Clean bird stations
Regular cleaning helps keep your garden birds healthy all year round, and reduces the risk of diseases like bird flu.
Last edited: 15/04/2025
Before you get started
Why this is important
We love that you are creating spaces where birds can eat, drink, and rest! But when lots of birds gather in one spot, the risk of spreading illness increases. A little regular cleaning goes a long way in keeping our feathered friends safe.
Advice:
Clean daily with soapy water and disinfect every few weeks in warmer months (or sooner if you see slime or algae).
Instructions
How to Clean Bird Food & Water Stations
Scrub off the muck
Use a brush to remove any stuck-on grime, ideally away from where birds gather.
Then give it a final clean using hot, soapy water and a good rinse.
Disinfect safely
Use a wildlife-safe disinfectant (or a very weak bleach solution).
Cover the area while the disinfectant works (this keeps all animals safe).
Let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly
Make sure to rinse every part of the station until all the disinfectant is completely gone.
Prepare your station
Top up with clean water or fresh food.
Add small pebbles to water stations to help insects and small animals get out safely.
celebrate your achievement
Together, We’re Making an Impact
Upload a photo of yourself cleaning a bird station, and we’ll add +1 to our impact counter - showing how many of you are making a collective difference.