Every evening around 6 p.m., the neighborhood birds start visiting my bird baths. It’s a joy to see the catbirds splashing around, the black-capped chickadees taking sips, and the nuthatches visiting with each other.
Bird baths are popular gathering places for birds year-round. “Providing fresh, clean water can be especially valuable during hot weather, drought, and migration, when birds rely on reliable sources of water for drinking and bathing,” says Chad Witko, specialist, avian biology, with the National Audubon Society.
But bird baths must be maintained to keep them safe. “Bird baths can accumulate fecal droppings, feathers, dirt, algae, and other organic matter that harbor bacteria and pathogens,” says Witko. “Regular cleaning helps provide birds with a safer source of drinking and bathing water and can reduce the risk of disease transmission.”
It’s especially important because bird baths become polluted. “Unlike many natural water sources, which are often flowing, replenished with fresh water, or temporary enough that large numbers of birds don't repeatedly use them, bird baths are small, concentrated water sources where contaminants can build up quickly,” says Witko.
How to clean a bird bath
It’s not difficult to clean a birdbath, and it should be done regularly. “Just like feeders, it’s good to clean baths regularly to keep the water fresh and clean,” says Holly Grant, project assistant for NestWatch at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Once a week is ideal, though you may need to clean it more frequently if you see cloudy water, algae growth, or bird droppings.
Change the water frequently
Regularly changing the water in your bird bath is an important first step in keeping local birds healthy. “We recommend changing water in your bird bath as often as possible, or every couple of days,” says Grant. Daily changes are even better, especially during hot weather.
Wear gloves
“[Bird baths] may also be visited by mammals, including raccoons, opossums, squirrels, and neighborhood cats,” says Witko. That’s a lot of potential for bacteria to build up, which can make you sick, too. Protect yourself by wearing gloves.
Scrub it
A stiff scrub brush and water are often all that's needed to remove algae and other buildup. “If needed, a small amount of dish soap can be used, provided the bird bath is rinsed thoroughly to remove any residue,” says Witko.
Let it dry completely before refilling
It might seem counterintuitive to wait for a bird bath to dry when you’re just planning to add more water to it, but this exercise in patience can further reduce the survival of many disease-causing microorganisms, says Witko.
Do an occasional deep-clean
“It’s not a bad idea to do this once in a while, but it doesn’t have to be every time you clean them,” says Grant. To disinfect your bird baths, soak the cleaned parts for 10 minutes in a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water). Then, carefully rinse off the bleach and allow the parts to dry completely before reassembly. Boiled water or diluted vinegar can work as an alternative to bleach.
Wash your hands
“Regardless of whether you choose to wear gloves while handling or cleaning your bird bath, make sure you always wash your hands thoroughly when you come back inside, just like you would after handling your feeders, or any other item that birds visit frequently,” says Grant.
Should you add anything to bird baths to keep them clean?
Standing water is a place mosquitoes can lay their eggs, so this is another reason to keep your bird baths clean. However, it’s not necessary to add anything, such as Bti, which kills mosquito larvae, to the water. “If you're changing the water every few days, mosquito larvae won't have enough time to develop, so additional mosquito control is generally unnecessary,” says Witko.
The same goes for any other chemicals, algaecides or other products that are safe for people or ornamental ponds, but may not be okay for birds. Instead, place the bird bath in the shade during the hottest part of the day because excessive sunlight can encourage algal growth, says Witko.
If a bird bath can't be emptied and refilled regularly, keeping the water moving with a small fountain, dripper, or bubbler can help discourage mosquitoes, as they typically lay their eggs in stagnant or very slow-moving water, says Witko.
What kind of bird baths do birds like?
Look for bird baths with gently sloping sides, shallow water (generally no more than 1–2 inches deep), or built-in stepping stones, which are especially beneficial because they allow birds of different sizes to access the shallow depths they naturally prefer for bathing, says Witko.
Also, if the bath is on the ground, arrange a few branches or stones in the water so that birds can stand on them and drink without getting wet. This is particularly important in winter, says Grant.
Because you’ll be cleaning the bird bath regularly, the surface type matters for convenience and ease of cleaning. “Smooth, non-porous materials like glazed ceramic or certain plastics are generally the easiest to clean because they don't trap as much algae or debris,” says Witko. “However, surfaces that are too smooth can be slippery for birds. The ideal bird bath has a lightly textured surface that provides secure footing without being so rough or porous that it becomes difficult to clean.”
Arricca Elin SanSone is a writer, editor, and content creator who specializes in lifestyle and gardening. With a background in health reporting, she applies these same research skills when writing about the science of growing things. She trials new plants in her expansive garden, and her houseplant collection consists of 60+ varieties. Arricca has written thousands of articles for publications such as Country Living, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, VERANDA, Southern Living, and more. She’s happiest when digging in the dirt, baking, or spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
