How do I Keep Suction Cup Feeders on Windows?

Suction cups work by making a vacuum space between the plastic cup and a hard surface. If you are a bird watcher and wish to mount a small bird feeder to a home or workshop window, use suction cups to make the feeder stick. Before placing the feeder to the window, prepare the glass to ensure a hard-sticking bird feeder.

  1. Clean the Glass

    • A suction cup loses its ability to stick to the glass if the glass is dirty, greasy or covered with dust. Use warm soapy water and a sponge to wipe away the first layer of grime and dust, then let the window dry. Once it's dry, clean the window with a glass cleaner or mixture of white vinegar and water.

    Dry and Heat

    • Dry the entire area where you will place the suction cups. Use a hair dryer to dry and heat the window. This serves a dual purpose: creating a warm glass surface and making it more receptive to the rubber suction cups.

    Hang

    • Lick the suction cups on the underside just before you are ready to stick them to the windows. Because you add a small amount of moisture, the suction cup gains extra stickiness and is less apt to slide or fall off. Press the entire bird feeder flat against the glass window, then place pressure over the suction cups. LIsten for air escaping behind the suction cups. This indicates that the vacuum exists and the cups are sticking.

    Refilling the Feeder

    • When the bird food and seeds are gone, pop the suction cups off the window. Go through the clean, dry and heat procedure and refill the feeder. Don't fill the feeder while it is still hanging on the window as it compromises the vacuum suction on the cups. Fill and then stick back to the clean windows.