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11 Tips For Dealing With Bird Poop On Your Car

bird poop on a red car hood

A longstanding American pastime, going for a Sunday drive is a great way to spend your free time. Getting out of the house, listening to your favorite music, and enjoying the scenery are all great parts of going for a drive – but nothing puts a damper on your plans for a nice day out quite like going outside to see that your car has been speckled with bird droppings! This would irritate anyone, but what’s worse is that bird poop left untreated can cause damage to your car’s paint job.

In this blog, we will discuss why bird poop poses an issue for cars and how you can safely and effectively remove bird poop from your car. From gentle cleaning solutions to tried-and-true techniques, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your car looking its best. We’ll also provide tips on how to prevent your car from becoming a mobile restroom for birds.

Effects Of Bird Poop On Car Paint

Did you know that bird poop can eat away at your paint job? Uric acid, found in bird droppings, is a corrosive element that can do serious damage to your car’s paint. If left alone to dry, acidic bird poop can damage your clearcoat and even bleach the paint underneath!

In the short term, bird droppings can be an unsightly inconvenience, reducing the aesthetic appeal of your vehicle and adding another task to your to-do list. Safely removing bird poop from your car becomes more difficult when it’s been allowed to dry, since more elbow grease can be needed to successfully remove the mess. This amount of force can sometimes scratch the paint, so special care should be taken when cleaning up.

In the long term, bird poop left untreated on your car can cause paint etching — irregularly shaped spots, discoloration or pitting that occurs on your car’s paint surface. Etching can be caused by hard water, heavy contamination in water or acidic substances, like bird droppings. Paired with UV exposure from the sun and high temperatures, bird poop can even cause the paint on your car to corrode. Not only can this be unsightly, it can also cause the resale value of your car to plummet!

bird poop on a red car

Best Ways To Remove Bird Droppings On A Car

With so many different ways to clean up a mess caused by birds, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when searching the internet or standing in the cleaning aisle of your local supermarket. The best solution will vary depending on how long the mess has been left to sit on your car. Many of the products that you already have at home will likely do the trick. Read on to find out which option is best for you.

Seltzer Water

To remove a fresh or semi-fresh dropping, simply splash seltzer water on the poo and let it sit for a few minutes. The carbonation in the water helps to break down any bits that may have begun to dry. When ready, use a microfiber cloth to carefully remove the feces. Use a pinch and lift motion rather than wiping – there could be rocks or other hard items in the excrement that can scrape your paint.

Drop Wipes

Drop Wipes are formulated to remove bird droppings from cars specifically. They are made of soft, biodegradable bamboo and are said to neutralize the acid of the dropping, making it easy to remove. Drop Wipes are likely most effective on a semi-fresh mess. Be sure to use a lifting motion to remove any debris before wiping to restore your car’s shine.

Baking Soda and Water

For tough spots, make a solution of baking soda and hot water. Use 4 tablespoons of baking soda per 32 ounces of water. Spray liberally and allow to soak for about ten minutes. When your timer is up, rinse with a hose to remove the debris. Be sure not to rub this solution – baking soda is abrasive and can scratch your paint and wax.

WD-40

WD-40 can be used on tougher bird droppings and will not damage the paint on your car. The high-pressure valve assists in blasting the debris from your car, and the oil in the product helps to release any stuck-on messes. Some people have reported that it caused discoloration in their wax, so you may need to re-apply wax after using this product.

A&E Cage Company Poop-D-Zolver

This all-natural and biodegradable product works by using enzymes that produce bacteria to naturally digest the poop. This product can also be used in the home and is safe around animals. Simply spray liberally on soiled areas and watch the stains disappear.

Vinegar and Water Solution

Many people swear by using a mixture of half vinegar and half water to remove stubborn bird poop from their car’s surface. Simply mix in a spray bottle, spray liberally and allow to sit for a couple of minutes. Droppings that have been present longer may need a longer soak. When ready, remove the debris with a microfiber cloth using a pinch-and-lift motion, being careful not to wipe so as not to scratch the paint or wax.

Meguiar’s Gold Class Car Wash

This is a traditional car wash product that produces rich foaming suds to gently and safely wash away dirt, debris and bird droppings without stripping your wax coating. This wash is safe on all paint types and clear coats, and can be used either in a bucket or with a foam cannon.

How To Keep Birds From Pooping On Your Car

Now that you know how to remove bird droppings from your car, it’s time to consider reducing the risk of bird poop altogether. To stop your car from being a potty pad for birds, consider these tips to deter them from coming near it in the first place.

Consider your parking spot: Avoid parking directly under trees or power lines where birds are likely to congregate. Additionally, ensure that birds have not made your roof or gutter a nesting place.

Use a protective cover: These start at $25 and can be found to fit virtually any vehicle. Simply place the cover over your car whenever you aren’t driving to protect it from birds, trees and other pests.

Employ deterrents: Place visual deterrents around your usual parking spot to help ensure that your car remains clean. Some of the easiest to try are reflective materials like CDs hanging from trees or reflective wind chimes, predator decoys such as statues of owls or hawks and even garden pinwheels.

Utilize a liquid repellent: Avian Control® is an EPA-registered liquid bird deterrent, which works by teaching the birds over time that your property is not a place for them. This deterrent provides up to two weeks of control per application and is a great tool to use in the battle against bird poop on your car.

Avian Migrate Product benefits

Prevent Messes Before They Happen With Avian Control

Avian Enterprises offers an effective solution for anyone looking to reduce the presence of birds on their property. By using either Avian Control or Avian Migrate, you can keep birds away from your property, and keep their poop off of your car. Give us a call today at 888.868.1982 to order, or contact us to find out which solution is best for you.

11 Tips For Dealing With Bird Poop On Your Car