When it comes to outdoor decor, a fountain is a classic and attractive addition. A fountain can bring a peaceful and serene atmosphere to your outdoor area. Also, its sound can be highly calming and meditative.
However, like any other outdoor feature, a backyard fountain needs to be regularly cleaned and maintained. From this perspective, this blog post will provide helpful advice on efficiently and properly cleaning a backyard, garden, or outdoor fountain.
I’ll detail the cleaning process, from tools to step-by-step instructions. You can keep your fountain looking as good as new with the right cleaning supplies and techniques.
Read on to learn how to clean an outdoor fountain and keep it looking beautiful for years to come.
What Tools do You Need?
Cleaning an outdoor fountain doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right tools, it can be a breeze. Here’s what you need to keep your fountain looking its best:
- Fountain Basin Cleaner: For most stains, a mild cleaner or CLR (Calcium Lime Remover) is the best bet. Just make sure to avoid copper cleaners on copper fountains!
- Scrapers and Nets: If you need to remove algae or other debris, scrapers, and nets can help get the job done quickly and effectively.
- String Algae Buster (SAB): SAB is one of the best products available to eliminate stubborn algae growth in outdoor fountains.
- Soft, Non-Abrasive Sponge: Try to use a soft, non-abrasive sponge when cleaning your fountain to prevent scratches and other damage.
- Vinegar and Water Mixture: This natural solution can help remove deposits while remaining gentle on your fountain’s material.
- Scrub Brush with Handle: For those hard-to-reach areas, a scrub brush with a handle can provide the leverage needed for an effective clean.
9 Steps to Clean an Outdoor Fountain Yourself
Following the 9 steps below is the best way to ensure clean your fountain. Our steps are based on extensive research and analysis.
We also provide personalized guidance and recommendation to make sure you get the most out of your experience. Not only will following these steps simplify the process, but it’ll also result in better outcomes.
Ultimately, following steps will save you time, energy, and money while providing you with the best results.
1. Rinse the Fountain with Clean Water
Rinsing a fountain with clean water will help you find any natural elements that can dirty your fountain. This will help clear away any dust and debris sitting in the fountain.
Make sure to clear all the lines by running the water through them. You can use a rag and water to scrub the inside of the fountain.
You can also use a garden hose or a pressure washer to finish up. This will help ensure that all fountain areas have been effectively cleaned.
2. Clear the Lines
You can clear lines by running the water through the lines. Make sure to use a rag and water to clear all debris from the lines.
This will prevent any blockages and potential problems in the future. You should ensure that all of the lines are clear before moving on to the next step in cleaning your outdoor fountain.
3. Choose the Right Cleaner
You can use specially formulated algae cleaner to break down stubborn algae growth. Make sure to read the instructions on the bottle to ensure you’re using it correctly.
If you prefer not to use chemicals, white vinegar is a great natural alternative that works just as well. Simply mix one part vinegar with two parts water and then pours it into the fountain.
Allow it to sit for 30 minutes before rinsing it with clean water. For even tougher stains, you can use a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar on a damp sponge or cloth to scrub away any residue.
4. Scrub the Inside of the Fountain
You can use a hose, a nylon-bristled scrub brush, and the recommended outdoor fountain cleaner to give it a good scrubbing. Make sure to get rid of any unsightly dirt and grime.
You can also use a rag and water to wipe the surfaces thoroughly and an old, soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub areas or algae spots.
In this case, you can use white vinegar to remove any mineral stains that have built up over time. When you’re done, be sure to rinse the fountain with clean water once again.
5. Remove Mineral Stains with Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural cleaner and is an effective way to remove calcium and other mineral buildups from your fountain. To do this, mix one-half cup of white vinegar with one gallon of warm water and pour it directly onto the surface.
You should use a nylon scrubber to scrub down the dirty areas. You can use a stronger solution if the buildup is very thick or difficult to remove.
Keep in mind vinegar won’t harm your fountain pump, so it’s much more efficient than other solutions when removing mineral deposits within your fountain.
6. Clean the Inside of the Pan
You can use a mild soap or product such as CLR to remove any buildup in this step. Again you can use a rag and warm water to wipe down the inside of the pan.
If your fountain has a removable casing, use a soft-bristled brush and warm soapy water to reach tight areas. Don’t forget to check for leaks or cracks while cleaning.
Once finished, you can use a hose or water pressure washer to rinse any remaining soap residue from the outside.
7. Scoop out water
You can use a pail, pitcher, or whatever you have handy to scoop the water out. This will help make it easier to eliminate debris like leaves, twigs, and insects lingering in the fountain.
Once you’ve scooped out the water and removed any debris, you can assess whether there are any mineral stains that you can remove with a vinegar solution.
Again, you can scrub the inside of the fountain with a mild soap or product such as CLR, and finally, use a hose or water pressure washer to rinse it off.
8. Use a Hose or Water Pressure Washer
Once all the cleaning is complete, you can use a hose or water pressure washer to rinse off the entire fountain. This will help to remove any remaining debris or dirt.
Use the correct nozzle for your fountain material if you have a pressure washer. You should cover your plants and surrounding areas to protect them from the pressure from the water.
To use a hose, make sure you use a spray nozzle to easily reach all areas of the fountain for a thorough rinse.
9. Fountain Inspection to Check Leaks or Cracks
After cleaning your fountain, you should check for any leaks or cracks. You can also use a flashlight or other light source to inspect for any cracks or leaks.
If there is a crack, it will appear white. To fix a leaking fountain, use clear Silicon II and apply it to the leak on the inside.
You can also use a mild soap and cloth or brush if needed. There are products available to help prevent the buildup of algae. Replacing or repairing your fountain is easy, and you can be done in 3 steps:
- Shut off the water source,
- Remove the pump, and
- Patch the leak or crack.
If the base of your fountain is leaking without a visible crack, let it sit for a week, and the crack will appear white.
Following these steps should help keep your fountain in good condition for years! Also, it will stay in tip-top shape and be ready for your next outdoor gathering!
Top 3 Water Fountain Cleaning Services
If you don’t do the entire cleaning process, alternatively, you can hire a professional fountain cleaning service. Below is the list of the top 5 cleaning services.
- Enjoy the beauty of outdoor water features with Jared’s Fountain Repair. Get the best results with their expert technicians and top-of-the-line equipment.
- Make sure your water feature lasts for years with Aquatec Fountains’ commercial water feature team and their years of expertise, skill, and accreditation.
- Keep your residence looking its best with Bullfrog Pool Tile Cleaning’swater feature and fountain cleaning services. Nothing is too complex for them to handle!
Final Thoughts
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily keep your outdoor fountain clean and well-maintained. Check the fountain regularly and clean it at least once a month to keep it looking its best.
Regular cleaning allows you to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of your outdoor fountain for years to come.
