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How do you clean your concrete birdbath?

MeomyeMeomye Posts: 949
in Problem solving
How do you keep them clean and algae free please ? at the moment I am using just water and a brush but in my slightly deeper bowl it is harder to remove. t i a

Posts

  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    Add a bit of bleach to a detergent. Make sure to rinse it well 
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Any kitchen surface spray with bleach in it is an easy option. Just spray it on the empty bath, leave it a few minutes then scrub it with a washing up brush and rinse thoroughly before refilling.  I try to do this once a week.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • ViewAheadViewAhead Posts: 866
    Once a week?!?  Crikey, that's impressive.  Once a season is more my timetable!  B)
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Very fussy birds in my garden @ViewAhead!  A reward for keeping the borders free of pests!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • MeomyeMeomye Posts: 949
    Thank you @Plantminded and @B3.  I will do as you suggested.  :)
  • MeomyeMeomye Posts: 949
    I have recently noticed a 'greasy looking film' on my concrete bird bath which I have never had before and although I am cleaning it out regularly, it keeps reoccurring. It has been suggested that it is when the pigeons have been bathing in it. Are they particularly dirty? I think it is putting off my much loved smaller birds that usually attend the bath. What is this 'film' and is it harmful to the little ones?  
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Yes, @Meomye, highly likely to be pigeons, I think it's oil from their feathers.  Nothing to worry about though if you change the water regularly.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • MeomyeMeomye Posts: 949
    Thank you @Plantminded.
  • RubytooRubytoo Posts: 1,630
    Some birds including pigeons have what are known as powder down feathers. These are what leave a bloom or layer on your water dish when they bathe :)
    It is what helps to keep them waterproof.
  • JAYJARDINJAYJARDIN Posts: 256
    @plantminded- I also clean our bird bath once a week ! I wouldn't want to bath in stagnant water so why should they !
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