Why a Deep Clean is Important

Hummingbirds have very delicate systems. Black mold spores, which look like tiny black dots, can make them sick. A clean feeder means happy, healthy birds coming back to your yard!

Here’s how to give your feeder a safe, deep clean that keeps your tiny visitors healthy.

Your Safe Cleaning Kit

You don't need harsh chemicals like bleach that can leave dangerous residue. All you need are two simple, safe items:

• White Vinegar

• Hydrogen Peroxide Spray (like you use for cuts)

• A small bottle brush

The Weekly 'Sparkle Clean' Ritual

1. Empty and Rinse: First, throw out any old nectar. Rinse your feeder well with warm water.

2. Soak it Clean: Mix 1 part white vinegar with 4 parts warm water in a bucket or sink. Take your feeder apart completely and soak all the pieces in this mix for at least 30 minutes. The vinegar will kill most germs and loosen grime.

3. Brush Away Grime: Use a small bottle brush to scrub inside the feeder bottle and especially the feeding ports where mold loves to hide.

4. Rinse, Rinse, Rinse! This is the most important step! Rinse every part of your feeder very thoroughly with fresh, clean water. Make sure there is no vinegar or peroxide smell left.

5. Refilling it with fresh Sparkle Wings™ nectar.

Make this "Sparkle Clean" a weekly habit, and your hummingbirds will thank you!

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