Is there a safe way to clean hummingbird feeders and other such containers such as rabbit water bottles that provide you with no way to get to the inside of the bottle? I know these items need to be clean for the critters, but I have an awful time getting all the slime and mold that tends to quickly accumulate out. PS I do not have a diswasher.
2006-06-25 15:11:27 · 9 answers · asked by pennymaelane 3 in Pets ➔ Birds
I have 3 hummingbird feeders and I use a white vinagar solution and pipe cleaners. (works great for the little holes and the mold)
hummer feeders need to be cleaned evry 3-5 days here in fL maybe less in the north. the solution is 3 part hot water to 1 part vinegar. so 3 cups hot water to 1 cup vinegar.
good luck I also use it for my chick waters and for the gallon feeders for my hens
2006-06-26 03:35:14 · answer #1 · answered by gar_1930 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1. Take the feeder down and empty the remaining nectar into the sink.
2. Take the feeder apart.
3. Scrub all parts thoroughly with warm, soapy water.
4. Scrub inside the feeder using a bottle brush.
5. Place approximately 2 tbsp. bleach inside the feeder, and then fill the feeder with warm water.
6. Let the feeder sit upright for 15 to 30 minutes - until all mold has disappeared.
7. Soak other parts of the feeder in a similar bleach solution if necessary.
8. Rinse the feeder thoroughly.
9. Dry the feeder and parts.
10. Refill the feeder with nectar or sugar water and hang for feeding.
Tips:
Feeders should be cleaned at least once a week - more often in warm weather.
As an alternative to bleach, try using grains of uncooked rice or BBs as tiny "scrubbers." Using a funnel, put 1/4 c. rice or BBs into the feeder and fill it halfway with warm water. Put your finger over the opening and shake vigorously until all mold disappears.
A cotton swab is helpful in removing dirt or mold stuck in feeder ports.
2006-06-25 22:17:02 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Use warm soapy water and pipe cleaners for the tubes and a bottle brush for the bottle.
Make sure you rinse well with hot water after cleaning.
2006-06-25 22:18:07 · answer #3 · answered by Wendy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to your local drugstore or supermarket... Go to the baby section they have various baby bottle brushes that will get into tight spaces... you can also find some in the kitchen utensils department.... DO NOT use detergent soap or bleach... it is very harmful to small animals... USE apple cider vinegar, diluted in warm water. It's very cheap and very safe, it will disinfect also....
2006-06-25 22:24:32 · answer #4 · answered by funkdelux121 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way to get them clean is soak them in your sink with really hot water and soap. Pretty much any soap will do.
Glad you feed little critters too!
2006-06-25 22:16:45 · answer #5 · answered by Krn 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to the baby isle of any grocery store, or Target. They make all sorts of brushes for baby bottles that should do the trick.
They are inexpensive too.
2006-06-25 22:14:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could always soak it in hot hot water. then Jet-stream it with a high powered hose.
2006-06-25 22:15:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
get like a bottle or something youd feed a baby with and that should do it
2006-06-25 22:15:48 · answer #8 · answered by hotcakelaugh 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
rinse it in warm water once a week and then put new sugar water in it.
2006-06-26 05:24:13 · answer #9 · answered by rosie w 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋