How to Clean an Indoor Tabletop Water Fountain
Indoor tabletop water fountains bring a little of the outdoors in, making them a boon to apartment dwellers who enjoy the sound of gently running water. Whether you rent or own, many people find the sound of flowing water soothing and the look of decorative tabletop fountains aesthetically pleasing. Both indoor and outdoor fountains are susceptible to a buildup of algae and mineral deposits and should be cleaned on a regular basis. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Mild soap
- Old toothbrush
- Calcium and lime remover
- Sponges or nylon scrubbing pads
- Bleach or white vinegar
Instructions
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1
Unplug the pump.
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2
Remove any rocks or pebbles and place them in a bowl of warm, soapy water to soak.
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3
Detach and disassemble the fountain pump according to the instructions that came with your fountain.
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4
Clean out mineral deposits and other debris from small holes inside and out of the pump using an old toothbrush. Place the fountain pump and tubes in the sink and allow fast running water to flow through to wash away debris.
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5
Empty out all the water from the bowl of the fountain.
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6
Dampen a wet sponge or nylon scrubbing pad with a calcium and lime remover product and scrub away mineral deposits inside of the fountain.
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7
Mix 1/4 cup of bleach or vinegar with 1 cup of water. Rinse out the bowl of the fountain with the mixture to kill and clean away algae.
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8
Rinse the fountain bowl and rocks or pebbles well with clear water and reassemble.
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Tips & Warnings
Direct sunlight encourages algae growth; consider moving your indoor fountain away from sunny windows. Replace the tap water in the fountain with distilled water to eliminate mineral deposits. Consult your retailer or fountain manufacturer for information on commercial products made for cleaning fountains.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images