Comments on: How to Clean a Hummingbird Feeder

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

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.

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.

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.

on 11/22/2005 Dismantle and rinse well with warm-to-hot water to remove loose bits. Place the plastic parts on the upper level of your dishwasher, and place the glass bottle over a spindle on the lower level of the dishwasher to hold upright. Run on the regular cycle.