Photo by Mark Timberlake on Unsplash
Taking the time to clean bird poop off your car can be a real pain, especially if you’re someone who takes pride in maintaining the cleanliness of your vehicle. Not only does it look unsightly, but it can also be quite damaging to your car’s paint surface if left untreated for too long.
Naturally, if you park outside regularly, the use of a car cover would be your best solution to protect your vehicle’s paint. However, that’s a topic for another day.
Luckily, removing bird dropping stains from your vehicle isn’t rocket science, and with a little bit of elbow grease, you can get your car looking as good as new in no time. Today, we’ll go over some easy-to-follow steps on how to remove these topical stains from your car, so you passionate car owners can get back to cruising down the highway with a spotless ride.
Why is Bird Poop Bad for Your Car?
Let’s face it, no one likes seeing bird poop on their car. Not only does it look gross and unsightly, but it can also be damaging to your car’s paint job if left untreated.
And let’s not forget about the unpleasant odor that bird poop can leave behind.
Second, bird poop contains other harmful substances, such as uric acid and ammonia, which can also eat away at your car’s clear coat and paint.
Lastly, bird poop can attract other birds and insects, which can cause further damage to your car’s exterior. It’s important to clean bird poop off your paint and car windows as soon as possible to prevent any lasting damage and to keep your car looking great.
Cleaning bird poop off your car is quick and easy, and it can save you from costly repairs down the line. So, if you want to keep your car looking great and smelling fresh, it’s important to clean bird poop off your car as soon as you spot it. Trust us, your car (and your nostrils) will thank you!
What Items Are Needed to Clean Bird Poop Off Your Car?
The best way to prepare to clean bird poop off your car is to assemble a few essential cleaning items:
- Clean water – You’ll need a source of water to wet the bird poop and loosen it up before cleaning.
- Microfiber towel or soft cloth – A soft, non-abrasive towel or clean cloth is essential to avoid scratching the car’s paint while wiping off the bird poop. A carefully used wet cloth can help to avoid any permanent damage.
- Car shampoo or soap – A mild car shampoo or soap will help to break down the bird poop and clean the affected area.
- Bucket – You’ll need a bucket to mix the car shampoo or soap with water.
- Spray bottle – A spray bottle filled with water can be handy to wet the bird poop before wiping it off.
- Gloves – Wearing gloves can protect your hands from any potential bacteria in the bird poop.
With these items in hand, you’ll be ready to clean off any bird poop that lands on your car’s surface. Just remember to act fast, as the longer bird droppings sit on your vehicle, the harder they can be to remove.
5 Best Tips to Clean Bird Poop Off Your Car
When it comes to cleaning bird excrement off your vehicle’s surface, there are a few different methods you can use, depending on the severity of the stain and the tools you have on hand. Here are some of the best ways to clean off any bird poop from your car to avoid any serious damage:
1 – Use soap and water
The most common and effective way to remove bird poop from your car is by using soap and water. Wet the affected area with water, apply a mild car shampoo or soap, and use a soft damp cloth or sponge to gently scrub the bird poop away. Rinse the area thoroughly with water and dry with a clean towel.
2 – Use a detailing spray
Detailing sprays are specially formulated to clean and protect your car’s paint. Spray the detailing spray directly onto the bird poop, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe away the stain with a microfiber towel. (If you’re in the U.K., you might call that a microfibre cloth.)
3 – Use vinegar and water
If you don’t have soap on hand, you can mix equal parts white vinegar and water to create a cleaning solution. Wet the affected area with the solution, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe away the bird poop with a soft cloth or sponge.
4 – Use a clay bar
For more stubborn bird poop stains, you can use a clay bar to remove the residue. Wet the affected area with water, apply the clay bar lubricant, and then gently rub the clay bar over the stain until it’s removed.
5 – Using seltzer water
Seltzer water, also known as carbonated water, can be a helpful tool for removing bird poop spots from the car. Club Soda is another option. The bubbles in the carbonated water can help to break down the bird droppings and make them easier to wipe away.
To use seltzer water to remove bird poop from your car, simply pour some carbonated water onto the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub away the bird droppings. Rinse the area with water and dry it with a clean towel.
I Keep Hearing About WD-40…
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If you do decide to use WD-40 to remove bird poop from your car, make sure to follow these steps:
- Spray WD-40 directly onto the bird poop and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Using a soft cloth or towel, gently wipe away the bird poop and the WD-40.
- Once the bird poop is removed, wash the affected area with soap and water to remove any remaining residue.
- Rinse the area thoroughly with water and dry with a clean towel.
While WD-40 can be effective in removing bird poop, it’s essential to be cautious when using it on your car’s surface. The oil can potentially damage the clear coat and paint if it’s not used correctly. It’s always best to use a dedicated car cleaning product to ensure the safety of your car’s exterior. Often an all purpose cleaner can be better depending on the type of stain.
Some More Pro Tips
- Use a pre-wash spray: Applying a pre-wash spray before washing your car can help to loosen and remove any bird poop residue before you start scrubbing. This can make the cleaning process easier and prevent any scratches or damage to your car’s surface.
- Avoid using hot water: While hot water may seem like a good idea to loosen up bird poop, it can actually damage your car’s paint job. Stick to using cold or lukewarm water when washing bird poop off your car.
- Clean your car regularly: Keeping your car clean and washing it regularly can help to prevent bird poop from sticking to your car’s surface. This can make it easier to clean off any bird droppings that do land on your car.
- Use a protective wax: Applying a protective wax to your car’s surface can help to prevent bird poop from damaging your car’s paint job. The wax can act as a barrier between the bird droppings and your car’s surface, making it easier to clean off any residue.
- Don’t scrape or scratch: Whatever you do, don’t scrape or scratch at bird poop on your car. This can damage your car’s paint job and make the stain worse. Stick to using gentle cleaning methods, like soap and water using a soft wash mitt to remove any bird droppings from your car.
- Avoid a hot day: Trying to carefully work with your paint on a day when residue can dry quickly should be avoided. At least avoiding direct sunlight is your best bet in protecting the surface of your car.
In the End: Avoid Bird Poop Damage
Cleaning bird poop off your car may not be the most enjoyable task, but it’s an important one if you want to keep your car looking great. By acting fast and using the right tools and techniques, you can remove bird droppings from your car without causing any damage to your car’s paint job.
Remember to clean your car regularly, use a protective wax, and avoid scraping or scratching at any bird poop stains. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to keep your car looking shiny and new, no matter how many feathered friends decide to make it their personal perch!
