How to Clean a Concrete Birdbath
How to Clean a Concrete Birdbath. A common recipe for birdbath cleaning is one part bleach to 10 parts water, yet there are effective environmentally friendly alternatives. The right birdbath location and a routine for regular maintenance makes cleaning the easily stained concrete less of a chore. A neglected birdbath can harm birds by spreading...
A common recipe for birdbath cleaning is one part bleach to 10 parts water, yet there are effective environmentally friendly alternatives. The right birdbath location and a routine for regular maintenance makes cleaning the easily stained concrete less of a chore. A neglected birdbath can harm birds by spreading disease. Keep three basic household products on hand for bird-safe concrete birdbath care that's also friendlier to the environment.
Things You'll Need
Stiff-bristled scrub brush with a handle
Mild soap, such as castille soap or environmentally friendly dish soap
White vinegar
Wire brush
Borax
Garden hose
Step 1
Empty the birdbath once a week and scrub the inside surface with a stiff-bristled brush and mild soap. This keeps the concrete clean if the bath is well-maintained with daily water changes.
Step 2
Pour at least 1 cup of undiluted white vinegar into the birdbath once or twice a month for algae removal if buildup occurs. Add more vinegar if needed to cover the bath's bottom. Clean the concrete with vinegar more often in the summer, if necessary.
Step 3
Scrub the concrete with a wire brush in two or more directions to loosen algae, mildew and soiling. Rinse the birdbath thoroughly with a hose.
Step 4
Mix 1/4 cup of borax in two cups of hot water, stirring with a spoon. Pour the mixture into the birdbath. Borax kills mold and mildew and helps remove stubborn stains. Scrub the mixture into the concrete with a wire brush.
Step 5
Rinse the birdbath at least twice to remove all the residue. Refill it. Limit the water depth to 2 to 3 inches. Birds prefer low water and will avoid a birdbath when the water is too deep.
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