Dirty feeders can spread diseases between birds, including salmonellosis and the eye disease common in house finches. A simple cleaning routine keeps your visitors healthy.
How often to clean
| Feeder | How often |
|---|---|
| Seed feeders (tube, hopper, window) | About every 2 weeks; more often in wet or hot weather or at busy feeders |
| Platform trays | Weekly; remove wet or moldy seed right away |
| Hummingbird feeders | Every 2–3 days in hot weather; about twice a week when cool |
| Bird baths | Refresh water every 1–2 days; scrub weekly |
What you need
- Gloves
- A bucket or sink used only for feeders
- Bottle brush and small port brush
- Dish soap, or a dilute bleach solution — about 1 part household bleach to 9 parts water
Step by step
- Empty old seed into the trash (not the compost if it’s moldy).
- Take it apart as far as the manufacturer allows.
- Scrub every surface in hot soapy water, paying attention to ports, perches and seams.
- Disinfect by soaking in the 1:9 bleach solution for about 10 minutes (if the material allows).
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Dry completely before refilling — damp seed molds quickly.
- Clean underneath: rake up hulls and spilled seed.
If you see sick birds
Signs include fluffed-up, lethargic birds that don’t fly away, or swollen, crusty eyes. Take all feeders and baths down for a couple of weeks, clean everything thoroughly, and follow any current advice from your state wildlife agency. Spreading feeders out also reduces crowding.
Make cleaning easier
Feeders that come apart without tools — and saucer-style hummingbird feeders — get cleaned more often. Smaller fills also keep food fresher.
Brome Squirrel Buster Mini
Brome Bird Care
Best for: Small yards, patios and balconies with squirrel visitors
- Weight-activated shroud closes the 4 ports when a squirrel climbs on
- Compact 1 lb seed capacity keeps seed fresh
- Comes apart by hand for cleaning — no tools
- Chew-proof parts and seed-tube ventilation
Keep in mind: Small capacity means frequent refills at a busy feeder. No cardinal ring — larger birds have less room than on the Plus.
Aspects HummZinger HighView 12 oz
Aspects
Best for: Low-maintenance hummingbird feeding — easy to clean and refill
- Saucer design with built-in ant moat
- Raised flower ports help divert rain
- Removable red cover for quick, thorough cleaning
- Raised perch gives an unobstructed view
Keep in mind: 12 oz may need daily refills in peak late-summer traffic. No bee guards on the ports — a saucer design keeps nectar below the ports, which helps.
Browse cleaning tools: feeder brush sets.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put bird feeders in the dishwasher?
Some feeders are labeled dishwasher-safe, but many plastics warp. Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Is vinegar OK for cleaning feeders?
A vinegar-and-water solution is often used for hummingbird feeders and general cleaning, but it isn’t as strong a disinfectant as dilute bleach. Rinse well either way.