Cleaning the Dual-Access Hive-top Feeder
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The Dual-Access Hive-top Feeder has a unique design that makes it easy to clean out the inevitable mold and debris that collects in the syrup reservoir.  The feeder mesh that keeps the bees out of the reservoir is removable, allowing you to clean the feeder periodically.  Debris such as mold and dead bugs discourages the bees from feeding and can even affect their health if left unchecked.  And syrup left in the reservoir containing debris will spoil, since the bees won't touch it.  You'll have wasted all your time and effort mixing the syrup and feeding it to your bees.

Follow these instructions to clean the feeder and return it to its unspoiled, pristine (and usable) condition.

	Remove the feeder mesh Using a screwdriver, remove the screws and washers securing the feeder mesh on each side of the reservoir.  After you remove the screws and washers from the mesh, carefully lift the mesh from the feeder to avoid scratching the polyurethane seal on the sides of the reservoir.  Repeat this process for both sides of the feeder.
	Clean the syrup reservoir Rinse out the reservoir with a water spray to remove the loose debris that is not stuck down with sugar.  Continue to spray the reservoir until the dried sugar has softened or dissolved.  Using only a soft-bristle brush, such as a dish-washing brush, clean out all foreign matter and mold.  Take special care to not scratch the reservoir interior with the brush to avoid damaging the integrity of the waterproof polyurethane seal.
	Replace the feeder mesh Place the mesh back onto the feeder on the same side from which it was removed, being careful to not scratch the reservoir interior.  Line up the screw holes in the mesh with the corresponding holes on the reservoir wall.  Flatten out the mesh carefully, and make sure it contacts the reservoir walls and floor as it was originally installed.  This prevents gaps between the mesh and the reservoir to avoid an entrance for the bees to come into the reservoir center. When replacing screws, first place a washer onto the mesh, fitting the depressed portion of the washer into the countersunk screw hole.  Fit the screw through the washer and hold the mesh tightly and securely.  Tighten the screw hand tight only.  Do not use a power drill to tighten the screw, as this runs the risk of stripping out the screw hole, making it impossible to keep the screw tight.
	Repeat this process for the remaining screws.  Make sure you keep the mesh taut with your hands while tightening the screws.  This will ensure the mesh is not deformed and remains in the proper position to prevent bees' escape into the reservoir.
	Finished Congratulations!  You now have a like-new hive-top feeder from which the bees will love to drink, and which still doesn't leak syrup.  Regular and careful cleaning will ensure you'll enjoy your feeder for many seasons of beekeeping.

Starter Hive
Dual-Access Hive-top Feeder
EZ-Fill Top Cover
Year-Round Hive-top Feeder

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