How to Clean a Bird Bath

By Melissa Mayntz
Updated on 05/16/22
Reviewed by
Rhea Mehta
Dr. Rhea Mehta, PhD
Reviewed by Rhea Mehta
Rhea Mehta, PhD, is an award-winning toxicologist who has worked to empower people to lead healthier lives, starting in their homes, for over a decade. Rhea holds a PhD in Toxicology, with over 15 scientific publications, and a certificate in integrative health coaching. 
Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
cleaning a bird bath

The Spruce / Lacey Johnson  

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 1 hr
  • Total Time: 3 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner

Maintaining a bird bath is a practice normally done by wildlife lovers who want to attract birds to the landscape, so it only makes sense to make every effort to keep that bird bath as attractive and healthful to the birds as you can. There is much more required than simply topping off the bird bath with additional water when it gets low. A dirty bird bath is not only unattractive to birds, but it can cause health problems for them and even for people.

Why Cleaning a Bird Bath Is Necessary

No one wants to drink dirty, polluted water, including birds, but clean water is more important than just for taste. Dirty water can spread different diseases to flocks of backyard birds, and it encourages gnat, mosquito, and other insect populations that can, in turn, infect humans and other animals. Dirty water can have odors that may attract other pests, and algae and dirt accumulation can stain a bird bath so badly that it can never be restored to its original beauty. Clean water, on the other hand, is more attractive to the birds, safer for all wildlife, and will bring a wider variety of birds to your yard.

How Often to Clean a Bird Bath

The frequency with which you clean a bird bath depends on many factors, including the weather, the quality of your water, the location of the bird bath, and the number of birds using it. The best advice is to clean the bird bath two to three times a week, or whenever you begin to see discoloration of the water or on the bottom of the bird bath basin. At certain times of year—during the hot months of summer or the fall when leaves are falling into the bird bath, for example—you may find it necessary to clean more often.

Cleaning a bird bath is not difficult if you have the proper tools to keep it sparkling and take the time to be sure the bath is thoroughly cleaned.

Featured Video

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Scrub brush
  • Rubber gloves
  • Hose with pressure attachment (optional)

Materials

  • Water
  • Chlorine bleach

Instructions

materials for cleaning a dirty bird bath
The Spruce / Lacey Johnson 

  1. Dump Out the Old Water

    This water can be dumped on the grass or nearby flowerbeds, but should not be allowed to puddle where birds can use it before it evaporates.

    dumping out old water
    The Spruce / Lacey Johnson  

  2. Remove Debris

    Remove loose material from the bottom of the bird bath. Use a disposable rag or a scrub brush to remove any large deposits of spilled seed, feces, debris, and other contaminants. The pressure attachment of a hose can also be effective, but be mindful of wasting water.

    removing debris from the bird bath
    The Spruce / Lacey Johnson  

  3. Scrub With a Bleach Solution

    Create a bleach solution made from 1 part chlorine bleach mixed with 9 parts water. If your bird bath is positioned within garden plantings or on the lawn, remove the basin and wash it in a spot where the bleach will not strike plants or grass. Scrub the basin, lip, and any areas of the bird bath where birds land, perch, drink or bathe. For extremely dirty bird baths, it may be necessary to allow the bleach solution to soak for several minutes. While soaking, monitor or securely cover the bird bath to make sure no birds approach the bleach-filled water.

    scrubbing the bird bath with a bleach solution
    The Spruce / Lacey Johnson 

  4. Rinse the Bird Bath

    After washing, rinse the bird bath thoroughly with running water until there is no persistent chemical foaming. A very slight chlorine smell may remain, but it should not be a strong or pungent odor (it should not smell as strong as a public pool, for example).

    rinsing out the bird bath
    The Spruce / Lacey Johnson  

  5. Allow the Bird Bath to Dry Completely

    Once rinsed, allow the bird bath to dry fully in bright sunlight, which will break down any remaining chlorine so it does not contaminate the refilled water. This is a good opportunity to clean the area around the bird bath, refill feeders, or do other bird-related chores.

    allowing the bird bath to dry
    The Spruce / Lacey Johnson  

  6. Refill the Bird Bath

    Use fresh, clean water, ensuring the basin is balanced and stable so it will not spill.

    refilling your bird bath
    The Spruce / Lacey Johnson 

Tips for Keeping Your Bird Bath Cleaner Longer

The easiest way to clean a bird bath is to ensure it doesn’t get overly dirty. While all baths will eventually need to be cleaned, there are steps that can minimize the need for more frequent cleanings.

  • When refilling the bath, always dump out old, stagnant water instead of just adding more to the basin.
  • Rinse the bath briefly with a pressure hose at every refill to remove sticky debris and feces.
  • Position the bath away from feeders so spilled seed or hulls will not land in the water.
  • Keep the bath out of the reach of pets and do not allow children to play with the water.
  • Choose a shady spot for the bath to minimize algae growth and slow the rate of evaporation.
  • Position the bath where it will not be clogged by grass clippings, falling leaves, and other debris.
  • Keep the bird bath full to avoid concentrating pollutants in smaller amounts of water.
  • Add a copper source to the water to inhibit algae and keep the bath cleaner.
  • Consider adding enzymes approved for wildlife consumption (found at pet and bird supply stores) to a clean bird bath to minimize algae growth.