Birdbath- Simple Tips and Tricks for Cleaning

Bird lovers enjoy watching their bird friends flit about the garden- landing on a birdbath to take a drink or splash a bit. A clean, sparkling birdbath is a welcome site for garden visitors, goldfinch, and humans alike.

Below are hints and tips on easy cleaning and maintaining your birdbath.

Cleaning Green and Black Stains on a Birdbath:

Materials needed for cleaning any bird baths:

• Wet & Forget Outdoor
• Water

Wet & Forget Outdoor will clean up any moss, mold, mildew or algae stains on a birdbath.  It will only work on surfaces; it can’t be used to treat algae suspended in the water. Here are the quick steps to clean a birdbath with Wet and Forget:

1. Turn off any water feature and remove all dirty water, leaves, and debris.
2. Allow the birdbath to air dry.
3. Spray on the Wet & Forget and allow to air dry.
4. Thoroughly rinse the birdbath with water.
5. Turn on the water feature or refill the birdbath with water.

Wet and Forget will work over time with the rain and wind to gently clean up the stains.

Note: Wet & Forget cannot be used in a water feature that contains fish.

Additional ideas and tips for a bird bath:

• Change the water in the bath daily using a pressure hose to spray it out. Refill the bowl with fresh water. (Dirty water that stands too long can leave a permanent stain.)
• When the outdoor temperature rises, keep an eye on the water level. The higher the temperature, the quicker the water evaporates, leaving your feathered friends without an adequate water source.
• Keep the birdbath full. Small amounts of standing water can concentrate contaminants.
• Choose a shady spot for your bath to minimize water evaporation and curb algae growth.
• Place your birdbath away from feeders to keep spilled seed out of the water.

Bird bath water cleaners are commercially available to help keep it clean, healthy, and drinkable for the birds. Available cleaners usually come in a small dispenser that you can add to the center of the bird bath bowl.

Bird bath cleaners approved for wildlife consumption are made of natural enzymes and bacteria. This will also help prevent mineral deposits, algae growth, and organic build-up, keeping the water in this bird bath clearer and longer.

Birdbath ideas

Highlight your garden with an elegant birdbath. Bird baths provide essential water to birds for drinking, bathing, and grooming.

Adding bird baths also adds an upscale style to your flower garden or backyard.  Birdbaths are made from various materials, including cast stone, concrete, plastic, powder-coated metal, ceramic, and copper.

Bird baths are available in a wide range of styles, including:

• Asian
• Rustic
• Classic
• Nature-inspired
• Floral
• Art Deco
• Grecian
• Whimsical

 Bird Bath Fountains

Wild birds, hummingbirds, and butterflies are attracted to the enticing sight and sound of moving water. Flowing water keeps the bird bath cleaner too. Add relaxing sounds to your backyard and garden with a fountain, mister, or wiggler.

Bird Bath Fountains are available in electric powered and solar. A solar fountain does require direct sunlight but usually runs quieter than an electric one.

If your climate experiences a lot of cloudy days, fountains are available that are dual- both solar and electric. When there’s not enough sun, plug the bird bath in.

Solar fountains consist of a solar panel placed outside the basin in the sun. Some versions can be placed inside the basin—the sun’s energy powers the pump, keeping the water circulating.

You can make your own DIY bird bath fountain for your backyard using an inexpensive solar panel and pump kit available at gardening centers. The fountain can be placed inside a large planter, bowl, or basin for the birds.

Bird Bath Heaters

Critical for winter months, a bird bath heater is inexpensive to operate and will keep ice melted, supplying fresh water for wild birds and garden visitors. Before choosing a heater measure for your bird bath, check the bottom width of your basin or container to ensure the heater will fit.

A 50-watt heater is usually sufficient to melt the ice in bird baths, but you may require additional wattage in northern climates. Add water to the basin every other day because heated water will evaporate quickly from any heated bird baths.

Extras to look for:

• A bird bath heater with a thermostat control saves electricity. It turns on only when the temperature falls below freezing.
• A heater rated to operate below -20 degrees F will work in most northern climates.
• Corrosion resistance- a durable, powder-coated finish will resist rust and corrosion.

Want to learn more about attracting birds to your backyard? Check out our blog post here.