How to Remove Bird Droppings from Your Car
When the Birds Decide Your Car is Prime Real Estate
Picture it. You’re enjoying a peaceful Sunday drive in your freshly detailed ’67 Mustang. The sun is shining, the engine is purring like a kitten, and you’ve just applied a fresh layer of ceramic coating for that extra shine. Life is good. Suddenly, a pigeon overhead decides to make your shiny hood its personal lavatory. If you’re anything like me, your heart sinks a little. But fear not, fellow car enthusiasts. Here’s why you should take immediate action and how you can safely erase these unsightly blemishes from your beloved ride.
The Damage Beneath the Dropping
It’s easy to underestimate the harm bird droppings can inflict on your vehicle. After all, it’s just a little poop, right? Wrong. Bird droppings are not only unsightly, but they’re also highly acidic. This means they can eat away at your car’s paint job, leaving behind noticeable blemishes and compromising the integrity of your car’s finish.
When left to bake under the hot sun, these droppings harden and expand, causing your clear coat to deform around the dropping, which can lead to permanent etching. And remember, your paint protection film (PPF) or ceramic coating is not immune to the corrosive nature of bird poop. So, the moment you spot a dropping on your car, it’s time to spring into action.
Myths About Bird Droppings Removal
Now, I’m sure we’ve all heard some pretty outlandish tales when it comes to bird droppings removal. From club soda to toothpaste, everyone seems to have a miracle solution. However, most of these home remedies can actually do more harm than good.
Using harsh chemicals or rough materials can scratch your car’s surface or strip away its protective layers. Remember, your goal isn’t just to get rid of the bird droppings, but also to preserve your car’s finish. So, avoid anything abrasive, and steer clear of any solution that isn’t pH neutral.
Gearing Up for the Battle
So, what will you need to safely remove bird droppings from your car? Here’s a quick checklist:
- Car shampoo (pH neutral)
- Microfiber cloth or sponge
- Detailing clay
- Car wax or sealant
The car shampoo will help loosen the droppings and lift them off the surface of your car. The microfiber cloth or sponge is gentle and won’t scratch your car’s finish. The detailing clay will help remove any stubborn remnants or stains. Finally, a good car wax or sealant will restore your car’s shine and provide a protective barrier against future droppings.
Step-by-Step Bird Droppings Removal
Okay, now that we’ve got our gear, let’s get to work. Here’s a simple step-by-step process:
- Pre-rinse the area with water to soften the droppings.
- Gently wash the area with the car shampoo and your microfiber cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly.
- If there are any stubborn stains, use the detailing clay to gently lift them off.
- Rinse again and dry the area with a clean microfiber cloth.
- Apply your car wax or sealant to the area to restore shine and protection.
Remember, the key here is to act promptly and to be gentle. With the right approach, you can keep your car looking sharp and ready for your next Sunday drive, no matter what the birds have in store for you.
Preventing Bird Droppings from Damaging Your Car Paint
Bird droppings can wreak havoc on your car’s paint job. Don’t let these avian adversaries ruin your ride’s aesthetic! Here are a few proactive measures you can take:
Regular Car Waxing: A good wax job creates a protective layer on your car’s paint, making it harder for bird droppings to stick and cause damage. Make this a part of your car care routine.
Parking in the Right Places: Avoid parking your vehicle under trees or near bodies of water where birds often congregate. If that’s not possible, consider using a car cover for added protection.
Cleaning Stubborn Bird Dropping Stains
There’s nothing worse than finding an old, stubborn bird dropping stain on your car. Here’s how to combat these pesky problems:
Immediate Action: The longer bird droppings sit on your car, the harder they are to remove. As soon as you notice the stain, clean it with warm, soapy water.
Specialty Cleaning Products: For stubborn stains, consider using a car cleaning product specifically designed to tackle bird droppings. They often contain ingredients that can break down the droppings without damaging your car’s paint.
Keeping Your Car Clean
Maintaining the cleanliness of your car is about more than just aesthetics—it can also help prevent damage. Here’s how:
Regular Washing: Regularly washing your car removes harmful substances like bird droppings, dirt, and more, which can damage your car’s paint over time.
Interior Cleaning: Keeping the interior of your car clean helps maintain its value and makes every drive more enjoyable.
Professional Cleaning: Every once in a while, consider getting your car professionally detailed. This deep clean can help maintain your vehicle’s appearance and identify potential issues before they become problems.
Commercial Products for Bird Droppings Removal
There are numerous products on the market designed specifically for bird droppings removal. Here are a few:
CarPro Spotless: This intense water spot remover can tackle even the toughest bird droppings stains.
Dodo Juice Supernatural Tar & Glue Remover: This eco-friendly solution gently dissolves bird droppings, making them easy to wipe away.
Auto Glym Intensive Tar Remover: Not only can this product tackle bird droppings, but it also removes oil, grease, and tar, making it a versatile addition to your car cleaning arsenal.
Remember, always test a new product on a small, inconspicuous area of your car’s paintwork first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage.
