket
Water hose or clean water source
Paper towels or a clean rag for drying

Step 1: Empty the bird bath:

Before starting the cleaning process, empty the contents of the bath completely. Pour out the old water and remove any leaves, twigs, or other debris collected by the bird bath. Then dispose of the water and debris.

Step 2: Rinse to remove any loose dirt:

Use a garden hose or a clean water source to thoroughly rinse the bird bath to remove any loose dirt or debris that may remain. This initial rinsing will remove most of the dirt and grime, making cleaning easier.

Step 3: Prepare the cleaning solution:

Rinsing the bird bath out on a regular basis with a hose and giving it a good scrub with a brush is usually enough since it gets rid of most of the dirt. But you can use cleaners formulated specifically for bird baths or a weak disinfectant if it needs a deep clean. Just make sure you rinse it well afterwards! Then dry the bath using a towel or leave it to air dry completely. This will kill off any remaining pathogens that may harm birds.

Step 4: Scrub the bird bath:

Wearing rubber gloves, dip the scrub brush or sponge into the cleaning solution. Scrub the entire surface, including the basin, edges, and any decorative elements. Pay extra attention to areas with visible stains or build up, and use gentle yet firm strokes to remove dirt and algae.

Step 5: Rinse it thoroughly:

Thoroughly rinse the bird bath with clean water after scrubbing. And ensure that all traces of the cleaning solution and residue are removed.

Step 6: Dry the bird bath:

Using towels or a clean cloth, gently dry the bird bath. Ensure all moisture is removed to prevent the growth of mould or bacteria. As mentioned previously, you can dry it with a paper towel and then allow it to air dry completely before refilling it.

Step 7: Refill it with fresh water:

Fill the bird bath with fresh, clean water once it’s dry. The water level should be shallow enough for birds to comfortably bathe in without being too deep. It’s important to regularly refill it with clean water to keep it inviting and refreshing for the birds.

Top tip: Birds like somewhere to stand above the water’s surface. So, if your bird bath does not have a ‘platform’, you can carefully place a clean rock on the bird bath, and they will use it as a platform on which to bathe, drink and prune their feathers.

Knowing how to clean a bird bath helps birds thrive

Following these simple steps will ensure that your bird bath remains clean, inviting, and safe for your local birds to enjoy. Regular cleaning will maintain its beauty while providing a fresh and healthy water source all year round. Remember to clean your bird bath at least once a week, especially during warm weather when algae growth is more rapid. Keeping it clean and topped up with fresh water will attract a range of bird species, giving them an inviting place to bathe and drink.

If you would like further advice or have questions regarding bird care, please send us a message; we are always happy to help.