How to Clean a Cement Bird Bath

Today, I’m sharing backyard birding tips on how to clean a cement bird bath.  First, I love auctions.  Especially, auctions when I’m able to get items that I’m bidding on at bargain prices. I grabbed this cement birdbath for $10.00. Fortunately, nobody else saw the beauty in it or the potential for a repurpose. To put the icing on the cake, the auctioneer threw a birdhouse in for free.  

Unfortunately, the bird bath had a few fractures.  But, the base and the top were in pretty good shape overall.  The birdbath had sat in a beautiful knockout rose garden for many years.  The owners were moving to Florida, and were limiting their haul to their new home. They were happy that I was a birdwatcher, and the birdbath would be restored and loved.  

 

 

cleaning a cement bird bath

 

 

 

how to clean a birdbath

 

 

Next, my first step was to clean up the bird bath.  However, I hadn’t decided if I would try to fix the fractures in the birdbath or repurpose it as a planter.  The birdhouse needed the roof repaired, and a paint job, but overall it was in  good shape too.  So, I decided to start with cleaning the bird bath and leave the birdhouse for later.

 

 

 

cleaning cement bird baths

 

 

 

As you can see the bird bath hadn’t been cleaned in some time.  And, it really needed a little TLC to repair the cracks.  A good cleaning was the first step to bringing it back to life.  It was going to need some elbow grease to remove the grime that had built up over the years.  But, it was a task that was manageable.  I just needed to set aside an afternoon to deal with it.  I picked a beautiful, sunny day and went to work.  

 

How to Clean a Cement Bird Bath:  

 

  • Water
  • Clorox Bleach
  • 33 Gallon Garbage Bag
  • Steel Wool Pad
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Cleaning Brush

 

1.  First, I filled the birdbath with water and added a good dose of Clorox Bleach.   Don’t be frugal, give it a big, huge dose.

2.  Next, I covered the bird bath with a 33 gallon garbage bag.

3.  I allowed the bleach and water to work for 2 – 3 hours.

 

 

how to clean a cement bird bath

 

 

 

After a few hours, I removed the garbage bag to inspect the status of the basin.  The bleach solution was working as expected.  It was eating away years of grime and filth.  The base was pretty clean and in excellent shape, so it didn’t take the work to clean as the basin.

 

 

 

how to clean a bird bath

 

 

Next, I had to remove the remaining dirt by hand.

4.  I always keep a stash of steel wool under my sink.  I put on the rubber gloves and started scrubbing.

5.  After 5 – 10 minutes of scrubbing and several good rinses, the basin looked squeaky clean and ready for the cracks to be sealed or a new purpose.

 

 

 

cleaning a cement bird bath

 

 

 

Last, if you have a bird bath that needs a good cleaning, try these tips.  You will be amazed at the results.  Also, check out my other attracting backyard birds tips before you leave.   And, be sure to check back so you can see if I decided to fix the basin and continue to use it as a birdbath or if I repurposed this beauty.  Next, the birdhouse makeover.  Stay tuned for that post.

Finally, you may also like:  How to Attract Backyard Birds with Eggshells  or Attracting Birds With Water. 

 

 

5 Ways To Reuse Gift Bags

Did you know that you can reuse gift bags from birthday, Christmas, baby showers and any other occasion.  Today, I’m sharing ways to reuse gift bags. I have saved tons of gift bags, and reuse them regularly.  As a matter of fact, I replaced most of my wrapping paper with gift bags years ago. They’re easy to use, colorful, and come in a variety of sizes.  Usually, I purchase mine from the Dollar Tree.  So, we can throw inexpensive too.   Before you leave, check out my 8 Reasons to Use Gift Bags post.  

 

 

recycle, repurpose, gift bags

 

 

Here’s 5 ways to reuse gift bags:

1.  Reuse the bag for another gift giving occasion. – I reuse my gifts bags for birthdays, Christmas, or just because.  Make sure the bags are in good condition.  Nobody want to receive a wrinkles or torn gift bag.

2.  Donate to churches or other organizations that give gifts for Christmas or other occasions. – Many churches or organizations that donate Christmas gifts love to have Christmas or plan colored gift bags.

3.  Use as a decorative piece for canning jars.   Just cut out a piece of the bag in the shape of the center of the top and glue down. The jars can be filled with Christmas candy, party mix etc.  Adds a nice decorative touch to the jar.

4.  Use as gift tags or decorate scrapbook pages. – I cut squares or circles out of the bags and use them as gift tags.

5.  Great for storing paper, dolls yarn etc.  My granddaughter uses them to carry her dolls outside to play with the neighbors.

Try a few of our tips or come up with your own uses.  Also, ask family and friends to start saving their gift bags for you. Having a few gift bags around for emergency gifting or when you’ve running short on time can be a life saver too