Get “beak” performance from your patio setup with these cleaning tips
Most bird poop stains can be removed with household ingredients, like club soda, dish soap, and white vinegar.
Use dish soap to clean stains from cushions—bleach if they’re more stubborn.
For tougher stains on large areas, you may want to hire someone to help you power wash.
Birds may be delightful to watch, but not so delightful when they leave droppings all over your outdoor furniture. Luckily, in most cases, it’s pretty easy to remove bird poop yourself. Here are 10 tips to get your outdoor furniture looking as good as new, for any affected surface.
| Type of Stained Surface | Best Solution |
|---|---|
| Metal | Brush, scrape, power wash |
| Plastic | Brush, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, power wash |
| Fabric cushion | Dish soap, club soda, bleach |
| Canvas | Dish soap, bleach |
| Woven cloth | Club soda, white vinegar |
| Glass | White vinegar, brush, club soda, hydrogen peroxide |
| Wood | White vinegar, baking soda |
| Concrete or stone | Baking soda, brush, power wash |
The most straightforward technique for removing bird poop stains on your outdoor furniture is to brush the area. Use a hard-bristled brush to sweep the stain away while not rubbing or spreading the stain. An old toothbrush also works if you don’t have a bristled brush. When you’re done, use a hose to rinse the furniture.
The brushing technique works best for durable surfaces, like metal or plastic, that won’t get damaged by friction.
If it looks like the stain is stuck pretty well on your furniture, it’s a good idea to loosen it up. Luckily, you can find this common household ingredient in your pantry: seltzer.
Pour seltzer or club soda over the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before removing the liquid with a scrub brush or plastic scraper.
Note: When working on wood furniture, ensure the liquid doesn’t sit for a long time since this can damage the wood. If you suspect your wooden furniture, like your deck chairs, has warped, contact a furniture repair pro near you who’ll help determine the next steps to remedy the situation.
If you see excess wet or dry poop around the stain, scrape it off using a dull or plastic knife. If you don’t have one handy, you can also use an old credit card.
Note: Make sure you don’t scrape the bird dropping itself, as this will only make the stain larger. In addition, use a plastic knife if you’re worried about scratching your furniture.
A simple way to remove bird poop stains from your outdoor furniture is with a mixture of dish soap and water. This is a gentle technique that works well to remove the stains from fabric cushions and canvas materials. To do so, combine 1 tablespoon of dish soap with 2 cups of water. You can use a spray bottle to apply the mixture or simply pour it onto the area.
Next, use a clean cloth or paper towel to sponge the stain. Finally, blot the stain until it’s absorbed.
One of the most versatile homemade cleaning solutions is baking soda. This is another home ingredient that may come in handy when dealing with bird poop stains without damaging surfaces. Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with a small amount of water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then blot the area with a cloth or sponge.
For removing tougher bird poop stains, hydrogen peroxide might do the trick. It’s especially helpful on light-colored surfaces, like white plastic, because it has mild bleaching properties that help lift stains without too much scrubbing. Using an eyedropper, apply a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to the area. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse the area with water.
Avoid using hydrogen peroxide on dark-colored surfaces since it can cause discoloration. You also don’t want to use it on cushions or upholstery, as it can weaken the fibers.
For the most stubborn stains, it’s time to use bleach. Bleach is particularly useful when it comes to fabric cushions or canvas surfaces that need a deeper cleaning. Create a solution of oxygen-based bleach and cool water (using the instructions on the bleach to mix a suitable ratio).
You can use an eyedropper or apply the solution directly with a clean sponge. Let the stain and bleach solution sit for at least half an hour, and then blot until the stain is gone.
Like hydrogen peroxide, bleach can cause discoloration, so make sure not to use it on any surface with a wood stain or finish.
Yet another home remedy for removing bird poop stains: white vinegar. White vinegar can clean almost anything—and you can use it to remove bird poop stains.
All you need to do is combine equal parts white vinegar and water, and apply the mixture to the area via a spray bottle or cloth. Let the stain soak for a few minutes, and then blot with a soft cloth.
For large outdoor furniture sets and tough stains, a power washer can be your best choice. Use a low to medium pressure setting to avoid damaging the furniture, and remove any cushions before you start washing.
Some materials—like glass, wicker, and painted surfaces—may be too delicate for pressure washing. If you want to thoroughly and safely wash your outdoor furniture, consider hiring a professional pressure washer near you.
If you’re still having trouble, get in touch with a local house cleaning pro who can scrub your furniture as well as clean the rest of your house so you can rest easy knowing your space is spotless for your next barbecue.
