How to Remove Bird Droppings From Metal Surfaces

Bird droppings harm a painted finish.

Bird droppings have a highly acidic content that eats through the paint and finish on these items, ruining the surface. Leaving bird droppings be causes damage and, over time, exposes the bare metal to the elements.

1. Put on rubber gloves, eye protection and a filtering mask.

2. Fill a spray bottle with warm water and 1 tablespoon of an enzyme-based detergent. Saturate the bird droppings with the soapy water to prevent matter from becoming airborne. You can also spray the bird droppings with a commercially available bird-waste remover.

3. Wet paper towels or a disposable rag with the bird-waste remover or diluted enzyme detergent. Lay the paper towels or rag over the bird droppings and allow it to remain for 10 to 15 minutes.

4. Remove the rag or paper towels and place in a zippered plastic bag. Immediately throw the zippered bag into an outdoor trash receptacle.

5. Twist a nozzle onto a garden hose. Direct water at the bird droppings and let it push the debris off the painted metal surface.

6. Wet the entire metal surface with the spray from a hose. Dampen a rag and add a squirt of mild dish soap. Lightly rub the metal surface in a circular motion. Rinse the area with the hose until no detergent residue remains. Dry the painted metal surface with a microfiber cloth.

7. Inspect the painted metal for signs of damage. If damage exists, apply a small amount of fine polishing compound and rub the surface with a soft rag to blend etching or other damage with the paint. Apply color car wax to the area, let it dry and buff with a soft rag or buffer.

Tip

Bird droppings can contain harmful, disease-causing bacteria and parasites. Keep a coat of wax on the painted metal surface to help protect it from bird droppings.

Warning

Do not wipe off bird droppings from a painted metal surface because the waste contains abrasive matter.