How to Clean Hummingbird Feeders and When to Change the Nectar
- Caroline
- Apr 9
- 2 min read
Keeping your hummingbird feeders clean and filled with fresh nectar isn’t just good bird etiquette—it’s critical for the health and safety of these delicate creatures. Dirty feeders or spoiled nectar can cause serious harm, including deadly fungal and bacterial infections. Luckily, with a few simple steps, you can keep your feeders safe and inviting all season long.
Why Clean Feeders Matter
The sugar water we put out for hummingbirds can ferment quickly, especially in warm weather, and can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria that may be fatal to the birds. Fungi like Aspergillus and bacteria such as Pseudomonas can contaminate feeders, potentially causing deadly infections like avian candidiasis or even damaging a hummingbird’s tongue, making it impossible for them to feed.
It’s not just about avoiding illness—clean feeders also help prevent black mold buildup, which hummingbirds will instinctively avoid. Keeping feeders fresh ensures they’ll keep coming back for more of your sweet nectar.
When to Change Hummingbird Nectar Based on Temperature
How often you need to change nectar depends largely on the weather. The hotter it is, the more frequently it needs changing. Here's a simple guideline recommended by Audubon and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:
Temperature | Nectar Change Frequency |
60–70°F (15–21°C) | Every 5–6 days |
70–80°F (21–27°C) | Every 3–5 days |
80–90°F (27–32°C) | Every 2 days |
90°F+ (32°C+) | Daily or every other day |
Tip: Always change the nectar immediately if it appears cloudy or has floating debris, regardless of the schedule.
Feeders must be cleaned between refills. Avoid "topping off" without cleaning.
How to Properly Clean a Hummingbird Feeder
Regular cleaning is just as important as changing the nectar. Here's how to do it right:
Disassemble the feeder: Remove all parts—reservoir, feeding ports, perches, etc.
Rinse with hot water: Avoid soap, which can leave harmful residue. Use a bottle brush to scrub all surfaces.
Use a vinegar solution (optional): Keep a spray bottle filled with vinegar on hand. Spray the feeder parts, let sit for 30 seconds, brush with the bottle brush, and rinse thoroughly. For a deeper clean, soak parts in a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water. Let it sit for an hour, then rinse thoroughly.
Dry completely: Let all parts air-dry before refilling to avoid mold growth.
For those extra tiny feeding ports, pipe cleaners or specialized port brushes can make cleaning easier.
Trusted Feeders That Are Easy to Clean
If you’re looking for easy-to-clean feeders that help make this routine simple, we recommend our sponsors:
Perky- Pet features feeders with removable bases and wide openings, perfect for thorough cleaning and simple maintenance.
Kingsyard offers thoughtfully designed feeders with wide mouths for easy refilling and cleaning, plus bee guards and ant moats to protect your nectar.
Both companies prioritize bird health and offer options that are functional, beautiful, and hummingbird-approved.
Hummingbirds rely on us to provide safe, clean feeders—especially during migration and breeding seasons when every calorie counts. By staying on top of cleaning and nectar changes, you’re not just attracting more birds—you’re helping ensure their survival.
The International Hummingbird Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization dedicated to educating people about hummingbirds and working internationally to protect them.
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