How to clean hummingbird feeders – in 6 simple steps : For people of all ages, seeing hummingbirds dart about is a delightful sight. One approach to draw these feathery friends to your yard is to put out food for them, but be sure to keep their feeders clean.
How to clean hummingbird feeders – in 6 simple steps
These birds would much rather have fresh nectar in their feeders, whether you’re feeding them with homemade hummingbird food or pre-made nectar that you purchased online (like Kaytee’s hummingbird food from Amazon). Hummingbirds who eat old nectar from unclean feeders may become sick from the mold and other contaminants.
Fortunately, sprucing up the feeders is simple and quick. You only need a bottle brush and some warm water and distilled white vinegar; everything else can be found easily.
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A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO CLEANING HUMMINGBIRD FEEDERS
Take note of these easy steps, which include advice from WildBirdScoop specialist Kelsey Waddell.
1. Take apart the feeder and empty out any leftover nectar.
2. Use hot water to rinse the feeder to get rid of any debris.
3. Use a bottle brush or specialist feeder-cleaning brush to scrub the inside of the feeder. According to Kelsey, it’s beneficial to have a variety of brushes on hand in order to reach into the ins and outs of your different feeders. Personally, I think this 2-in-1 hummingbird feeder brush from Amazon looks nice and is a reasonably priced, well-rated option.
4. Kelsey advises disinfecting your feeder by soaking it in a mix of one part vinegar to four parts water for at least half an hour after cleaning it.
5. Clean away any leftover debris. Next, Kelsey advises giving the feeder a good rinse with clean water, being careful to get rid of any vinegar residue.
6. Before adding new nectar to the feeder, let it air dry fully.
If you’d like, you can replace the vinegar with a spritz of dish soap without fragrance and a few drops of bleach. In any case, always remember to safeguard your hands by using rubber gloves.
“To stop the spread of any potential disease, if you have multiple feeders, think about using a different brush for each feeder,” Kelsey continues.
Additionally, cleaning your feeders outside in a bucket is a better idea than doing it in the kitchen sink. Additionally, save your brushes for this specific task solely to reduce the possibility of spreading any potentially harmful microorganisms.
HOW OFTEN TO CLEAN HUMMINGBIRD FEEDERS
In temperate climates, Kelsey recommends cleaning your hummingbird feeder weekly after putting it out. In particularly hot areas, the nectar can ferment faster, so you may need to clean it every 2-3 days.
Clean your feeder before refilling if the birds have drained it.
A regular cleaning of your feeder makes it safer and more appealing to hummingbirds and deters bees. Plant hummingbird-friendly flowers in your yard to attract these amazing creatures.