Pet/bird safe fountain cleaner

Thanks both - I've only ever cleaned it with a brush and washing up liquid but will try the vinegar - I have read that apple cider vinegar in the water helps keep it clear and is good for birds (a capful - not the bottle )

and let it run so the vinegar mix cleans the pump.great way to clean out coffee machines as well.

i use white vinegar to clean birdbaths and fountains.if soaking i drape a heavy towel or plastic over it so as not to confuse the birds and squirrels.it kills algae mold and other nasty things that like to grow there.a soft bristle brush to remove the stubborn stuff.
i even clean the pets dishes with it.
it's the most non toxic thing i know of.
about a half liter to a gallon of water usually does it if soaking.then rinse well.

Don’t do what DH once did and clean out the reservoir with bleach, silly beggar. He didn’t rinse it out, thinking it would benefit the water feature by circulating the residue with the water. All we got was a lot of froth. It looked like a mad dog for ages until he finally cleaned it out properly!