Cleaning a Hummingbird Feeder

It is very important to keep your hummingbird feeder clean, for the health of your feathered friends. This is a guide about cleaning a hummingbird feeder.

Solutions: Cleaning a Hummingbird Feeder

Read and rate the best solutions below by giving them a "thumbs up".

Use Loose Screws to Clean Hummingbird Feeder

To clean your hummingbird feeder, place some loose screws in the container with some hot soapy water and swirl them around. The screws will break away the grime buildup. Rinse well. Swirl it gently. Don't shake it because the screws might break the glass.

Source: I read this tip in "Country" magazine years ago and use it for cleaning my feeder.

By Betty from NC

0SharePrintFollow2 Feedbacks

Cleaning Tiny Holes in Your Hummingbird Feeder

To clean the tiny holes in the bug and bee guards on my feeder, I use an old mascara wand that has been thoroughly cleaned. It works great for getting into small places!

By Penny B.

0SharePrintFollowPost Feedback

Make Sure Your Feeder Is Easy To Clean

I have experimented with making hummingbird feeders and have decided that purchasing an inexpensive feeder is not much higher in cost. One of the things to consider when buying (or making) a feeder is the ease in cleaning. Our local grocery store carries the Perky Pet line and the very simple feeders (usually under $5) have worked the best.

Speaking of cleaning, never use any type of soap to clean the feeder. Even if you think you have rinsed the feeder thoroughly even the most minute amount can injury the hummy. Just clean the feeder with very hot water and you can add a couple of drops of bleach. Rinse very well with hot water if you use bleach.

Another key is to only add enough food to last for one day, particularly if you are in a warm climate. This will ensure that you don't have any bacteria growing in the food. I use 4 parts water to 1 part sugar to make the solution, heat it in the microwave to just below the boiling point, place it in a covered glass container and refrigerate. Just take out what you need for 1 day (or 2), depending on the amount of hummies coming to the feeder it may be a very small amount.

Please do NOT put food coloring in the water. Studies have shown that this is not beneficial and can actually be harmful. Also never use honey or artificial sweeteners. Just plain old sugar works best. Since almost all of the feeders have a red base the hummies are drawn to the feeder without much work on your part.

By Lilly M. from NW Michigan

0SharePrintFollowPost Feedback

Cleaning Hummingbird Feeders

To clean the test-tube style hummingbird feeder, get a cotton bore mop from a gun store cleaning section. It fits perfect in the tube to get out gunk and is reusable, costs about $1.00

By Janet

0SharePrintFollowPost Feedback

Use Twist Tie to Clean Hummingbird Feeder

I found a simple and thrifty way to clean the feeding holes in the hummingbird feeder. When the holes get clogged up, run a twist tie through them a couple of times and then run hot water through them. It works every time.

By Jabsgram from MA

0SharePrintFollow1 Feedback

Share Your Feedback: Once you try any of the above solutions, be sure to come back and give a "thumbs up" to the solution that worked the best for you. Do you have a better solution? Click "Share a Solution" above!