During the winter it doesn't get that during and it's too cold to be outside so I wash it every other week. When it's spring and summer or fall I wash it once a week. Is it okay to use dawn soap? After rinsing it with the water hose, I then place the bird feeder, dome, water feeder, 2 bowls, and 1 tray on the other side and rinse using a gallon of water or more.