can bird droppings damage car paint

Due to their abrasive and acidic nature, bird droppings can severely damage the paintwork of your car.

If left to fester, the high pH level (3.5 to 4.5 on average) found in avian excrement will cause it to burn through the clear coat and potentially eat away at your paint. High temperatures and excess UV exposure expedite the processcorrosion begins quickly on a hot day.

Worse still, its thin consistency causes bird droppings to splatter over a wide area, especially when the automobile is moving at speed.

Unless you want to risk permanent damage to your precious ride, you need to mop up the mess fast. In this article, we cover six simple ways you can safely clean bird droppings from your car.

Disclaimer: the following methods may not be suitable for anything other than automotive paintwork. We recommend using appropriate PPE (gloves, goggles, and a mask) with cleaning any type of animal excrement.

A powerful multi-purpose product, this popular spray-on lubricant works well at removing caked-on droppings from your paintwork. Simply spray a small sample onto the affected area and start scrubbing away with a soft sponge.

WD40 doesnt react well with heat or sunlight, so get the job done undercover on a cool day. Also, as its not a purpose-built automotive product, you should thoroughly wash it off once youre done, preferably with a pH balanced car shampoo.

Bird Dropping Car Wipes

Another effective custom-built product is the bird dropping car wipe. These plush bamboo fiber towels are specifically made to dissolve dried-on poop without changing the makeup of the paint underneath.

The wipes work well at neutralizing acidic content and are relatively inexpensive compared to other options. You can easily dispose of the wipes in the trash after you’re finishedthey decompose naturally.

Too much time spent allowing bird droppings to adhere to your bodywork can cause their corrosive compounds to solidify and fuse onto the surface, shattering paint or leaving an unsightly topical stain behind. It’s best to involve a professional because a simple clean won’t be enough to address these unsightly scars.

A trustworthy auto body shop can perform paint matching, which involves using a sophisticated camera to determine the exact color code of your paint. The technician then achieves a perfect finish by blending in a suitable substitute with the remaining panel.

Baking Soda and Hot Water

A well-known “old school” technique for clearing away stray bird droppings involves mixing bicarbonate soda and hot water to make a soluble mixture.

Transfer one liter of heated water directly from the faucet (no need to bring the kettle to a boil) into a spray bottle and incorporate four tablespoons of baking soda. Give it a good shake, spray the affected area with the solution, and let it soak for about ten minutes.

After the mixture has had time to break down the droppings, mist it with clean water. Avoid attempting to remove it initially as its rough texture may cause scratches on your vehicle.

Clay decontamination products have been used by automotive detailers for a long time to remove various unsightly stains, such as bird droppings.

Despite their name, these powerful products are made of a combination of absorbent materials such as polymer rubber and synthetic resins rather than actual clay. Because of its elastic nature, the product can fit into small spaces and is useful in difficult-to-reach areas.

Choose a mild or soft version in your preferred style, such as bars, mitts, or towels. After washing and drying your car, give the troublesome area a few spritzes of clay bar lubricant. Next, carefully move your selected medium over the stain in both directions. After you are satisfied with the outcome, give the panel a quick rinse with fresh water and let it air dry.

In the pet industry, specially made spray-on dropping removers are well-liked for their hassle-free ability to clean out a birdcage. These durable yet non-corrosive products are also effective at removing bird droppings from car surfaces without affecting the clear coat.

To soften the dried feces, spray the substance onto the dropping and let it sit for ten minutes. Use your hose to clean the surface, then allow the car to air dry naturally.

A bird pooped ALL OVER my car. Im very busy so dont have time to wash it. For what duration before it begins to eat away at my paint job and leave behind permanent marks? Archived post New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast.

FAQ

How fast can bird poop damage car paint?

In fact, paint damage can occur as early as 10 minutes, especially in hot weather and direct sunlight, so it should be removed as soon as possible within 48 hours from contact with bird poop. While it is really important that you remove it as quickly as possible, don’t just swipe, wipe and go!

How do you fix bird poop on car paint?

WD40 seems to be a good all-rounder. If you don’t like the thought of using chemicals unnecessarily, you might try homemade recipes using ingredients like bicarbonate of soda and white spirit vinegar. Always rinse well.

How do I protect my car paint from bird poop?

Regular washing is necessary, but it may not be able to protect your car’s paint in time from the damaging effects of bird droppings. Ceramic coatings offer a long-lasting and durable solution that prevents the adverse effects of bird poop by providing a tough, slick surface.

How do you get rid of bird poop etching?

To remove the etchings we have two suggestions. The Chemical Guys Water Spot Remover can be used to remove light etchings that are hard to see or feel. The more traditional option is to polish that area, starting from a less aggressive polish moving up to a stronger one as needed.