All good things come from above? Not in the case of bird droppings on the car. The paint suffers from the aggressive residue. Quick action is now required.
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Bird droppings degrade car paint
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Immediate measures and home remedies
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What to do if stains persist
Bird droppings are dangerous for car paint if not removed carefully. But it can be easily removed. Here’s how to prevent paint damage from bird droppings.
Why bird droppings are harmful
Birds are not necessarily picky about their diet. Worm, caterpillar or mouse, ice cream cones (if you have seagulls in the area, you know), seeds and berries, everything that birds eat is made by them aggressive stomach acid digested. Bird droppings are correspondingly poisonous. It contains everything that is bad for current water-based acrylic paints on cars. Uric and other acids, corrosive protein decay products and mineral contaminants such as sand grains Damage to car paint at.
Especially at great heat can the Decomposition of the paint progress quickly. Sometimes just 10 to 20 minutes are enough to attack the top layer of clear coat. As a result, white edges often remain despite removal. With a longer exposure time, the bird droppings reach the deeper layers brittle and cracked become. The clear coat may even come off the paint layer. Then things get ugly because despite removal and polishing, moisture and acid can penetrate deeper.
Now the professional has to get to it, and it may even have to be repainted. By the way, wax and ceramic sealants do not offer lasting protection either. They too are from aggressive bird droppings after a short time and finally dissolved. It is therefore best to check the car for bird droppings as standard when parking and getting in.
Remove fresh bird droppings from the car
Fresh bird droppings are unappetizing, but they are relatively easy to remove. However, you shouldn’t just rub away. It’s better that Rinse off the paint with running water. In the best case scenario, this removes the sand grains and stones contained in the bird excrement, which could otherwise lead to scratches. However, the edges often remain because the bird droppings dry faster here. By applying a damp cloth, you can usually soften the stain sufficiently.
The area is then rinsed and then dabbed with a soft cloth. This is gentler than wiping off the stain. Only when the contamination has been completely removed and the paint is dry again, polished with a microfiber cloth.
What to do if bird droppings are burned on?
If the bird droppings are already burned in, removing them becomes a little more difficult. Here too, try soaking first. Place a damp cloth, rag or sponge on the stain – It should be at least 15 minutes. All-purpose cleaning cloths that you may already have in your car are also practical.
Particularly badly burned-in stains can be removed using special ones insect cleaners spray, with Car shampoo or gentle Dishwashing liquid soaking. Glass cleaner is not the product of choice. It can dull the paint. Once the bird droppings are thoroughly soaked, rinse them off as best you can with running water.
There is one on the way Watering can from the gas station or one PET water bottle, in whose lid you drill a small hole. This increases the pressure of the jet. With a damp microfiber cloth and then dab with warm water. If the cleaned area in the paint is dry, we recommend using it at the next opportunity gentle polishing.
How to protect your car from bird droppings
Many drivers perceive bird droppings on car paint primarily as a visual problem. Serious Paint damage however, are the real problem. And they can actually only be prevented if you act quickly enough. One PET or spray bottle with water and something liquid soap in the trunk, plus a few soft ones Microfiber cloths – and you are well positioned for initial measures. Where you park also plays a role.
Parking spaces under cherry trees, gutters, street lights or breeding areas are not recommended. At home, you can also reduce the likelihood of bird poop attacks by pruning bird perches around the parking lot. If you don’t have time to remove the stains right away, it’s best to put the car in the shade. The Heat from the sun increases chemical decomposition processes and warms and expands the paint at the same time. This allows the bird droppings to penetrate deeper.
Remove bird droppings: The best home remedies
Stay away from kitchen sponges and hard brushes! Instead, it’s worth getting one old newspaper to have at hand. Fold the newspaper a few times, place it on the stain and soak it thoroughly with warm water. The paper even sticks to vertical places. After 5 to 10 minutes of exposure, fresh bird droppings have usually already dissolved. Wet wipes, especially Baby wipes with mild cleaning substancesare also a good way to soak bird droppings.
Tip: You can also store the cleaning cloths in the resealable packs so that they are within easy reach in the car. They not only help against bird droppings, but also clean your hands. Vinegar and water in a one to one mixing ratio is also a proven home remedy for bird droppings. However, you should make sure that the mixture is applied precisely and does not stay on for too long.
Bird droppings: Don’t wait long to remove them
Bird droppings on the car cannot be completely avoided. However, you shouldn’t take too long to remove it. Bird droppings are aggressive and can ruin any paintwork, if it is left on for long enough or dries up when exposed to sunlight. Ideally, you should have some water and newspaper or wet wipes and a microfiber cloth ready in the trunk.
Important: Don’t rub dry or wipe firmly, but rather Allow stain to soak, Rinse and then gently pat dry. This makes cleaning gentle. If necessary, you can re-polish the area and the problem will be solved.
Text: Oliver Lang
