How to Clean a Hummingbird Feeder

Many diseases can be spread through dirty bird feeders. Keep your feeders clean and your hummingbirds happy.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dishwashing Detergent
• Bottle Brushes
• Hummingbird Feeder Cleaning Brushes
• Hummingbird Feeders
• Liquid Bleach
• Mild Detergent
• Oriole Feeders
• Towels
• Towels
• Uncooked Rice
• Cotton Swabs
• Cotton Swabs
• BBs
• Towels

1. Take the feeder down and empty the remaining nectar into the sink.

2. Take the feeder apart.

3. Scrub all parts thoroughly with warm, soapy water.

4. Scrub inside the feeder using a bottle brush.

5. Place approximately 2 tbsp. bleach inside the feeder, and then fill the feeder with warm water.

6. Let the feeder sit upright for 15 to 30 minutes - until all mold has disappeared.

7. Soak other parts of the feeder in a similar bleach solution if necessary.

8. Rinse the feeder thoroughly.

9. Dry the feeder and parts.

10. Refill the feeder with nectar or sugar water and hang for feeding.

Tips & Warnings

• Feeders should be cleaned at least once a week - more often in warm weather.
• As an alternative to bleach, try using grains of uncooked rice or BBs as tiny "scrubbers." Using a funnel, put 1/4 c. rice or BBs into the feeder and fill it halfway with warm water. Put your finger over the opening and shake vigorously until all mold disappears.
• A cotton swab is helpful in removing dirt or mold stuck in feeder ports.
• Mold in nectar or on the feeder is harmful to hummingbirds.
• If you use bleach, avoid getting bleach solution on your skin or clothes.
• Use of bleach may cause the color on the feeder's plastic parts to fade.

[annvans]

on 4/18/2009 Great info, I will pass this on to my sister because she always has hummingbird feeders.

[wytetyger059]

on 9/30/2008 I had some unused fish tank gravel and I used that instead of rice. bbs are a really good idea, too. good tips.

[WattSpark]

on 2/13/2007 Instead of rice for 'scrubbers', use 'cheap' kitty litter with the bleach solution. The added sharp edges on the litter help cut the mold by abrading the the mold off surfaces. It can also be reused by rinsing and drying.

on 9/26/2006 A small toothbrush works well for cleaning the feeders. Don't put the feeders in a dishwasher, it wrecks the feeder.

on 11/22/2005 Never use soap to clean your hummingbird feeders! Hummingbirds can taste the residue and will not come back to the feeder. Use bleach and warm water. I have also heard that you don't need to let them sit after cleaning them with bleach because the sugar water solution neutralizes the bleach. You shouldn't put the feeders in the dishwasher either. I have over 80 hummingbirds from July - August and I have never used soap on my feeders.