A cheap and simple method using just two household items can effectively remove hardened bird droppings from car paintwork, according to motoring experts. The technique involves a microfibre cloth and warm water, offering a less chemically problematic alternative to commercial cleaning products.
Tim Shallcross, motoring expert for The Times, recommends soaking a microfibre cloth in warm water and laying it over the bird dropping for a couple of minutes. For hardened droppings, five to ten minutes may be necessary. He advises against rubbing, instead dabbing the dropping away after soaking. Kitchen roll should be avoided as it is abrasive and prone to disintegrating, leaving remnants on the car.
Why Prompt Removal Is Critical
Bird droppings contain uric acid with a pH level of around four, which can burn through the clear coat top layer and eat away at paintwork. Andrew Jervis of ClickMechanic told the Daily Express in 2022: “Bird mess is one of the unfortunate inevitabilities of owning a vehicle. Yes, it can be unpleasant to deal with, but failing to clean it off promptly can cause damage to the paintwork and land you with an equally unpleasant bill further down the line.”
Jervis also suggested a homemade mixture of baking soda and hot water as an alternative, letting it soak for ten minutes before wiping off.
Step-by-Step Method
To remove bird poo using the warm water method: first, soak a microfibre cloth in warm water. Place the cloth over the spot and leave it for a few minutes. If the droppings have hardened, allow five to ten minutes. Rinse the cloth, soak it again, and gently dab the dropping away without rubbing. If residue remains, repeat the soaking process.
