You’ve probably had to deal with bird droppings on your car many times. Bird poop can actually cause significant damage to your car’s paint job. Bird droppings contain uric acid which can be highly corrosive. It can eat away at your car’s clear coat and paint.
Not only can bird poop leave unsightly stains on your car’s exterior but it can also cause permanent damage if you will ignore it. If the acid is left on the paint for too long, it can cause the paint to peel or fade which can lead to costly repairs.
By covering your car when it’s parked, you can prevent bird droppings from landing on the surface of your car. A car cover can also protect your car from other elements such as sunlight, rain, dust, and debris which can also cause serious damage to your car’s exterior.
In this article, we will explore the effects of bird droppings on car paint and provide tips on how to remove and prevent them.
Types of Bird Poop Damage
Bird poop is bad for car paint so it can cause your vehicle to suffer from various degrees of damage. The first and most obvious level is that it will leave a nasty spot, which can be very embarrassing.
If you have a soft top for your convertible, the bird poop can ruin the fabric of the top because it will stick to it when wet. Bird poop can also cause metal rusting on your vehicle, more dangerous than fabric damage. Here are some types of birds poop:
Fresh Bird Poop Damage
The car’s fresh bird poop is a contemporary problem. Bird poop is bad for car paint It might harden and become tough to remove if you don’t recognize it quickly away.
But you have time to remove fresh bird poop from your car, so be sure to act quickly. Lightly spray water on the area and wipe it with a sponge or cloth.
Dry Bird Poop Damage
Furniture polish works well for lightly covered areas of dried bird poop. Apply the polish to the affected area and leave it to dry for a few minutes. After that, wipe it away with a soft towel.
Heavy Bird Poop Damage
Heavy caked-on bird poop can be challenging to remove. Heavy build-up should be removed and lubricated with a power washer. It is making it much easier to remove.
Bird Dropping Topical Stain Etching
The bird-dropping topical stain etching material is rough and can be difficult to remove. Use fine-grit sandpaper to rub away the caked-on markings then clean with soap and water.
Bird Dropping Fractured or Wrinkled Etching
The bird-dropping fractured or wrinkled etching can be removed using fine-grit sandpaper. After using soap and water to clean the area and wax it.
If stubborn stains are left, try using commercial products like Ultra Clean or WD-40 to remove them.
Remove Bird Droppings Without Hurting Your Car
Bird poop bad for car paint. Cleaning bird poop off your vehicle is a matter of prevention and preparation. Always being aware of the potential for bird droppings to ruin your car can help you reduce the chances of them doing it.
Make sure you clean your vehicle as often as possible, and if you live anywhere near water or are in a place where birds are likely to fly over, always be on guard.
If you see that birds have built a nest on top of your vehicle, take action quickly to prevent them from depositing waste in your car. There are some tips for washing bird poop a right of way:
Auto Body Repair
You may visit an auto body shop to remove bird poop. They may have a machine that can remove the bird poop, but the cost will be high and not practical for you. It would help if you used a hose with a power washer to clean it off.
Vacuuming Bird Poop
Bird poop can be removed using a blower vacuum attachment; however, this may damage your car.
Use two towels to cover your car and protect it from being stuck to the brush or debris inside of the vacuum cleaner. You may use a high-speed power washer to help remove the poop.
Wash & Wax
You can wash and wax your vehicle to remove bird poop using a car washing soap. Make sure you clean any residue that may have been left on the paint after you washed the car to ensure a good wax job.
Electric Sprinkler
You can use an electric sprinkler to remove bird poop from your vehicle. You need to cover the car and turn on the water. The water will clean off the car and any soft materials stuck to it.
Power Washer
Using a power washer, you can easily remove bird poop from your car. You will need to use a hose, power washer, and soap. Ensure to do this in a secure location, not damaging the ground.
Clean in the Shade
You should always clean bird poop off your car in the shade. This helps prevent the sun from damaging or fading the surface of your vehicle.
Bird Poop Car Wipes
You can buy bird poop car wipes to clean up stuck bird droppings. These are really excellent at removing bird poop and freshening up your vehicle.
Because they may contain residue, they should be utilized in a well-ventilated location.
Cloth Soaked in Cleaning Product
You can place a soft, damp cloth over bird poop. Let it sit to soak up the mess, then you can use a toothbrush or soft scrub brush to clean the area.
This should be done in a well-ventilated location, and some residue will be left behind.
Baking Soda
Baking soda absorbs smells and moisture, which can be an excellent way to clean off bird poop.
Just apply the baking soda to the stain, scrub it in and then leave it on to absorb the bird droppings. It will take some time, but you will be able to clean up the mess in your car.
Detailer Spray
You can use a detailer spray to remove bird poop from painted surfaces. Before using the spray, you should try it on an inconspicuous area. It may not mark your vehicle if you do it in a well-ventilated area.
How Long Can Bird Poop Stay on Your Car?
Bird poop bad for car paint. The bird poop contamination is harmless to your car’s paint. The stains can vary in size, thickness, and colour. There are acids present, so you will see the bird poop leaving a stain as it dries, but simple methods can remove it.
Once the bird poop becomes dry, it will not continue to contaminate your car’s paint because the stains will become part of the existing paint. The car’s paint layers are designed to resist minor scratches and scuffs, which is why those are readily ignored.
They take longer to remove than other stains because they need to be cleaned from the vehicle with something that will release an odour and leave the stain intact.
HOW TO STOP A BIRD FROM POOPING ON CAR
One of the most frustrating things about owning a car is that birds will target it as the perfect place to poop.
If you have an expensive car or don’t want to spend hours scrubbing bird poop off the paint, then the best way to combat this problem is with a car cover.
Here is the list of steps that will help you to stop a bird from pooping on the car:
DON’T PARK UNDER TREES
Parking under a tree is like giving a bird free reign on your car, so if you want to keep them away from pooping on it, try to park as far away from trees as possible.
Please keep away from large shady areas because they usually have bird nests in them, and that’s a perfect way to attract birds.
STICK WITH LIGHTER COLORED CARS
If you want to stop birds from targeting your car, the best thing is to paint it a light colour. Darker colours attract birds because of their contrast, so if you want your car to stay clean, stick with white or yellow.
USE A CAR COVER
Car covers will keep away birds because they’ll be unable to see the mess they’re targeting. When birds come to a car, they’re looking for a place to poop and lunge.
So, if you want to prevent that from happening, you need a car cover. You can get car covers in either vinyl or plastic. It’s easier than you think to incorporate them into your daily life.
GET A PLASTIC PREDATOR BIRD
A plastic predator bird will fright away other birds because of its appearance, so if you want to prevent the annoying mess that birds leave behind, this should do the trick.
When you put it in the right spot, like your front yard, it’ll scare away any bird that comes into its presence.
It’ll fly around and make a lot of noise which is exactly what you want to happen to keep them away from your car.
PARK IN A GARAGE
This is the easiest way to stop a bird from pooping on your car. By parking your car in a garage, you’ll prevent birds from landing on it, so they’ll be unable to poop on it in the first place.
Of course, this only works if you have a garage. If you don’t have a garage, then the next best thing is to park under an overhang so that birds won’t be able to land on your car the way they normally would.
PLACE PINWHEELS IN YOUR WINDSHIELD
Placing pinwheels in your windshield will keep the birds away because its noise is enough to scare them away.
You’ll be able to keep birds from pooping on your car by placing this around it and removing it once you’re done using it.
Pinwheels come in all sizes and shapes, and there are many different things that you can buy to place them on instead of just the windshield.
INSTALL A MOTION-ACTIVATED SPRINKLER
If your car gets pooped on pretty often, then installing a motion-activated sprinkler is a good way to prevent that from happening.
The best way to use this is by placing it in the front of your car so that when the sprinkler goes off, it’ll scare away any birds that come close to it.
Conclusion
It’s impossible to avoid bird droppings from getting on your car. It’s just part of the cost of driving and living in an area where birds are present.
You’ve had to deal with this issue at least once in your life. It is very common, and you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on a detailer to get it removed.
You can use many products and techniques to do it yourself in no time with little effort. Bird poop is easy to remove. Just follow the simple above tips that we mentioned above, and you will be amazed at how well they worked. Hopefully, This article has given you the best idea about is bird poop bad for car paint.
FAQs
How quickly can bird poop damage car paint?
The damage caused by bird poop can depend on various factors such as the amount of acid in the droppings, temperature and time period of poop left on the car. However, it is best to remove the bird poop as soon as possible to prevent any potential damage.
Can bird poop damage car paint permanently?
Of course, if left untreated, bird poop can cause permanent damage to your car’s paint. The acid in the droppings can eat away at the clear coat and paint, causing it to peel or fade.
How do I remove bird poop from my car?
To remove bird poop from your car, you can use a soft sponge or cloth soaked in warm water and mild soap. Gently scrub the area and rinse with water. Avoid using hot water or abrasive cleaners as they can damage the paint.
How can I prevent bird poop from damaging my car paint?
The best way to prevent bird poop from damaging your car paint is to park your car in a covered area or use a car cover when parking outside. This will prevent bird droppings from landing directly on your car’s surface.
Can waxing my car protect it from bird poop damage?
Waxing your car can provide an extra layer of protection against bird poop and other elements, but it is not a foolproof solution. It is still important to remove bird droppings as soon as possible to prevent any potential damage.
Can I use vinegar to remove bird poop from my car?
While vinegar can be an effective cleaner for removing bird poop, it is not recommended for use on car paint. Vinegar is highly acidic and can cause damage to the clear coat and paint, leading to costly repairs. It is best to use mild soap and water to clean your car.