How to Clean Hummingbird Feeders

A clean feeder keeps hummingbirds healthy.

Hummingbirds are a delight to watch as they buzz around the landscape, and many homeowners hang hummingbird feeders to attract these tiny birds during summer and fall. The sugar water that fills the feeders can get cloudy and even moldy after a short period of time, especially during the heat of the summer. Nectar left out too long can ferment, which can be deadly to hummingbirds, according to the CornellLab of Ornithology. Change the nectar when it gets cloudy and clean your feeders regularly to keep the nectar fresh and the hummers healthy.

Things You'll Need

• Garden hose
• Straight or curved bottle brush
• Small brush
• Household bleach or white vinegar

Instructions

1. Spray off your feeder with a garden hose if necessary to remove lose dirt, debris and any dead ants that were attracted to the feeder.

2. Rinse the inside and outside of your feeder with hot water. Swish a straight or curved bottle brush around inside the feeder to clean off any mold or mildew. Use a small brush to clean out and around the feeder ports.

3. Deep-clean your feeder if mold spots are visible. Mix 1 part household bleach with 9 parts water, or mix a cup of white vinegar with a gallon of water. Soak the feeder in either solution for 20 to 30 minutes. Scrub the feeder with your brushes after soaking it.

4. Rinse the feeder thoroughly with plain water to remove all traces of bleach or vinegar. Let the feeder air-dry. Refill the feeder with fresh nectar.

Tips & Warnings

• You may need to clean your hummingbird feeders every two or three days during hot weather.

• Don't use soap or detergent to clean a hummingbird feeder, recommends the CornellLab of Ornithology.

References

• Wild Bird Magazine: Hummingbird Feeder Cleaning Tips
• CornellLab of Ornithology: Feeder Maintenance