How to Clean an Indoor Water Fountain

If you own an indoor fountain it is important that you clean it regularly and correctly in order to maximize the life of the fountain.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• White Vinegar
• Small Soft Scrub Pad
• Soft Bristled Brush
• Paper Towel
• Distilled Water
• Calcium Lime Remover
• Water Fountain Protector

1. In order to clean your indoor water fountain or waterfall turn the fountain pump off and drain all the water.

2. Remove any parts or pieces that are easily removed and lightly wash them with vinegar water and soft bristled brush or with a soft scrub pad.

3. Use a calcium lime remover if there are hard water spots (mineral and calcium build up). These spots can be avoided in the future by only using distilled water in your fountain.

4. Clean each of the components of the feature with the specific instructions below. I have included cleaning guidelines for each of the most popular indoor fountain materials used.

5. Rinse all the components of the water feature with distilled water once you are ready to reassemble the feature.

6. Fill the feature with distilled water. By only using distilled water you will decrease the amount of minerals, calcium and lime within the water and therefore avoiding the opportunity for those deposits to form on the fountain components.

7. 
    
   Water Fountain Protector - a must for clean clear fountain water

   Add the recommended amount of Fountain Protector to the water within your indoor water feature. This substance will prolong the life and enhance the appearance of the feature with limited need for ongoing maintenance and cleaning. Bleach is generally not encouraged as a cleaning agent.

Tips & Warnings

• Below I will share some additional tips for the most common materials used in indoor water fountains.
• Stainless Steel - Use a micro fiber cloth to wipe at stainless steel surfaces, rough abrasive or course products can scratch the surface. A stainless steel cleaner will clean surfaces with smudges and finger prints.
• Glass - White vinegar and water is the best for cleaning glass or mirror surfaces.
• Copper - A house hold furniture polish will work well, never use copper cleaner. If there are mineral deposits on the copper it is safe to use a calcium lime remover.
• Slate - Lime remover again is recommended. Never use a rough bristled brush or scrub pad as rough contact will destroy the textured surface and natural coloring of the slate.
• Other natural surface - Follow the steps listed. Be gentle, use soft products, lime cleaner if needed, but never bleach.
• It is essential to wipe and rinse all surfaces with distilled water before refilling the feature.
• Be gentle, this is key.
• An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, distilled water and Fountain Protector.

Resources

• Indoor Fountain Care and Maintenance
• Indoor Water Fountains
• Indoor Fountain FAQ

[Andreanne]

on 3/9/2008 I had never realized that cleaning an indoor fountain was very similar to the kind of maintenance an espresso machine calls for. Actually, they both run on water, so it's quite logical. Great article!