Bird droppings on cars are a common frustration for many car owners. Comedians often joke about the struggles of dealing with bird poop, and anyone who loves their car understands the annoyance of finding those unsightly stains. Keeping your car clean and shiny is a priority for car enthusiasts, and removing bird poop can be a bit of a challenge. Here are some practical tips to help you get rid of bird poop stains from your car.
Impact of Bird Poop on Cars
Bird droppings not only ruin the appearance of your vehicle but also pose hygiene concerns. The acidity of bird droppings, thanks to Uric Acid with a pH level between 3 to 4.5, can cause significant damage to your car’s paint. Uric Acid is corrosive and can harm the wax coating and paint of your vehicle.
Types of Bird Poop Stains
To effectively remove bird poop stains, it’s essential to understand the different types of stains. Here are two common types:
Bird Dropping Topical Stain Etching
These stains look faded and are relatively easy to clean. Simply use a cloth, apply pressure on the affected area, and wipe it clean.
Bird Dropping Fractured/Wrinkled Etching
These stains are wrinkled and more challenging to clean. Avoid applying too much pressure, as it could harm the car’s paint. Take a gentle approach to ensure effective stain removal without causing damage.
Effective Bird Poop Stain Removal Tips for Your Car
Dealing with bird poop stains on your car can be frustrating, but with these practical tips, you can keep your vehicle looking clean and well-maintained.
Clean Early
Act promptly to clean bird poop stains, avoiding delays until your regular car wash. Early cleaning is crucial to prevent damage caused by the acidic Uric Acid in bird droppings. For fresh droppings, use a microfiber towel; for dried ones, place a wet cloth over the stain, add water, and clean after a while.
Cleaning Solution
If a cloth alone doesn’t work, use a safe cleaning solution for vehicles. Apply a wet cloth soaked in the solution to the stain, letting it sit before gently rubbing to remove the stain.
Club Soda
Employ club soda to break down the acidic components in the stain. Pour some soda on the stain, let it sit, and wipe it off with a cloth in one motion. Avoid using sugary sodas or cola; stick to club soda.
Special Wipes
Keep specialized wipes designed for bird poop stains in your car for on-the-go cleaning.
Detailer Spray
Use a car detailer spray for stubborn, wrinkled etching stains. Spray once or twice on the stained area, then clean with a damp cloth.
Baking Soda Solution
Create your own cleaning solution using baking soda. Mix two tablespoons with dish soap and hot water. Spray, let it soak for ten minutes, and clean the stain.
WD-40
WD-40 can help loosen bird droppings. Spray it on the affected area to facilitate quick cleaning.
Unscented Laundry Detergent
For bird poop on car seats or upholstery, let it dry, then use unscented laundry detergent. Scrape when dry, add detergent, pat with a damp cloth, and gently scrub to clean.
Be Cautious
Exercise caution when using sprays and detergents. Test on one stain first to understand the cleaning process before tackling the rest.
Professional Help
If stains are severe or you prefer not to risk cleaning them yourself, seek professional assistance from your preferred servicing outlet.
Simple Ways to Protect Your Car from Bird Damage
When it comes to keeping birds away from your car, two effective methods include parking it under a roof or using a car cover. These straightforward approaches can help prevent your vehicle from being marred by bird droppings.
Effective Ways to Fix Car Paint Damage Caused by Bird Droppings
To address bird droppings and prevent paint damage on your car, swift action is key. If the damage seems too extensive, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance. However, you can attempt the following steps to repair paint damage caused by bird droppings:
- Car Detailer Spray: Spray the affected area with a car detailer spray to break down and facilitate the removal of the bird droppings.
- Car Polisher and Sandpaper: Apply a high-quality car polisher and gently use sandpaper to clean the affected area, providing a smoother surface.
- Fine-cut Cleaner: Use a fine-cut cleaner on the affected area to further polish and restore the paint.
