What Can You Use for Cleaning Bird Feeders?

Bleach and Water

• Empty any remaining birdseed into a garbage bag and dispose of it in an outside garbage can. A wet/dry vacuum hose can be used to clean any stuck-on seed; you may also use a scrub brush. A mixture of nine parts hot water to one part bleach can be used to clean your bird feeder. Place the feeder into a container filled with the bleach mixture and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. Air-dry the feeder before refilling it with seed.

Soap and Water

• Soap and water can also be an effective solution to clean a bird feeder. Empty any remaining birdseed into a garbage bag and dispose of it. A high-pressure hose nozzle should be used to remove any stuck-on birdseed. Fill a container with soap and water; soak the feeder in the container for 10 minutes. Scrub any remaining residue with a stiff-bristled brush. Air-dry the feeder.

Vinegar

• Vinegar is a versatile cleaning agent. After emptying and scrubbing the inside of the feeder with a stiff-bristled brush, soak the feeder in distilled vinegar for a few hours. Air-dry the feeder before refilling.

Commercial Bird Feeder Cleaner

• Commercial bird feeder cleaner is available for purchase from your local home improvement or gardening store. Empty the feeder into a garbage bag. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to clean the bird feeder and allow the feeder to air-dry.

Hummingbird Feeder

• A hummingbird feeder should be rinsed with warm water and scrubbed with a bottle brush every time you refill the feeder. Do not use soap in the feeder, as hummingbirds do not like the taste of soap residue. If the sugar water in your feeder turns cloudy, it has spoiled and needs to be replaced. Once a month soak the feeder in a solution of 1/4 cup bleach and one gallon of water for one hour. Use a bottle brush to remove any residue and rinse the feeder with warm water.