Cleaning a Bird Feeder

[Hawg]

I have a pretty good sized wooden bird feeder that is getting a little ragged. Should a person take those down and super clean and re stain them every year or so? Should I use bleach to clean it. It's in good shape and I've cleaned feeders for many years but just wondering if I should do it now with bird return season as close as it is and if there really is a recommended way of doing it. 

[Hawg]

Just did a little net searching. It appears any paint or stain should be a fall project, it gives off fumes for months. Bleach isn't much better than mid soap most said. Same goes for houses and nesting shelves but I know I've stained in the spring before. Heck, the last 2-3 years has been terrible for birds at my house and feeder is well weathered. Maybe I get hippie birds that like the fumes?

[eyeguy 54]

If I clean I just use water, when beyond cleaning I just replace.