Having a bird bath near your patio door can definitely bring you peace and little joy, especially when birds suddenly flock and perch on edge, fluffing and preening their scraggly feather during a sunny, windy afternoon to dehydrate.
Making every effort to keep your bird bath as beautiful and healthy for the birds as you can is a must! While it is already given that a bird bath needs to be topped off with water when it gets low, there is much more that must be done. A filthy bird bath is not only unsightly to birds, but it can also harm their health, so it is necessary that you know how to clean a birdbath properly and securely.
To help you with that, here are the steps to clean your bird bath!
What You Will Need:
- A stiff scrub brush
- White vinegar
- Clean water
- A bucket or a hose
- Water-resistant work gloves
- Plastic cover
Step 1: dispose of old water and remove any debris.
Before doing the first step, make sure to put on a pair of water-resistant work gloves. Drain the old water from the birdbath, and remove any debris like leaves, twigs, and feathers using a hose with a high-pressure nozzle. The used water can be poured directly onto grass or flowerbeds; just make sure to spread it out evenly so that it doesn’t create a pool and fool birds into thinking it’s a bathing area.
Step 2: Combine the cleaning agent
Use a solution of nine parts water to one part vinegar. In a spray bottle or bucket, mix the solution. It is advised to avoid using abrasive or strong chemical cleaners since they can harm the bird bath and the surrounding area and provide a safety risk to any birds or other wildlife that might visit for a drink or a soak.
Step 3: Clean the bird bath.
Clean the birdbath’s basin, lip, and any other areas where birds can land, perch, drink from or bathe. Use a sturdy scrub brush and the water and vinegar solution to scrub the interior of the basin to remove any algae, feces, or other foreign growth. Let the vinegar solution soak for a few minutes on really filthy birdbaths. Keep an eye on it or cover it during that period to ensure no birds are drinking.
Step 4: Rinse the bird bath.
To remove any remaining chemical foaming after washing, thoroughly rinse the bird bath under running water. There might still be a very faint chlorine scent, so you have to ensure that it does not overpower and become unpleasant.
Step 4: Allow the bird bath to dry fully.
After rinsing, let the bird bath dry completely in direct sunlight to break down any chlorine that may have remained so that it won’t contaminate the newly filled water. While waiting, you can also conduct other tasks relating to birds, such as refilling feeders or cleaning the area surrounding the bird bath.
Step 5: Refill the bird bath
Clean water should be added to the birdbath. As birds prefer to preen in shallower waters, experts advise filling a birdbath no higher than 2 inches deep.
How to maintain your bird bath?
There are certain things you can do to keep a bird bath cleaner for longer, even though it does need frequent cleaning. The bird bath can be kept as appealing as possible using the following suggestions.
- Make sure to replace bird bath water every 2-4 days.
- Remember to place your birdbath near, but not immediately beneath, feeders and wooded brush. Falling debris and seeds can easily contaminate the water.
- Incorporate a fountain or stream element to attract birds and repel mosquitoes. In rushing water, insects prefer not to lay their eggs.
- Keep your bird bath out of reach from your pets and children.
- To reduce the growth of algae and delay the pace of evaporation, situate the bath in a shaded area.
- Place the bath in a spot where it won’t get blocked with leaves, grass clippings, and other debris.
- Keep the bird bath filled with water to prevent pollutants from condensing in smaller amounts of water.
-Cleaning done twice a
-Products from campania
Different Shapes of Bird Bath
A bird bath can come in a variety of shapes, too! Depending on your style, you can choose some of these customized bird baths that matches your yard.
Heart-shaped Bird Bath
Small heart-shaped with cast stone can add a romantic atmosphere to your yard. This bird bath is quite functional, too! You can also add small flowering plants or herbs or fill it with vibrant beach glass to create a striking centerpiece.
Oslo bird bath
Choosing a stylish Oslo birth bath will surely add modern and minimalistic style to your home because of its upswept corners, built with the intent to provide a contemporary look.
Lotus Bird Bath
If you want a touch of nature in your yard, you can pick the lotus-style bird bath! Its intricate carving will surely make your guests stop and grasp!
Balustrade Bird Bath
Looking for elegance and sophistication? A balustrade bird bath is designed just for it! Its splendid curve between the delicate lines is smoothly gracing a good footing to your bird bath!
Cirrus Bird Bath
If you want an element of the sky in your home, then a cirrus bird bath is for you! Its silky sheen and wispy appearance, resembling hair tufts, brings a hint of fluffy and cotton details and can add charm to your yard.
Spring Meadow Bird Bath
The design of the Spring Meadow bird bath perfectly describes the favorite spring season, where new seedlings sprout out of the ground and hibernating butterflies awake. This type of bird bath is the ideal size to place amid the blossoms, on a garden ledge, or to exhibit on the veranda. Butterflies dancing among the flowers as they encircle the base will make your eyes settle to it!
But, remember that no matter how futuristic, elegant or romantic your bird bath looks, it can turn into a germ-filled sewer if not taken care of properly! Therefore, understanding how to properly clean a bird bath is crucial. Make sure to follow the steps above to maintain the beauty of your bird bath!