Bird poop is always a nuisance for any car owner – it’s unsightly and its acidic nature can cause serious damage to the car’s paint job.
If left on for too long, bird droppings can eat away at the car’s clear coat and even the paint itself, leaving stains and marks on the surface. Therefore, it’s crucial to remove any droppings from your car as soon as possible to prevent long-term damage.
If you’re wondering how to get started, read on for 7 effective methods that’ll help you clean bird poop off your car without damaging the surface!
Note!
Before attempting to remove bird poop from your car’s surface, it’s essential to have the appropriate protective gear. You’re recommended to wear gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with the droppings.
Additionally, wearing goggles is advised to prevent any cleaning solution from accidentally entering your eyes.
Table of Contents
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Methods For Cleaning Bird Poop
Do you know that you can clean bird poop off your car using items commonly found at home? In particular, baking soda, club soda, seltzer water and vinegar are effective cleaners that can be used on all exterior surfaces of the car.
Method 1: Baking soda
Can be used on: All exterior surfaces of the car
Recognised for its exceptional cleaning properties, baking soda is a great solution for tackling bird poop.
Directions:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with some hot water and a few drops of dish soap.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray the solution on the bird droppings.
- Allow the solution to sit for approximately 10 minutes and it should effectively eliminate most of the stain.
- Rinse the surface with water and repeat the process until the stain is completely removed.
Method 2: Club soda/Seltzer water
Can be used on: All exterior surfaces of the car
If you’re looking for a quick and easy solution to clean bird droppings off your car, club soda or seltzer water may be the answer. The carbonation in these fizzy beverages can help break down the acid in the bird poop.
Directions:
- Pour a small amount of club soda or seltzer water directly onto the bird dropping.
- Let it sit for a few minutes. The carbonation will work its magic, making it easier to wipe away the stain.
- Finally, use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe off the liquid.
Note!
Avoid using sugary or carbonated soft drinks as a replacement for club soda and seltzer water. These types of sodas can leave behind a sticky residue that damages your car’s paint, rubber sealants, or wax.
Method 3: Vinegar
Can be used on: All exterior surfaces of the car
Using vinegar is a simple and efficient method for eliminating bird droppings.
Directions:
- Create a solution by mixing equal parts of vinegar and water.
- Next, spray it on the affected area using a spray bottle.
- Give the solution a few minutes to take effect.
- After which, use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe the area clean.
Ready-Made Solutions For Cleaning Bird Poop
If you prefer to use ready-made products over homemade cleaning solutions, try these methods to remove bird poop from your car.
Method 4: Bird poop wipes
Can be used on: All exterior surfaces of the car
Do you know that there are wet wipes specially created to get rid of bird poop? These can come in extra handy since they’re easy to store and use!
Different products have different usage instructions, so we recommend reading the label carefully before using them. Doing so will ensure that you get the best results and avoid any damage to your car’s paint job.
Tip!
If the bird droppings are still moist, they can be removed using baby wipes. Therefore, it’s useful to keep a packet of baby wipes in your car in case of emergencies.
Method 5: Quick detailer spray
Can be used on: All exterior surfaces of the car*
Aside from being able to remove dirt and dust from the exterior surfaces of cars, a quick detailer spray is also highly effective in getting rid of bird droppings.
Directions:
- Spray the quick detailer solution onto the area you want to clean.
- Next, use a microfibre cloth to wipe away the droppings gently.
- Repeat this process until you successfully remove all the droppings.
*Although most quick detailer sprays can be used safely on car windows, certain brands may not be appropriate for glass surfaces. It’s important to read the product label or instructions carefully to ensure that it’s suitable for use on glass before applying it to the surface. This way, you can prevent any damage or unsightly marks from forming on your car windows.
Method 6: Selleys RP7
Can be used on: All exterior surfaces of the car
When it comes to removing bird poop from your car, Selleys RP7 can be a game-changer. This versatile product is designed to be effective in removing contaminants on various surfaces, such as metal, steel, and aluminium.
Directions:
- Spray some Selleys RP7 onto the affected area and wait for approximately 5 minutes for the solution to work its magic.
- Use a clean microfibre cloth to wipe the area, and your car should be free from bird poop.
Tip!
Before using Selleys RP7 on your whole car, it’s a good idea to test it on an inconspicuous area to ensure that it doesn’t discolour or damage the paintwork.
Method 7: Selleys Glass Cleaner
Can be used on: Windows, windscreen, side-view mirrors
If you’re looking for a reliable and effective way to remove bird droppings from your car’s windshield and windows, try using Selleys Glass Cleaner.
Selleys Glass Cleaner can get rid of bird droppings and stubborn stains without damaging the glass or leaving streaks. What’s more, it dries quickly and features an anti-mist and anti-static formula, making it an excellent choice for maintaining the appearance of your car’s windows.
Directions:
- Spray some Selleys Glass Cleaner onto the surface you want to clean.
- Use a clean microfibre cloth to wipe the surface, removing the bird dropping and any excess solution.
Things To Avoid When Cleaning Bird Poop Off Your Car
To prevent damage to your car’s paint job and ensure that the cleaning process is efficient, you may want to avoid the following actions.
Leaving bird poop on the surface for too long
Letting bird droppings sit on your car’s surface can cause it to dry up, making it more difficult to remove. Additionally, leaving it under the sun can exacerbate the damage to the surface. Thus, you should clean the droppings off as soon as possible to limit the damage to the paintwork.
Using a generic household cleaner
Not all household cleaners are suitable to be used on your car’s surface. It’s crucial to check the label carefully before using the cleaning solution to prevent unwanted damage to your vehicle.
Scrubbing the poop with force
Bird poop is abrasive – it may contain fragments of seed shells, sand particles and other tiny abrasive materials. These can all cause scratches to your paintwork if you scrub the dropping with force. Instead, when attempting to remove the dropping, ensure that it’s moist and wipe the surface gently.
Cleaning with a paper towel
Paper towels often fail to pick up dirt well. They may even leave scratches on the surface of your vehicle. Hence, it’s best to stick to microfibre cloths which are gentle on the surface and great for cleaning!
How To Stop Birds From Pooping On Your Car
While cleaning bird poop off your car can be relatively simple, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some ways to stop birds from leaving their droppings on your car.
Park your car in a garage or sheltered area
If you park your car under trees, lamp posts or other structures, birds may perch on them and leave their droppings on your car.
To prevent this from happening, we recommend parking your car in a sheltered area, such as an indoor car park or a garage. This protects your vehicle from birds and their droppings.
Use bird repellent sprays
Natural bird repellent sprays made of vinegar or lemon juice are a great way to keep birds away from your car. The scent of these liquids is known to repel birds without being harmful to them.
Simply spray the liquid onto the surfaces where birds tend to gather and let it do the trick. You may need to spray the surfaces periodically as the smell will dissipate over time.
Use bird deterrents
Birds are naturally afraid of shiny objects and are likely to stay away from your car if they see reflective surfaces. Thus, you can try placing shiny objects such as CDs or mirrors inside your vehicle to keep birds away.
Use a car cover
A car cover can be an effective solution to prevent bird poop and other debris from damaging your car’s exterior. It can also protect your vehicle against environmental elements such as rain and UV rays – all of which can ruin the car’s paintwork.
Moreover, a car cover can prevent scratches and other damages caused by accidental impacts from other objects. As such, investing in a good quality cover can save you a lot of time and effort in cleaning your vehicle and maintaining its appearance.
Tip!
If you’re planning to get a car cover, choosing the right size and material for your vehicle will ensure a snug fit and maximum protection.
FAQs About Cleaning Bird Poop Off Your Car
Why does my car always have bird poop?
There are several reasons why birds may keep pooping on your car.
• Colour of your car
Do you know that birds are more likely to target cars that are red, blue, silver, or black? If your vehicle is in any of these colours, you might want to keep it indoors and away from birds or use a car cover.
• Seeing their reflection
Birds have been known to get scared and accidentally poop when they see their reflection in the side mirror or windshield. An extra shiny surface on your car’s exterior may also elicit the same response.
• Parking spot
If you park your car near spots where birds like to rest, such as trees, lamp posts, and wires, the chances of bird droppings landing on your car are higher. Additionally, if you repeatedly park your vehicle in the same spot, birds may poop on it to mark their territory.
Can bird poop damage car paint?
Yes! The pH level of bird droppings typically falls between 3.5 and 4.5, meaning that it’s acidic. Hence, bird droppings can cause damage to the coating and paint of your car.
How long does it take for bird poop to damage car paint?
Bird poop can damage car paint in as little as 3 minutes after making contact with the surface, and high temperatures can make the damage worse.
What is the best way to clean up bird poop?
Cleaning bird poop off your car can be a frustrating task, and while there are several effective methods, there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution.
The best method often depends on the severity of the droppings and how long it’s been on the car's surface. For example, if the droppings have been on the vehicle for a long time, they may have hardened and will be more challenging to remove.
Therefore, it's essential to assess the severity of the bird droppings and choose the most appropriate cleaning method that wouldn’t harm the vehicle’s paintwork.
