We are a car body shop based in the south of Sheffield. As you may know, this means that we hail from a city with a reported 4.5 million trees.
In fact, Sheffield is known as the 2nd greenest city in Europe, with approximately 10 trees per resident. Whilst this means that we host many verdant, tree-lined avenues and beautiful suburban streets, it also means that our vehicles have different requirements that you might find elsewhere.
All those tree-lined streets and leafy suburbs are beautiful, but they come with their own challenges for car owners. From sticky tree sap to bird droppings, our cars often bear the brunt of living in such a green city.
Helping customers repair, restore and prevent paint damage to our client’s cars is at the heart of what we do. So, let’s ask the question: how to remove bird poop from a car without damaging the paint?
Remove bird droppings quickly to prevent paint damage. Spray with warm water or detailing spray to loosen debris, and avoid scrubbing. Gently wipe with a soapy microfiber cloth. For tough stains, use a bird-dropping remover as instructed to protect your car’s lacquer coat and maintain its shine.
Find out everything you need to know about keeping bird droppings and tree sap from ruining your car’s paint with us here at John Bee Car Body Repair Shop.
How To Remove Bird Droppings From Car Without Damaging Paint
Bird poo can cause area damage to your car’s paint if left untreated. Take the following steps to get rid of any bird poo from your car:
Act Quickly
Aim to clean them off as soon as possible. Clean bird droppings within 48 hours to prevent paint damage. The longer bird droppings sit on your car, the more likely they are to damage the paint.
Soften the Droppings
Spray the area with water or a detailing spray to loosen the dried droppings. Avoid scrubbing dry droppings, as this can scratch the paint.
Use a Microfibre Cloth
Dampen a microfibre cloth with warm, soapy water and gently wipe away the droppings. Kitchen roll or old newspapers may also be used, but these may still need to be cleaned again with a clean microfibre or shammy.
Try a Commercial Cleaner
For more stubborn stains, a bird-dropping remover or an all-purpose automotive cleaner can help break down the mess. Simoniz created a for-purpose bird and insect cleaner for cars. However, from our experience, you may not need to use any specialist cleaners if you don’t have any at hand.
Do Bird Droppings Damage Car Paint
Yes, bird droppings will damage your car if they are left over a long period of time. However, they can cause damage to your car’s paint if they are left untreated for even a few days.
If you are worried about the damage that bird droppings have caused your car, then get in contact with a paintwork repair garage immediately. You may be surprised about just how affordable car paintwork damage repair is for single-panel jobs.
Why Are Bird Droppings Damaging to Your Car’s Paint?
Bird droppings are highly acidic and can corrode your car’s clear coat and paint if left on too long. Tree sap, on the other hand, hardens over time, making it difficult to remove without scratching the surface.
Fortunately, with the right techniques and tools, you can protect your car’s finish and keep it looking its best.
How To Remove Tree Sap From Your Car Without Damaging Paint
Similar to bird poo, tree sap can cause area damage to your car’s paint if left untreated. To get rid of any tree sap from your car, consider following these 4 simple steps:
Identify Fresh Sap vs Hardened Sap
Fresh sap is sticky and easier to remove. Hardened sap requires extra care and patience.
Use Isopropyl Alcohol
Apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to a microfibre cloth and dab it on the sap. This dissolves the sap without harming the paint. Isopropyl alcohol is amazing at cleaning glass or fabricated metal as it acts as a solvent, just like water. However, as isopropyl alcohol is thinner than water, it has an accelerated effect. It is perfectly legal to have it in your vehicle.
Try a Clay Bar
A clay bar is ideal for safely removing stubborn sap. Lubricate the area with detailing spray, then gently rub the clay bar over the sap.
Rinse and Inspect
After removing the sap, wash the area with car shampoo and rinse thoroughly to remove any residue.
General Tips for Preventing Damage to Your Car’s Paint
Regular Waxing: A good wax coat acts as a barrier, making it easier to clean bird droppings and sap. You can treat any panel on your car with wax to help with any future issues with birds or sap that you may have.
Park Wisely: When possible, avoid parking under trees or in areas where birds are likely to roost. If you find that birds are regularly causing you issues, then, if possible, consider cutting the roosting branches back so that they aren’t near your parking spot. To do this, you may have to check to see if the tree is protected under a Tree Protection Order, or if the tree sits within a Conservation Area.
Keep Cleaning Supplies Handy: A small spray bottle and microfibre cloth in your car can save your paintwork in a pinch. You likely keep water in your car just in case, so make sure that you have a small bottle of paint shampoo (or general cleaner) handy, too.
FAQs for Bird Droppings on a Car
Can Bird Droppings Permanently Damage My Car’s Paint?
Yes, bird droppings are acidic and can etch into the clear coat, causing permanent marks if not removed promptly.
Is It Safe To Use Household Cleaning Products on Bird Droppings or Tree Sap?
Avoid harsh household cleaners like bleach or ammonia, as they can damage your car’s paint. Stick to products specifically designed for automotive use.
What if the Bird Droppings Leave a Stain?
If stains remain, a light polishing compound or a professional car body shop can help restore the paint.
Can Tree Sap Damage My Car Paint Over Time?
Yes, tree sap can harden and bond with the paint, making removal more difficult and increasing the risk of damage.
How Often Should I Wax My Car To Protect Against Bird Droppings and Sap?
Wax your car every 2–3 months to maintain a protective barrier.
Will Washing My Car Remove All Bird Droppings and Sap?
Regular car washing helps, but stubborn bird droppings and sap may require additional care or specific products. Unfortunately, if left untreated, bird droppings or sap may leave damage to the paint layers of your car, which may need to be professionally repaired.
Can I Use a Pressure Washer To Remove Bird Droppings?
Yes, but use it on a low setting and maintain a safe distance to avoid chipping the paint.
How Can I Clean Bird Droppings if I Don’t Have Access to Water?
As the soaking step mentioned above is critical to ensuring that you don’t damage the lacquer of your car, we don’t recommend attempting to remove the stain without water (or, at least something wet).
You can use a bird-dropping remover spray or detailing wipes to clean the area safely without water. Failing that, wet a piece of paper using your window washing fluid to help loosen the droppings, and then wipe away as soon as you can find a water source.
Helping Keep Your Paint Fresh With John Bee
By following these simple yet effective tips, you can protect your car from the harmful effects of bird droppings and tree sap, ensuring your paintwork stays in pristine condition. Keep your car looking its best with regular care, and don’t forget to address messes as soon as they occur. For everything else, the John Bee Team has you covered.
If you have found damage to your car’s paint, and you need to have the paintwork repaired, our team can get it back to looking its best in no time.
Contact our experienced team to find out how we can help.
