There are few things more annoying than a windshield covered in bird droppings. You’re trying to drive to work or pick up the kids from soccer practice, but you can barely see through the mess on your glass.
You flip on the wipers, but all that does is smear the poop around, making visibility even worse. You consider pulling over to scrub it off by hand, but you’re already running late. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a simple, effective way to clear that windshield without stopping what you’re doing? Well, I have got some tips for you.
In this post, I’m going to share my tried and true methods of how to clean bird poop off windshield quickly and easily, so you can get back to your day poop-free.
What Will You Need?
Before you can get started, there are a few things that you’ll need to have on hand. Here’s a quick list:
- A spray bottle filled with water or a mild cleaning solution (water and vinegar works great)
- A soft microfiber cloth or sponge
- A plastic scraper or credit card (optional)
Now let’s get into the cleaning process.
10 Easy Steps on How to Clean Bird Poop Off Windshield
1. Gather materials
Before attempting to clean bird poop off your windshield, gather all the necessary materials. This includes a bucket of warm water, mild soap or detergent, a microfiber cloth or sponge, and a squeegee. You may also want to grab a plastic scraper or credit card in case the poop has hardened.
2. Soak and scrub
Start by soaking the affected area with warm water. This will help to loosen the dried bird droppings. Then, using a mild soap or detergent, gently scrub the area with a microfiber cloth or sponge. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can damage your car’s paint.
3. Rinse and dry
After scrubbing away the bird poop, rinse the windshield thoroughly with clean water. Use a squeegee to remove excess water, and dry the windshield with a clean microfiber cloth. Ensure to also clean any areas around the windshield where bird droppings may have splattered.
4. Prevention
To prevent future incidents of bird poop on your windshield, try parking in covered areas or under trees that do not attract birds. You can also invest in a car cover to protect your vehicle from bird droppings while parked outside. Additionally, repellents can be sprayed on your car to deter birds from perching on it.
5. Use a vinegar solution
Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle for stubborn bird droppings. Spray the solution onto the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a microfiber cloth or sponge. Repeat if necessary.
6. Try WD-40
WD-40 is known for its ability to loosen tough stains and adhesives, making it an effective solution for removing bird poop from your windshield. Simply spray some onto the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it away with a microfiber cloth or sponge. The lubricating properties of WD-40 can help break down stubborn bird droppings, leaving your windshield clean and clear.
7. Use a Car Detailing Clay Bar
A car detailing clay bar is another effective tool for removing hardened bird poop. Lubricate the area with soapy water or a quick detailer spray, then gently glide the clay bar over the affected area. The clay will pick up and remove the bird droppings and any other contaminants, providing a smooth, clean finish. Remember to keep the surface lubricated to prevent any scratches on your windshield.
8. Use Baking Soda
Another home remedy to consider when you need to clean bird poop off your windshield is baking soda. Make a paste by mixing 1 part baking soda with two parts water. Apply this paste onto the bird droppings and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
The baking soda is a natural abrasive that can break down the bird droppings without scratching your windshield. After the paste has sat, wipe it off with a microfiber cloth and rinse the area with clean water.
9. Use a Commercial Cleaning Product
Various commercial cleaning products in the market are specifically designed to remove bird droppings from car surfaces. These products usually contain enzymes capable of breaking down the bird droppings.
Simply spray the cleaning product onto the affected area, allow it to sit for the recommended time as mentioned on the product label, and then wipe it off with a microfiber cloth. Remember to rinse the area with clean water to remove any cleaning residue.
10. Regular Maintenance
Maintaining a regular cleaning routine is the best way to prevent stubborn bird poop stains on your windshield. Clean your windshield as soon as you notice bird droppings; the longer it sits, the more difficult it will be to remove.
Consider carrying a small spray bottle of one of the above solutions and a microfiber cloth in your car for quick clean-ups. Regular waxes and sealants can also be beneficial as they add a layer of protection that makes it difficult for bird droppings to adhere to the windshield surface.
By following these simple steps, you can effectively and efficiently clean bird poop off your windshield without causing any damage.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
1. Use Bird Poop Wipes
These handy little wipes are designed specifically for removing bird droppings. They’re instrumental when you’re on the go and need access to water or cleaning supplies. Keep them in your car for quick and easy clean-ups.
2. Avoid Wiping Too Hard
While it’s important to remove the bird poop as soon as possible, make sure not to scrub too hard. This can cause scratches on your windshield, which can be costly and difficult to fix.
3. Always Use a Microfiber Cloth
Microfiber cloths are gentle on your car’s paint and are highly absorbent, making them the perfect tool for cleaning bird droppings off your windshield.
4. Don’t Let Bird Poop Sit Overnight
Bird droppings can be acidic; if left on your windshield overnight, they can cause damage to the paint. Make sure to remove any bird poop as soon as possible.
5. Clean Both Sides of the Windshield
While most people focus on cleaning the outside of their windshield, don’t forget to clean the inside. Bird droppings can also land on the interior side of your windshield and should be cleaned using a glass cleaner and microfiber cloth. By regularly cleaning both sides, you can maintain clear visibility while driving.
With these tips and tricks, you can keep your windshield bird poop-free and maintain the cleanliness of your car.
5 Things You Should Avoid
1. Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals
While it can be tempting to use potent cleaning agents to get rid of stubborn bird droppings, these chemicals can cause damage to your car’s paintwork. Always opt for car-friendly cleaning solutions or the natural options mentioned above.
2. Avoid Cleaning in Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight can lead to rapid drying, making it more challenging to remove bird droppings. It can also result in streaks or water spots on your windshield. Try to clean your windshield in a shaded area whenever possible.
3. Avoid Using Abrasive Tools
Abrasive tools such as steel wool or harsh scrubbing pads can scratch your windshield. Instead, use a soft microfiber cloth or sponge to clean the affected area gently.
4. Avoid Ignoring Bird Poop
Ignoring bird droppings on your windshield can lead to long-term damage. The longer bird poop sits, the harder it is to remove and the more likely it is to damage your vehicle’s paintwork.
5. Avoid Using Regular Paper Towels
Regular paper towels can be rough on your car’s windshield and leave scratches. Always use a microfiber cloth when cleaning bird droppings, as these are designed to be gentle on car surfaces.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can effectively clean bird poop off your windshield without causing any damage.
What Happens If You Don’t Clean Bird Poop Off Your Windshield?
Ignoring bird droppings on your windshield can lead to severe damage. The acid in the bird poop can eat away at your car’s paint, leaving behind unsightly and expensive-to-fix etchings. Additionally, bird droppings can obstruct your driving view, making it a safety hazard. Ignoring bird poop can also attract more birds, which can lead to further droppings and damage.
Don’t let bird poop ruin the appearance and safety of your vehicle. By following these tips and tricks for cleaning bird droppings off your windshield, you can maintain a clean and clear windshield all year round.
So next time you encounter a pesky bird dropping on your windshield, you’ll know exactly what to do! So remember, always act quickly and use the right tools and methods for effective cleanup.
Conclusion
So there you have it, how to clean bird poop off windshield, my fellow readers and bird lovers. We have learned the ins and outs of removing bird poop from your windshield with ease. From using household items like vinegar and baking soda to investing in specialized cleaning products, we have explored multiple methods that can leave your windshield shining like new again.
But more than just keeping our cars clean, we have also gained an understanding of the impact that birds have on our environment and why it is crucial to maintain a balance between our human activities and their natural habitats.
Now, it’s up to us to put this knowledge into action and make a positive difference for ourselves and the birds around us.