I have a lovely indoor water fountain that I'd stopped using because I had to clean it too often. Now, I use it all the time thanks to a tip from my local florist. Her tip for keeping it clean was to add a little bleach to the water that is recycled. This keeps it so nicely that I only have to clean it every once in a while.
By Marie from West Dundee, IL
Editor's Note: Too much bleach in the water could be a concern if you have children or pets, especially cats who drink out of the fountain. Having said that, bleach is used to clean contaminated water after floods, 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of regular unscented 5.25% household bleach per gallon of water should be fine (Source: CDC.gov).
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That's also the ratio of bleach to water they recommend to us for storing water for earthquakes, etc....
My fountains slightly splash when they run constantly (and my cat drinks from them too). I started using just a little vinegar in the water. It works just as well as the bleach, but has an added bonus of helping to keep fleas off my cat (when he drinks the water).
I add this amt. to my covered rainbarrels and planted bog garden as well, as one of the very few chemicals I use in my Organic Zeriscaped yard and garden. It really works and harms nothing. I have on rare occasions during hottest weather bleached my moldy sidewalk/patio/garden furniturre/umbrella and they both sparkle and smell great. I am very congnizant of the risks and dangers as well and take great precautions and don't rush.
I have several indoor fountains and do the same as you. Pets can smell even a small amount outdoors and do not drink from any water containing it.
God bless you. : )
I have an indoor Fountain shaped like a large vase. I love it and I only use distilled water. It takes about four to five gallon bottles of distilled water. I used to find a product at Bed Bath & Beyond called, Scale Gone. But can't find it anymore. I need something to make sure my fountain continues to work properly and scale free.
the water pump companies say dont use bleach as it is bad for the pumps, what are your experiences with its use?
Please remember that limescale is alkaline. So is bleach. It will not remove scum but vinegar, which is acid, will.
Bleach will prevent bacteria growth but won't get rid of the lime.
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