Expert reveals best way to keep bird baths clean and maintained all year round

Daily Mirror

24-07-2025

Bird baths are more than just an ornamental addition to your garden; they serve as a crucial resource for local wildlife, which is why its important to keep them clean and maintained
Birds require water not only for drinking but also for bathing, which aids in keeping their feathers clean and in optimal condition for insulation and flight. A well-kept bird bath can transform into a lively centre of activity, offering endless hours of bird-watching as various species visit your garden.
Plus, they can act as a perfect centrepiece in any outdoor space. Models like this Junious Iron Bird Bat h can add a rustic and timeless effect to your garden or patio while helping the local wildlife.
That said, a bird bath that isn't cleaned regularly and maintained properly can swiftly become a health risk. Stagnant water, accumulated debris, and the growth of algae and bacteria can pose serious threats to birds. Knowing how to keep your bird bath clean is vital for the well-being of your avian visitors and the overall attractiveness of your garden.
Cleaning expert Matthew Harrison from PriceYourJob.co.uk has chimed in with his top suggestions for keeping your bird bath clean and maintained, ensuring it remains a safe and welcoming spot throughout the year.
If you've been debating buying a bird bath for your garden or fancy upgrading your existing one, Wayfair has a range of options available. This Junious Iron Bird Bath from ClassicLiving (£27.99) is a traditionally designed bird bath in an authentic and rustic iron material. Built at the ideal height for birds to enjoy either as a feeding, drinking, or bathing station, this simplistic bird bath is easily added to elevate any garden, patio, decking, or even balcony. Plus, it will naturally weather over time to create a timeless and almost vintage aesthetic.
Wayfair also has this Haygazn Plastic/Acrylic Birdbath (£36.99), which bestows a similar design as the iron option but is made from plastic that is set to withstand the elements without deteriorating over time. Set to turn your garden or courtyard into an elegant and charming space that invites birds to play or drink, this beautiful and durable birdbath is made of quality PP material covered with a resin coating. This means that this bird bath resists rain, water, and other weather and will not dent, break, or fracture.
For more options, Amazon has plenty of alternatives, including this VIVOHOME Birdbath that's constructed from a similar resin-coated plastic and retails for £41.99. For something a bit more upmarket, Debenhams has this Primrose Glazed Ceramic Pedestal Outdoor Garden Bird Bath for £67.99.
Why do you need to clean your bird bath regularly?
Bird baths full of warm, still water are the perfect breeding ground for algae and other organic matter. This results in a slippery green layer (biofilm) on the bird bath's surface, which not only looks unpleasant but can also harbour harmful bacteria. Stagnant water is also the ideal breeding site for mosquitoes. These insects can carry and transmit diseases that can affect both birds and humans.
On top of that, the bird bath fills with bird droppings, decaying leaves, and other debris that fall into the water, which can introduce bacteria. Usual suspects include Salmonella and E.coli, which can cause severe illnesses in birds, leading to symptoms like lethargy, ruffled feathers, and even death. What's more, a shared, contaminated water source can rapidly spread diseases among bird populations.
How do you clean your bird bath?
It's a relatively simple and easy process that can be done weekly or bi-weekly to ensure algae and bacteria build-up doesn't occur. Start by tipping out all of the old water. Rinse out the bird bath with fresh water, then use a stiff-bristled brush to vigorously scrub all surfaces of the bird bath, paying close attention to the bottom and sides where algae and biofilm will tend to accumulate. You might not need a cleaning agent for every routine scrub, but a bit of elbow grease will go a long way. Give it another rinse and then fill with clean water.
Diluted bleach, white wine vinegar, and other cleaning agents can be used for more serious cleaning successions, recommended once a month. During these, you can leave the bath to soak, ensuring all of the bacteria is stripped from the bath.
A clean and well-kept bird bath is a straightforward way to help your local bird populations and boost the attractiveness and biodiversity of your garden.