5 Ways to Remove Bird Poop from Your Car
If you’re reading this article, you’ve probably just washed your car. Birds seem to have a sixth sense and can spot and target clean cars when they’re ready to poop. Before you reach for your shotgun, rest assured that bird poop is usually easy to remove if you get to the car quickly.
The most important thing when removing bird droppings from your car is to remove them as quickly as possible. If you leave them there’s a good chance they’ll damage your paint. How to remove bird droppings from your car
1) Regular car wash
If you notice it right away, a regular car wash of bird droppings is enough to remove it. Use your favorite microfiber cloth and wash your car as you normally would.
2) Cleaning clay
In some cases, for more stubborn bird dropping stains, a cleaning clay may be necessary. Cleaning clay works well to remove stains that a regular car wash can’t remove.
Consider purchasing a kit like this cleaning clay kit from Mothers. The included Instant Detailer is useful for many applications, including: A. For quick touch-ups between washes.
3) Soapy Water or Quick Detailer
If you can’t get to the car wash right away, you can usually remove bird droppings using a small amount of mild soapy water or Quick Detailer and a microfiber cloth. Spray the solution onto the paint and wipe it off in one motion (don’t swirl or you risk leaving circular swirl marks). Then wipe with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
Do not, under any circumstances, use regular dish soap. Dish soap contains harsh degreasers that will strip the wax from the paint and leave the clear coat unprotected from further contamination and UV rays.
4) Bug and Tar Remover
Bug and tar removers, like this one from Chemical Guys, are powerful shampoos perfect for the toughest jobs. For best results, use the bug and tar remover after your regular car wash.
Always follow the directions on the product label, especially with stronger chemicals. Some products require you to wear gloves or rewash your car after use to prevent further damage.
5) Homemade Bird Dropping Remover
You can easily make your own bird dropping remover. Mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with distilled water. Shake or feed well. Once the baking soda has dissolved, spray the solution onto the paint. Rinse the solution off with water and dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
This works because bird droppings are acidic (low pH) and baking soda is alkaline (high pH). The baking soda neutralizes the bird droppings so they can be washed away.
What happens if you don’t clean up bird droppings? Bird droppings are very acidic. Over time, this acid can permanently damage the top layer of your clear coat, a process called etching.
Once the clear coat is etched, no amount of cleaners can remove the stains. Imperfections will need to be sanded away to restore the high shine of your clear coat.
What to do if bird droppings scratch your car paint?
If you notice some stubborn bird dropping stains on your paint, don’t worry. Most stains can be easily removed with a little gentle scrubbing. This process is similar to the final step of removing small scratches from paint or removing a badge from a car.
Before you begin, wash and dry your car thoroughly. You’ll need to remove as much contaminant as possible before proceeding. Then use a cleaning clay and quick detail spray to remove any stubborn stains that regular washing didn’t remove.
Anything left after this step will be etched into the paint. Use a light polish like Meguiar’s Ultimate Polish or Chemical Guys All in One Polish.
Follow the application instructions on the product. To do this job properly you will need an applicator pad and a microfiber cloth. Most products work best when used out of direct sunlight. This product will dry too quickly if exposed to the sun or applied over hot paint.
Can bird droppings eat away at the clear coat? In extreme cases, bird droppings can completely eat away at the clear coat and damage the paint underneath. Bird droppings are not a problem if you clean them up within a few days.
How to protect your car from bird droppings
1) Use a garage or carport
The best way to protect your paint from bird droppings (and all other hazards) is to park your car indoors. While not always possible, indoor storage is one of the best ways to preserve your car long-term, as it protects it from the elements.
2) Avoid trees, buildings, and power lines
If you don’t have access to a garage or carport, try not to park under trees, power lines, or overhanging nearby buildings. While not a perfect solution, changing your parking position can help minimize the risk of bird droppings and the chances of being hit by birds flying directly overhead.
3) Use a car cover
If you must park your car outside, you should use a quality car cover. That way, it can absorb the full impact of a flock of birds flying past.
