How often should I clean my bird feeders?

What should I use to clean my bird feeders?
The frequency of cleaning your feeders depends on several factors, including the type of feeder, heat and moisture in the area and amount of usage the feeder receives.

Heavily used platform feeders may need to be cleaned daily if the birds are spoiling the area.

With hopper or tube feeders watch for compacted seed or signs of mold and mildew. The seed should be "free flowing" at all times.

Watch for birds that appear ill that are visiting your feeders - clean more often if sick or injured birds are using your feeder.

Feeders can be washed with hot, soapy water. Be sure to rinse and dry the feeders thoroughly after washing. Wearing rubber gloves is a good habit to have when cleaning feeders.

A 10% bleach and water solution can be used when cleaning plastic and metal feeders and birdbaths. Be sure to rinse and dry thoroughly after cleaning.

How often should I clean my birdbath? What should I use?
This also depends on several different factors, including the amount of usage the bath receives. If you do not have a filtration and circulation system on your bath then changing the water and rinsing the bath on a weekly basis is a good idea, more often if the bath is heavily used. When cleaning the bath a 10% bleach and water solution can be used. Be sure to rinse the bath completely before putting it back into service.