How to Clean a Garden Water Fountain

Garden water fountains add beauty to your outdoor landscaping and help create a relaxing atmosphere. Whether your water fountain is made of copper, slate, glass or stainless steel, it requires regular cleaning to maintain optimal performance. Mineral scale, algae and dirt can build up inside your fountain and tubing, resulting in slow water movement and possibly odors. Outdoor fountains should be cleaned every one to three months, depending on the amount of residue and the size of the fountain. Small fountains require more frequent cleaning than large ones.

2 buckets
Industrial vacuum (optional)
Dish soap
White vinegar
Sponges
Cloths
Toothbrush
Furniture polish (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the fountain and remove any rocks, stones or decorative items and set them aside.
- 2
  Remove the pump and tubing from your fountain according to the manufacturer's instructions. Place them in a bucket filled with enough white vinegar to cover the pump.
- 3
  Remove the water from your fountain using a water-safe industrial vacuum or by unplugging the fountain drain.
- 4
  Fill a bucket with 1 gallon of warm water and either 2 tsp. of dish soap or 1 cup of white vinegar. The vinegar removes mineral buildup and limescale from your fountain. You can clean with the soap and use the vinegar afterward, if necessary.
- 5
  Scrub the inside of the fountain with a sponge. Clean the rocks, stones and decorative items. Remove dirt, debris and algae with the cleaning solution.
- 6
  Empty the bucket and rinse it out. Fill it with clean water.
- 7
  Wipe out the fountain with a clean, damp sponge or cloth to rinse the cleaning residue. Use a garden hose to rinse off the rocks, stones or decorative items. Rinse the cloth or sponge in the bucket as you go.
- 8
  Remove the pump from the sink and take off the cover. Clean the inside and outside of the pump with a toothbrush. Rinse it out thoroughly with clean water. Run water through the tube to clean out blockages or buildup. Replace the pump cover.
- 9
  Clean the outside of your fountain. The method depends on the type of material from which it's made. Polish a copper fountain with a cloth and furniture polish to shine and protect it.
- 10
  Place the tubing, pump, decorative stones and items back in the fountain. Fill the fountain according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Outdoor Seasonal Decorating Ideas

How do I Build a Firepit on a Hill?

Lawn Ornaments