How to Clean a Moldy Hummingbird Feeder

The sugar and water mix used in hummingbird feeders can quickly mold in the summer heat. If you have mold in your hummingbird feeder, you'll see black spots inside the feeder or around the rim where the base screws into the top. Here is how to clean it.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Soap and water
• Possibly household bleach

1. Start with hot, soapy water. If possible, stuff a dishrag inside the nectar container with the soapy water. Swish it around vigorously while holding your hand over the opening so that the dishrag can dislodge any bits of mold stuck to the inside.

2. If that takes care of it, just rinse well and refill with fresh food.

3. If you can't get the job done with soap and water, try a little bleach. Put some water in the nectar container and add a few teaspoons of bleach. Swish that around carefully to eliminate the mold. Rinse very, very well before you refill the feeder with fresh food.

4. If your hummingbird feeder is glass or any other dishwasher-safe material, you can run it through the dishwasher. This works best if the container has a large opening.