Take the feeder down and empty the remaining nectar into the sink.
Step2
Take the feeder apart.
Step3
Scrub all parts thoroughly with warm, soapy water.
Step4
Scrub inside the feeder using a bottle brush.
Step5
Place approximately 2 tbsp. bleach inside the feeder, and then fill the feeder with warm water.
Step6
Let the feeder sit upright for 15 to 30 minutes - until all mold has disappeared.
Step7
Soak other parts of the feeder in a similar bleach solution if necessary.
Step8
Rinse the feeder thoroughly.
Step9
Dry the feeder and parts.
Step10
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.
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 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.
on 11/22/2005
Take the feeder apart in the sink. Mix about 1/8 cup of ammonia with soapy water, hold your hand over the hole and shake it well. Pour out the mix and rinse the feeder in cold water. When it is rinsed well, rinse again with warm water. Sometimes I use a long handled bottle brush for the job. Cleaning every 3 days is a must.
on 11/22/2005
Use 10 volume peroxide (3%) full strength to kill yeast and mold in your hummingbird feeder. A spray bottle is great - just spray the peroxide on all surfaces and let it sit for 1/2 an hour, then scrub and rinse. It is a very effective disinfectant, and it won't bleach the color out of the plastic. It's also less toxic than bleach, this is good for you and our environment.
Enthusiast 
Comments
WattSpark said
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.
Anonymous said
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.
Anonymous said
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.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Take the feeder apart in the sink. Mix about 1/8 cup of ammonia with soapy water, hold your hand over the hole and shake it well. Pour out the mix and rinse the feeder in cold water. When it is rinsed well, rinse again with warm water. Sometimes I use a long handled bottle brush for the job. Cleaning every 3 days is a must.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Use 10 volume peroxide (3%) full strength to kill yeast and mold in your hummingbird feeder. A spray bottle is great - just spray the peroxide on all surfaces and let it sit for 1/2 an hour, then scrub and rinse. It is a very effective disinfectant, and it won't bleach the color out of the plastic. It's also less toxic than bleach, this is good for you and our environment.