Finding bird droppings on your freshly polished car, is a common and frustrating issue for many vehicle owners. Did you know that bird poop can actually damage the paint of your car if not removed promptly? In this blog post, we will teach you how to get bird poop off your car without causing harm to your vehicle’s exterior.
Keep reading to discover our 5 quick and easy methods for tackling those unsightly stains. We will also list some prevention tips so that you can prevent getting your car dirty with those unwanted stains!
Key Takeaways
- Bird poop can damage your car’s paint, so it’s important to remove it promptly.
- Effective methods for removing bird poop include using a soaked cloth and water, specialty bird poop wipes, car detailer spray, a baking soda and water solution, or unscented laundry detergent for upholstery.
- To prevent bird poop on your car, park in covered areas, use car covers, and scare away birds with shiny objects or decoys.
Why it’s Important to Remove Bird Poop from Your Car
Bird poop can harm your car. It is not just ugly. Bird droppings have acid that eats away the car paint. This acid in bird poop can make small spots or big areas where the color of your car fades.
In time, these parts may rust and cause more damage to your car.
Getting rid of bird poop quick saves your paint job and money too! A clean car stays strong for a long time and keeps its good looks. Spending a little bit now on ways to remove bird poop helps you avoid paying a lot later for new paint or body work on your car.
How to Remove Bird Poop from Car [5 Effective Methods]
To effectively remove bird poop from your car, you can try using a soaked cloth and water, specialty bird poop wipes, car detailer spray, a baking soda and water solution, or unscented laundry detergent for upholstery.
1) Soaked Cloth and Water
To remove bird poop from your car, one simple and effective method is to use a soaked cloth and water. Start by wetting the cloth with water, making sure it’s damp but not dripping.
Then place the cloth over the bird droppings and let it sit for a few minutes. The moisture will help loosen the poop, making it easier to remove. After letting it soak, gently wipe away the bird droppings using circular motions.
Make sure to be gentle to avoid scratching or damaging the paint of your car. Once you’ve removed all traces of the bird poop, wipe down the area with a clean cloth to ensure there are no streaks or residue left behind.
2) Specialty Bird Poop Wipes
One convenient and effective method for removing bird poop from your car is to use specialty bird poop wipes. These wipes are designed specifically to tackle bird droppings without causing any damage to your vehicle’s paint or finish.
They contain gentle cleaning agents that can effectively dissolve and remove the sticky residue left by bird droppings. Simply wipe the affected area with a bird poop wipe, making sure to follow the instructions provided on the packaging.
Specialty bird poop wipes are compact and easy to carry in your car, making them a handy solution for quick clean-ups when you’re on the go.
3) Car Detailer Spray
Car detailer spray is one effective method for removing bird poop from your car. It’s a quick and convenient solution that can be used to quickly clean the affected area without needing to wash the entire vehicle.
Simply spray the detailer onto the bird droppings and let it sit for a few moments to soften them. Then, using a soft microfiber towel, gently wipe away the bird poop. The detailer spray helps to break down the dried droppings and remove them from your car’s surface easily.
It’s important to choose a high-quality detailer spray specifically made for automotive use, as it will be gentle on your car’s paint while effectively removing the bird mess.
4) Baking Soda and Water Solution
To create a specialized cleaner for removing bird poop from your car, you can make a baking soda and water solution. Baking soda is known for its cleaning properties and can help neutralize the acidic components of bird droppings.
Simply mix some baking soda with water to form a paste or solution. Apply this mixture onto the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen the dried poop. Then, use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub away the stain.
Rinse off any residue with clean water and dry the area thoroughly. This method can be effective in safely eliminating bird droppings without causing damage to your car’s paintwork.
5) Unscented Laundry Detergent (on Upholstery)
You can use unscented laundry detergent to remove bird poop from upholstery in your car. Mix a small amount of the detergent with water to create a cleaning solution. Apply the solution directly onto the stain and gently scrub it with a soft cloth or sponge.
Rinse off the detergent thoroughly by dabbing the area with clean water. Pat dry with a towel and allow it to air dry completely before using the upholstery again.
Using unscented laundry detergent is effective because it helps break down and lift away bird droppings without leaving behind any strong odors or residue. This method is safe for most types of upholstery, but always test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure that it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration.
Remember to be gentle when scrubbing so you don’t further damage the fabric.
Prevention Tips to Avoid Bird Poop on Your Car
Avoiding bird poop on your car is possible by parking in covered areas, using car covers, and scaring away birds.
1) Parking in covered areas
Parking your car in covered areas is a smart way to prevent bird poop from landing on it. By keeping your vehicle protected under a carport, garage, or any sheltered area, you can greatly reduce the chances of bird droppings ruining your paintwork.
Birds are less likely to perch and leave their mess on cars that are shielded from the open sky. So, whenever possible, try to park your car in a covered area to keep it safe from bird poop damage.
2) Using car covers
Car covers are a great way to prevent bird poop from landing on your car. They provide a protective barrier between the bird droppings and your car’s paint, making it easier to clean off any mess.
By using a car cover, you can keep your vehicle safe from bird poop stains and avoid the hassle of having to remove them later. It’s important to choose a high-quality, waterproof car cover that fits your vehicle properly for maximum protection.
3) Scaring away birds
One way to prevent bird poop on your car is by scaring away the birds. This can be done by hanging shiny objects like CDs or aluminum foil near where you park your car. Birds are often scared of these reflective surfaces and will avoid coming close.
Another option is to use a scarecrow or a fake predator, like an owl or a snake, near your parking area. The sight of these decoys can deter birds from landing on your car. Lastly, you can try using ultrasonic devices that emit high-pitched sounds that birds find unpleasant, keeping them away from your vehicle.
Remember, it’s important to consistently change the location of the shiny objects or decoys so that birds don’t get used to them and ignore their presence. By scaring away birds from your parking area, you reduce the chances of getting bird poop on your car and minimize the need for frequent cleanings.
Additional Tips to Get Bird Poop Off Your Car
Here are some additional tips for removing bird poop from your car:
- If the bird poop is fresh, you can try wiping it away with a damp cloth.
- If the bird poop is dry, you can try using a mixture of vinegar and water to loosen it up.
- If the bird poop is on a hard-to-reach area, you can try using a toothbrush to scrub it away.
- Be careful not to use too much pressure when scrubbing, as this can damage the paint.
- Once you have removed the bird poop, be sure to wax your car to protect the paint.
It is important to remove bird poop from your car as soon as possible, as it can damage the paint and leave behind a stain.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, removing bird poop from your car is important to prevent damage to the paint. By using effective methods such as a soaked cloth and water, specialty wipes, or car detailer spray, you can easily remove bird droppings.
It’s also helpful to take preventive measures like parking in covered areas or using car covers. With these tips, you can keep your car clean and protected from bird messes. Also, read our guide here, if you are facing the problem of birds nesting in your attic and want to get rid of them.
FAQs
Why is it important to remove bird poop from my car promptly?
Bird droppings contain uric acid, which can damage the paint on your car if left untreated. Over time, this can lead to discoloration, dullness, or even etching on the car’s surface.
Can I just use plain water to remove bird droppings?
While plain water can help loosen bird poop, it might not be sufficient to remove it completely or safely. It’s often recommended to use a car-specific cleaning solution to ensure that you don’t harm the paintwork.
Can old bird poop stains be taken off from a car surface?
Absolutely! Using some elbow grease along with special cleaning solutions made for cars can assist in dealing with stubborn dirt like old bird poo stains on your ride.
Is it safe to scrub the poop off my car with a scrubbing brush?
No, it’s not recommended. Scrubbing can cause tiny scratches on the surface of your car. Instead, use a soft, damp cloth or a specialized car cleaning wipe.
Can bird droppings cause permanent damage to my car?
If left for an extended period, especially in hot weather, bird droppings can etch into the paintwork and cause permanent marks. It’s always best to remove them as soon as possible.
What should I do if the bird poop has stained my car’s fabric or seats?
For fabric and seats, you can try a mixture of water and mild soap. Gently blot the area with a soft cloth until the stain is gone. For tougher stains, consider using a car upholstery cleaner.
Can I use household cleaners to remove bird droppings from my car?
It’s generally not recommended. Many household cleaners may contain chemicals that can harm your car’s paintwork. Always use products specifically designed for automotive use.
Sources:
https://www.nsford.com/blogs/2500/car-detailing/5-surefire-ways-to-get-dry-bird-poop-off-your-car/
https://www.audubon.org/news/how-live-bird-poop
https://www.mccarthycollisioncenters.com/blog/8-tips-to-clean-bird-poop-off-car-paint
https://carfromjapan.com/article/car-maintenance/bird-poop-on-car-how-to-recover-car-paint-damage/