The Pantry Staple That Will Hinder Algae Growth In Your Bird Bath

If you've ever looked at your birdbath and noticed it looked more like a swamp than a spa, you're probably dealing with an algae problem. Algae can turn a peaceful backyard oasis into a green and slimy mess overnight. But the great news is that there is a solution, and it's likely already sitting in your pantry. Some humble apple cider vinegar can help you clean birdbaths and prevent algae from blossoming and taking over. It's a surprisingly effective, cost-efficient, and eco-friendly way to keep algae at bay without using any harsh chemicals that could harm your bird visitors. This hack works whether you're using store-bought or DIY birdbaths made from plastic nursery pots.

First things first — what is algae, and why is it growing in your backyard's birdbath? Simply put, it's a type of organism that grows in water thanks to light. It's not a plant, animal, or fungus; rather, it belongs to the taxonomic kingdom Protista. With some water, minerals, and sun, algae grows and multiplies, and it eventually turns the water green, with green foam floating at the top. Other things might appear in the water, like strands, attaching to surfaces and objects.

Not only is algae in your birdbath unappealing to the eye, but it's also bad for birds. Some types of algae can release harmful toxins into the water, which can put birds at risk. But the tricky part about cleaning a birdbath and removing algae is that it's best not to use any bleach-based cleaners, harsh products, or synthetic soaps so that wildlife stays safe and healthy. Even a small amount of bleach contamination in a birdbath can be harmful to birds and animals. That's where apple cider vinegar comes into play.

Vinegar is such a versatile cleaning tool because of its acidity, which can effectively lift and remove algae from surfaces. However, it's best to use apple cider vinegar instead of white cleaning vinegar because it's a bit softer, which is safer for birds. In small, diluted quantities, apple cider vinegar is even used to help with birds' health as a medication or supplement for their immune systems, but not on a daily basis. So while it might be tempting to drop a bit of apple cider vinegar into your birdbath, don't.

Instead, use the vinegar to clean birdbaths before refilling them with fresh water. Because apple cider vinegar is bird-safe, you won't have to worry about fumes or cross-contamination as much as with chemical cleaners. To clean your birdbath with vinegar, start by emptying out the water completely. Make a solution with water and vinegar (about one-tenth vinegar), and use it to scrub the sides of the birdbath using a hard-bristle brush. Use the brush to remove all of the algae from the birdbath, even some of the more stuck-on bits. Then, rinse the birdbath, and refill it with some fresh water.

If you want to prevent algae from returning to your birdbath, repeat this step every week. In addition, the best trick to keep your birdbath clean is to change the water every few days to prevent organisms from growing (and mosquitoes from breeding!).