Parking under a tree or a lamppost increases the risk that when you return you will find that pigeons have bombarded your car. Apart from an unpleasant surprise, bird droppings can cause serious damage to the varnish of the bodywork. These have a high uric content that is highly corrosive and insoluble in water, creating a white, sticky paste. Pigeon or seagull droppings can spread and soften the paint lacquer as it dries, so if you don’t want to leave marks on the roof or hood of your car, it is essential to act quickly and remove them as soon as possible.
If you have caught the job in time, the softer the texture of the stool, the easier it will be to remove it. That is why it is recommended to always carry an ’emergency kit’ in the trunk consisting of a cloth and a bottle of water. Wetting a cloth and rubbing gently on the stains can often help you get out of trouble.
Dry weather, whether high temperatures or the frost typical of winter nights, causes pigeon droppings to solidify and adhere to the bodywork more strongly. At this point, to avoid further damage you will have to use warm water to clean the affected area first. Next, use a sponge and a soap with a neutral pH. Then, remove it carefully so that the residue does not scratch the paint.
For more stubborn remains, we can mix a tablespoon of baking soda in our water bottle. When it has been completely diluted, with a sponge or well-soaked microfiber cloth, rub it on the stool and let the mixture act for 2 to 5 minutes. This way, it will be easier for you to remove the remains later, always making gentle circular movements with the cloth.
Once the body is clean, rinse the area with clean water to remove any remains of feces and baking soda. Finally, dry the area with the help of a clean towel or cloth.
Aside from homemade tricks, there are also specific alternatives to clean poop in a simple, comfortable and quick way. These are wipes for exterior surfaces that you can always carry with you in the trunk of the car. With this solution you will avoid scratching the bodywork, since it is not necessary to rub: just moisten the area for the time stipulated by the manufacturer and remove the rest afterwards with a cloth.
Other products such as sprays contain active formulas that break down and soften excrement, which will help with more stubborn stains.
