Sanitizing unfinished terra cotta bath (1 Viewer)

[MrBJones]

I use a 24" finished terra cotta garden saucer for a birdbath, just lay it on the ground and the birds love it...both drinking and bathing. I change the water every couple days, and scrub it with a brush periodically. What's the best way to sanitize it? I've been hesitant to use anything, concerned that the terra cotta might absorb it.
Thanks

 

[Anon2020]

I also use a clay plant pot saucer which I give a good scrub with ordinary household disinfectant every 7 - 10 days. I figure any remaining residue once the saucer has been rinsed is going to be minuscule and far less hazardous to birds than microbial agents that might otherwise build up.

 

[Deb Burhinus]

I use this

Biological Cleaner for Feeders, Baths and Nest Boxes

Our biological cleaner is suitable for cleaning feeders, bird baths and nest boxes. It contains carefully selected micro-organisms which naturally break down organic waste, reduce odours and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

www.birdfood.co.uk

I can’t vouch for it’s effectiveness but it certainly doesn’t seem to cause any harm - I would have thought as long as you rinse thoroughly after washing and not leave water containing any cleaning products soaking, then it should be ok. I use normal disinfectant to wash the feeders.

 

[RafaelMatias]

How about baking it in the oven for half an hour or so? Shouldn't that kill everything in the terracota? Just an idea.

EDIT: on a 2nd thought perhaps not such a great idea, as I can imagine it potentially cracking the terracotta...