How to Get Bird Poop Off Your Car
There is nothing more frustrating than when you go to your car the morning after you visit your local automatic car wash, and marred that once-clean surface are the tell-tale signs of visits from some feathered friends. Whether you're parked under a tree or simply unlucky during your commute, bird droppings on car finishes aren’t just ugly; the acidic nature also means they can do serious damage to your car’s exterior.
Before you grab your handy all-purpose spray cleaner, it’s essential to understand the safe methods for removing bird droppings from your car that will not only remove the visible signs of this desecration but also prevent damage to your paint finish.
In this post, we’ll cover information about not only what bird droppings do to your car but also some recommended steps to remove them safely using the acronym BEAK:
- B — Be Quick: Fast action reduces the risk to your finish.
- E —Effects of taking too long to remove bird droppings from car finish.
- A —Automatic Car Wash or DIY? When to Let the Pros Handle It
- K — Know the Answer to “Can Bird Poop Ruin My Car?” — Spoiler: Absolutely
The Basics On How To Get Bird Poop Off Cars
Because the highly acidic nature of bird droppings on car finishes can cause damage within 48 hours, you want to act quickly without causing further damage. It may not always be convenient to visit your local automatic car wash, especially during the winter. If you frequently encounter this issue or simply want to be prepared, here are some basic tools to keep on hand, either in your trunk or garage.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A clean microfiber cloth:
- A gentle detailing spray or waterless wash
- Optional: a bird dropping-specific removal spray
These tools are great for quickly handling a singular splotch to protect your vehicle while keeping it looking showroom-ready.
Be Quick: Immediate Steps to Take When You Spot Bird Droppings
The moment you notice bird droppings on your car, here’s what to do:
- Spray the affected area generously with a detailing spray or plain water.
- If it's had time to dry, soak the spot for at least 1–2 minutes to soften the dried waste.
- Gently lift the mess with a microfiber cloth. Never scrub or apply heavy pressure.
- If needed, repeat with a fresh cloth section to avoid spreading the mess.
Avoid these
- Paper towels (too abrasive)
- Dry wiping (leads to scratching)
- Harsh household cleaners (can strip your paint)
Effects That Can Happen If You Don’t Remove It Right Away?
Dealing with bird droppings on your car is gross and frustrating, but
don’t put off washing your car. Bird droppings are so highly acidic that they can permanently damage not just your protective coat but your paint underneath as well. Breaches in the protective coating and paint not only leave you with a dull finish, but they also leave openings for corrosion and discoloration to damage your vehicle permanently.
Automatic Car Washes vs. DIY
H3: Automatic Car Washes vs. DIY
While that bottle of spray and microfiber cloth is excellent for handling a one-off dive bomb, if you’ve parked under a tree or dealing with a complicated mess it might be time to go see the professionals suh as an automatic car wash to remove bird droppings from car exteriors safely—no guesswork, no damage.
High-quality automatic car washes like Shine & Roll in Memphis, TN offer a trusted solution without any guesswork.
Know The Real Cost: Can Bird Poop Ruin Car’s Paint?
The short answer is absolutely. Let’s dive in:
Bird poop contains uric acid, which can register a pH level as low as 3.5—making it highly acidic. Combined with sunlight and heat, this acid penetrates your vehicle’s clear coat, leading to oxidation and discoloration. Knowing the right steps to take to do spot removal, getting routine full washes at a top-notch automatic car wash, and renewing protective coatings as recommended can go a long way to caring for your car's exterior.
Repeated exposure and failure to promptly remove bird droppings from car paint are among the leading causes of premature paint failure. Should you ever need to file an insurance claim related to your vehicle and paint job, insurance adjusters are trained to be on the lookout for evidence that bird droppings are damaging car paint as a sign of lack of upkeep, which can reduce your overall claim.
Protect Your Car From Bird Droppings With These Tips
We all love the rewarding boost of confidence a clean and shining car can give you, but it’s not just about vanity. Maintaining your car's finish is also a smart way to protect your investment.
Maintaining your car’s shine isn’t just about vanity—it’s smart protection. Here’s how to reduce your risk:
- Park indoors or in covered garages when possible
- Use a car cover if you’re parked outside for long periods
- Wash your car weekly to remove unnoticed droppings
- Apply a paint sealant or wax every few months
Don’t wait until your paint suffers. Visit
Shine N’ Roll in Memphis, TN conveniently located just off I-385 on Centennial Drive, conveniently near the neighborhoods of Germantown, Hickory Hill, Winchester Hills and more. Don’t ride dirty, let Shine & Roll help you keep your ride clean!
