The Baking Soda Hack That Banishes Yucky Bird Poop Stains From Outdoor Surfaces
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
The sound of birds singing cheerfully in your yard comes with an unpleasant downside: bird droppings all over your patio. It doesn't take long for bird poop to leave icky stains on outdoor surfaces. These stains have the potential to damage exterior materials such as natural stone, metal, and wood. In addition to the hideous markings, bird poop also contains bacteria that can be harmful if transferred to humans. Thankfully, an easy solution exists. You can get rid of bird poop stains using a handy product you already own, and that product is baking soda.
When combined with other household products, baking soda is effective at lifting bird poop stains and odors. The trick is to sprinkle baking soda onto the stain and give it enough time to absorb before removing it. Sodium bicarbonate works wonders on bird droppings due to its alkalinity, but as with any homemade remedy, it may need to be combined with other methods if the problem is severe. The good news is that there are several solutions you can try to banish those hideous stains from your patio and prevent them from happening again.
How to remove outdoor bird poop stains with baking soda
Not only does bird poop cause unsightly stains, but it comes with some health risks as well. Bird droppings carry pathogens that can be hazardous to humans. If your backyard attracts frequent avian visitors, this simple baking soda solution will help you get rid of the stains they leave behind. This method works on a variety of outdoor surfaces, including wood and concrete. It's also one of the best methods for removing bird poop stains from outdoor furniture. Bird droppings have a high pH, meaning they are very acidic. Thankfully, the alkalinity of sodium bicarbonate makes it an effective cleaning agent against acidic substances.
Begin by removing the larger droppings with a scraping tool, while wearing gloves and a mask. Unpleasant as this task may be, it's important to remove the surface pieces first. Once the debris has been cleared, scour the area with dishwashing liquid and water. If the droppings have been sitting there for longer than a few minutes, chances are there will be a stubborn stain left behind. This is where the baking soda comes into play. Coat the stain in baking soda and allow it to absorb for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it off with water. In addition to lifting the stain, baking soda will also help to eliminate the smell.
If baking soda doesn't do the trick, try these options
Sodium bicarbonate is a tried-and-true solution to banish unsightly bird poop stains, but if you're dealing with a more severe problem, baking soda alone may not cut it. In this case, it may be wise to call an exterior cleaning service for help. There are also commercial cleaning products that are designed to tackle bird poop, some of which you can buy on Amazon.
For bird poop stains on concrete that cannot be removed with baking soda, this solution by Stone and Surface Specialists may work better. Treat the stain with one tablespoon of 12% hydrogen peroxide and three drops of ammonia. Allow the solution to soak for half an hour and then cover it with sawdust, which will act as an absorbent. Sweep the sawdust away and the stain should be significantly less visible. You may need to repeat the process a few times to remove all traces of the stain. When working with abrasive chemicals like ammonia, it's important to wear protective equipment such as gloves and a mask.
Unfortunately, bird droppings may cause etching due to their acidity, which will result in your outdoor surfaces becoming damaged. If this occurs, you may need to have some professional restoration work done. To prevent this from happening again, ensure that your bird feeders and baths are kept away from your outdoor surfaces. Use wind chimes, colorful spinners, and statues to deter birds from visiting your patio.