What are some Bird-Safe Cleaners for cleaning birdfeeders, birdhouses, birdbaths and more!
Questions come up frequently from our neighbors that feed birds, about the cleaners we use to keep them safe and healthy. Here we will give you several examples for each category of cleaners. We did the research so you don’t have to! This is not intended to be a complete list of all of the cleaners out there, however many of these you’ll already have in your pantry. And for the few that you may not have, we’ve included links to purchase them from Amazon so you can get them delivered directly to your door!
Bird-safe cleaners for cleaning bird feeders
Vinegar solution: A mixture of one part white vinegar and nine parts water is a safe and natural way to clean bird feeders, as vinegar is a natural disinfectant that won’t harm birds. Here is a great value on White Vinegar on Amazon: Happy Belly White Vinegar.
Mild dish soap: A mild dish soap like Dawn or Ivory is a good option for cleaning bird feeders. However, it’s essential to rinse the feeder thoroughly after cleaning to remove any soap residue. We prefer Dawn after seeing the images in the news years ago from oil spill cleanup in the Gulf of Mexico and in Alaska, where Dawn was used to clean the oil off of birds and other animals. In fact, they now also have a “Free and Clear” product which would be perfect for cleaning different bird feeders, bird baths and bird houses!
Hydrogen peroxide: A solution of three percent hydrogen peroxide and water is also effective at cleaning bird feeders. Be sure to mix it in the correct ratio (one part peroxide to nine parts water) to ensure it is safe for birds. Here is a link to a 1-gallon size jug of Hydrogen Peroxide for cleaning.
Bird-safe commercial cleaners: Some manufacturers offer bird-safe cleaners that are specifically designed for cleaning bird feeders. These products can be a good option if you prefer a pre-made solution. MICROBE-LIFT makes a cleaner that is Soy based just for this purpose! You can check it out here on Amazon (Direct Link to product page on Amazon.com).
Hot water: While boiling-hot water can also be used to clean bird feeders, by pouring it into the feeders and letting it sit for several minutes before scrubbing, then rinsing the feeder thoroughly. However, this method may not be effective at removing tough stains or disinfecting the feeder, so it’s best used in combination with other cleaning methods. Not to mention the dangers of carrying around boiling water.
Bird-safe cleaners for cleaning bird houses
Vinegar solution: Mix one part white vinegar with nine parts water to create a natural and safe disinfectant for cleaning birdhouses.
Hydrogen peroxide: A mixture of three percent hydrogen peroxide and water (one part peroxide to nine parts water) can also be used to clean birdhouses safely and effectively.
Commercial birdhouse cleaners: There are several bird-safe commercial cleaners on the market that are specifically designed for cleaning birdhouses. One popular product is “Birdhouse Cleaner” by JCS Wildlife. They make a lot of products from feeders and houses to cleaners and even some clothing!
Unscented soap: Use a mild, unscented soap such as Castile soap to clean the birdhouse. After cleaning, rinse the house thoroughly to remove any soap residue that may be harmful to birds.
Bird-safe cleaners for cleaning bird baths
Vinegar solution: A mixture of one part white vinegar and nine parts water is a safe and effective cleaner for bird baths. It is a natural disinfectant that won’t harm birds.
Hydrogen peroxide: A solution of three percent hydrogen peroxide and water (one part peroxide to nine parts water) is also a safe and effective cleaner for bird baths.
Bird-safe commercial cleaners: Some manufacturers offer bird-safe cleaners specifically designed for cleaning bird baths, such as “Bird Bath & Statuary Cleaner” by JC's Wildlife products.
Unscented soap: A mild, unscented soap such as Castile soap can also be used to clean bird baths. Be sure to rinse the bath thoroughly after cleaning to remove any soap residue.
Bleach: If used carefully, bleach can also be used to clean bird baths. A solution of one part bleach to nine parts water can be effective at removing tough stains and disinfecting the bath. However, it’s essential to rinse the bath thoroughly after cleaning to remove any bleach residue, as even small amounts of bleach can be harmful to birds. For this reason we typically avoid Bleach. Do you have a favorite cleaner for Bird Feeders, Bird Baths or Bird Houses that isn't listed here? We'd love to hear about it! Please leave a comment and we'll be sure to check it out!