The Dos and Don'ts of Keeping Your Bird Feeders Clean
Because Even Backyard Buffets Deserve Health Inspections
Bird feeders are tiny all-you-can-eat buffets in your backyard, where the feathered regulars expect five-star service—and zero germs. But between those seed-flinging sparrows and the occasional squirrel dive-bomber, things can get messy fast.
And we’re not just talking aesthetics. A dirty bird feeder is basically a germ-filled potluck, serving up mold, bacteria, and birdie sniffles. Gross.
Ready to keep your buffet open and your birds healthy? Let’s talk feeder hygiene.
The Dos of Bird Feeder Cleaning
Clean Weekly (Yes, Really)
Birdseed ages like a banana left on the dashboard. Cleaning your feeder every week or two keeps the mold and bacteria out and the party going.
How to clean:
Take it apart
Scrub with hot, soapy water
Rinse thoroughly
Let it dry completely (Optional: A vinegar rinse adds some extra disinfecting oomph.)
The Don’ts of Bird Feeder Cleaning
Don’t Skip the Rinse
Residual soap isn’t a seasoning your chickadees will enjoy. Even natural cleaners need to be rinsed thoroughly. If it squeaks when you rub it? You’re good.
❌ Don’t Let Seed Go Stale
Old seed = sad birds and zero nutrition. It’s like offering week-old chips at your dinner party. Fill feeders with smaller amounts and refill often to keep seed fresh and tasty.
❌ Don’t Ignore the Ground Below
Fallen seed attracts mice, squirrels, and the occasional raccoon night party. It also molds quickly and spreads disease. A few things you can do is rake weekly, add a seed catcher tray, or politely tell the squirrels to move along.
❌ Don’t Neglect Your Tools
That brush is doing the dirty work—don’t let it become part of the problem. Rinse and dry after each use. Replace when it gets grungy. Treat your tools like you treat your feeder: clean and ready for action.
A Clean Feeder = A Full Feeder = A Happy Feeder
We get it—scrubbing out a suet cage isn’t exactly a thrill. But clean feeders mean healthy birds, fewer pests, and more feathered drama on display right outside your window. Want a new feeder that’s easier to clean? Swing by Merriam Feed + Seed. We’ve got the gear, the seed, and the unsolicited squirrel-proofing advice.
Keep it clean, keep it full, and let the birds bring the entertainment.
