How to Keep a Birdbath Clean

Birds are dipping, splashing and cleaning themselves in your birdbath. Whether your motivation for a birdbath was simply aesthetic or actually for the birds, you should keep it clean. Keeping a birdbath clean prevents algae and makes it more inviting to birds. If you maintain your birdbath on a regular basis, you may never have to do a hard core cleaning on it again.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bucket
• Mild dish detergent
• Scrub brush
• Hose
• Copper pennies
• Lavender sprigs
• Birdbath additives

1. Get it clean. If your birdbath is not already clean, dump or drain out the water. Fill a bucket with water and add about 3 tbsp. of mild dish detergent. Dip a scrub brush in the soapy water and scrub your entire birdbath until it's clean. You can also purchase birdbath cleaner to do the job. Bleach and other harsh chemicals may be dangerous for the birds. Use a hose to thoroughly rinse your birdbath, being sure any cleaning agents are gone. Fill with fresh water.

2. Place a few copper pennies in the birdbath to reduce algae. Also, put a few sprigs of lavender in your water. Algae inhibitors used in fish tanks are not recommended.

3. Replace the birdbath water often. Daily is best, but at a minimum, change your water every 2 to 3 days. Do not let the birdbath dry out during the summer. If your birdbath is too large to empty easily, treat your water with store-bought birdbath enzyme additives, usually used in fish ponds, to keep birdbaths free from mineral deposits, scum and stains.