Clean Birdbath

Is there a way to keep our birdbath clean that won't hurt birds?

—Florine Orosco, Canyon Lake, Texas

George: I have the same problem with both of my birdbaths, but I solve it with bleach. Several times a summer, I drain the baths, pour pure bleach on all surfaces and let it sit or scrub it a little. Then I rinse the baths with fresh water, three or four times, before refilling them. Make sure to keep the birdbath covered or in a place birds can't reach while the bleach does its work. I've found that using a pressure washer also works well.