Birdbaths can be a real help to local wildlife and birds as the weather turns colder, but it is important to give them a proper clean before the end of October. Autumn brings more birds into gardens and falling leaves and debris can quickly turn the water into a murky mess. October is the last good chance to clean it before frost arrives, and if left dirty, germs and algae can build up in the water and make birds ill.
However, Erica Cirino, an expert from the National Audubon Society has warned gardeners that they need to be careful what they put inside their birdbath, as it is better to use white vinegar rather than commercial cleaners. She said: “To keep your birdbath fresh, just rinse and scrub it with nine parts water, one part vinegar. Skip the synthetic soaps and cleansers; they can strip the essential oils off of bird feathers.”
It might sound strange, but white vinegar often used in cleaning is naturally antibacterial and antifungal, so is the best way to clean a birdbath without leaving harmful residues.
Bleach is obviously toxic, and even if you rinse a birdbath thoroughly, it can still leave behind chemicals that can kill birds.
Soap is designed to strips grease off a surface, which sounds effective, but it can take the natural oils out of bird feathers that make their coats waterproof and protect them from the cold.
White vinegar will break down any algae, mould or bacteria inside a bird bath without needing to use a cleaner that can pollute a garden or harm animals.
How to clean a birdbath properly in autumn
To begin, you will need an empty bucket, watering can or basin. Mix one part white vinegar and nine parts water in the container to make the cleaning solution.
Tip out any old water and pour the solution inside the birdbath. If you have any particularly stubborn slimy green patches, then let the solution sit for roughly 10 minutes, but stay nearby as birds cannot drink the cleaning solution.
Use a hard-bristled brush to scrub the birdbath, and any stains should easily come off. Once clean, make sure to rinse several times with warm water until the vinegar smell is gone so the birdbath is safe for birds to use.
Fill the birdbath with clean water, and make sure to refill it every other day at least twice a week, to stop bacteria build up.
It is also important to place a birdbath close to feeders and trees, but do not place it directly under them otherwise it will quickly fill up with debris again.