Simple, Natural Cleaning Strategies for Your Garden Water Fountain
Having a beautiful garden water fountain can add a relaxing ambience to your backyard oasis. But with that beauty comes the challenge of keeping it clean. The water can easily become contaminated with dirt, bugs, and algae. If left uncleaned, your garden fountain can become a breeding ground for bacteria and other diseases. Fortunately, there are several household products that can be used to keep your garden fountain clean.
The first solution is to use a cleaning pad designed for metal pans and pots. Products like the Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge will be perfect for cleaning your fountain. Soak the pad in hot water and gently scrub your garden fountain to remove dirt and algae. When you are done, rinse your pad and be sure to thoroughly rinse away any soap residue to avoid creating foam in the fountain water when refilling it. If your fountain is made of slate, this scrubbing method will be a quick clean.
If you have access to a pressure washer, this is an excellent way to clean and maintain your fountain. The pressure washer quickly and effectively strips away stains, mildew, mold, and hard water buildup. Be sure you also remove the pump from the fountain and give it a cleaning in a bucket of warm water and a bit of dish soap. Once you’ve completed the pressure washing, fill the fountain again and your garden will be restored to its former glory.
If you don’t have access to a pressure washer, an economical alternative is to mix half a cup of white vinegar with one gallon of warm water. Soak a nylon scrubber in the solution and thoroughly clean the water fountain. If you have stubborn stains or hard water buildup, you may have to use full-strength vinegar and a bit of elbow grease to get it sparkling clean. After you’re done scrubbing, be sure to rinse the fountain thoroughly to remove any vinegar residue.
Another good cleaning solution is to mix two tablespoons of bleach with one gallon of water. Use like the vinegar solution above and if you are faced with any hard water buildup, apply full-strength bleach to the spots. Remember to thoroughly rinse the fountain afterwards to remove any bleach residue as chlorine and bleach can be harmful to plants and wildlife nearby.
It is also important to practice regular maintenance on your water fountain. Pick out any leaves, petals, feathers, or dust that lands inside the fountain on a daily basis to prevent the water from becoming murky and full of bacteria. Additionally, consider adding a mosquito dunk to the water. A mosquito dunk is a tablet that prevents mosquito larvae from hatching and is safe for birds, but be sure to keep it away from kids and any pets around.
These four household solutions can help keep your garden fountain clean and beautiful, as well as maintaining a healthy and inviting environment. From gentle scrubbing to power washing, all you need are the right tools and a little elbow-grease to get the job done. So enjoy your garden oasis and know that your fountain is clean and safe.
