How To Easily Clean Your Birdbath With One Cheap Ingredient

There are so many different birdbath designs that'll have colorful friends flocking to your yard and add a fun touch to the space. But unfortunately, these baths don't stay clean all on their own. Like any other outdoor fixture that attracts wildlife, birdbaths can become quite dirty over time. And if your birdbath starts to look like it could be in the next sequel of "The Alien," it may be time to give it a cleaning. Birdbaths can be made of a wide range of materials, from heavy materials, such as concrete and ceramic, to lightweight compositions, such as resin, plastic, or even metal. That being stated, there is one natural cleaning ingredient that will whip a birdbath made of any of these materials back into shape in no time. That ingredient is baking soda.

Yes, time and time again, plain old baking soda has proven itself as one of those household cleaning staples that can bring shine to almost any dull surface. Throughout the seasons, the surface of a birdbath can become riddled with everything from everyday dust and debris to pollen, bird droppings, and dead insects. Weather changes and humidity can also play a factor in how well these basins hold up over time. 

Though there are many methods available to keep your birdbath clean, this solution happens to be one of the simplest and cheapest. Baking soda can be purchased for under $5 a box, but you may already have some in your pantry that you can use. It's also a non-toxic ingredient that's safe for various cleaning purposes. You also need microfiber cloths or cleaning sponges to complete the task.

This everyday household item is often considered to be the superhero when it comes to cleaning. Whether it's paired with vinegar for a two-punch cleaning knockout or used as a standalone agent for cleaning, odor absorptivity, or stain removal, its effectiveness can't be denied. Baking soda is considered an abrasive to help gently remove gunk, and it effectively dissolves and lifts grease, dirt, and other organic compounds. It also has antibacterial qualities, another reason why it's the perfect cleaning solution for your birdbath. These baths can become a breeding ground for grime and hardened organic matter, factors that can deter your feathered friends from visiting.

So here's how to use it to clean your birdbath. First, remove any standing water from the basin. For a lightweight model, you can simply tip it over. But for weighty birdbaths, take a cup and scoop out the water until it's empty. Next, spray the bath with water using a spray bottle or garden hose. This will help soften any hardened debris, making it easier for your cleanser to break it down. Afterward, pour a cup of baking soda into a bowl, and then add just enough water to it to create a thick paste. 

Next, apply the paste using a microfiber cloth or sponge, working it in a circular motion on the bath. Allow the paste to sit for about 30 to 40 minutes, then rinse it off using a garden hose. Lastly, take a fresh microfiber cloth to dry off the birdbath. If you notice any water spots, simply spray them with water and dry them immediately. You're ready to refill your birdbath for your feathered friends.