Not only does bird poop make your car look dirty, but the acidity can also damage your paint job. From classic WD-40 to baking soda or seltzer water, here are the seven best ways to clean bird poop on your car so it looks good as new.

It’s a classic scene—you return back to the parking lot only to find that a flock of birds has deposited a collection of white droppings smeared along your car’s roof and windshield.

Since bird poop can damage your car’s paint, it’s best to clean it off sooner than later. However, using the wrong cleaning method could result in even more damage to your vehicle.

That’s why

Jerry

, the

trustworthy super app

for affordable

car insurance

, has created this guide on how to clean bird poop, including tackling different types of droppings and locations on your car.

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Seven ways to get bird poop off your car

WD-40

WD-40 works miracles on squeaky hinges, removes bugs from your car’s grill, and does countless other home maintenance tasks. It also is a foolproof way to remove bird droppings from your car.

All you need to do is spray a small amount of WD-40 on the area and allow it to sit for a minute. Once the minute is up, rinse or wipe the solution away with a clean cloth.

Bird poop car wipes

Formulated to specifically tackle bird poop, these single-use wipes are a quick and easy way to deal with the problem when you’re on the go.

Drop Wipes is a reliable brand that uses an all-natural formula that will destabilize and neutralize the uric acid found in bird poop. Not to mention that the wipes themselves are biodegradable and made from soft bamboo that won’t damage your vehicle.

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Seltzer water

Seltzer water can work miracles to clean off any unexpected fecal surprises. Be careful that you only use this method on your windshield glass—seltzer water or club sodas can damage the paint.

To use, simply pour some seltzer water or club soda on the bird droppings and allow it to sit for a few minutes. When the time is up, spray the area with clean water to wash away the bird poop (or simply turn your windshield wipers on).

And remember, do not use any type of sugary cola on your car’s windows or paint! This will cause even more damage not only to your car’s paint but also to any wax or rubber.

Quick detailer spray

Grab a quick

detailer spray

if you’re looking for one of the easiest fixes for bird poop on your car. These sprays are also great for tackling bugs, water spots, fingerprints, grease, or anything else left on your car.

In general, all you’ll need to do is spray the area and wipe away the droppings with a microfiber cloth. But be sure to follow the instructions on the formula you buy before use.

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Baking soda

Baking soda might be the champion of all cleaning hacks, and it is no stranger to bird poop. To mix up an effective DIY bird poop cleaner, start by combining 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda and a drop of dish soap in a spray bottle. Fill the remainder of the bottle with hot water.

Spray this mixture on the bird poop stain (anywhere on your car is fair game for this cleaner; it is even safe to use on paint). Allow the mixture to rest on the stain for a few minutes. Then, rinse the solution away with a hose.

Only when the solution is completely rinsed off should you wipe clean with a microfiber cloth—trying to wipe the baking soda solution off your car before rinsing may leave microscopic scratches on your vehicle’s surface.

Soap-soaked cloth

Choose a vehicle-safe cleaning solution (even

Dawn soap will do

) and soak a soft cloth or sponge in it—you can do this by pouring the soap or solution into a bowl or bucket and dunking the cloth in it.

Place the wet cloth on top of the bird droppings and let it sit there for at least 15 minutes. This will allow the cleaner to saturate the droppings. Once it looks like you can easily wipe the stain away, grab a clean microfiber towel to wipe the area clean.

Visit an auto body repair shop

If the stains are proving to be too stubborn for a cleaner or they’ve left etchings on your car, then it might be time to pay a visit to your local auto body shop. The shop will be able to remedy any extreme damage left by bird poop by restoring the paint or auto detailing.

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What to do after removing bird poop stains

Once you’ve successfully removed the stains and are ready to take a break, you have one more task ahead of you. Finish the process by washing your car—this will remove any lingering remnants from the droppings or cleaning solution that aren’t completely removed.

Then, apply a light abrasive car polish and a

good wax

or protectant to have your car looking brand-new.

Types of bird poop stains

Some may be surprised to learn that not all bird dropping stains are created equal. Though the unsuspecting eye may assume all should be treated similarly, fractured or wrinkled stains prove to be a tougher fix.

Here’s a look at the two different types of bird poop stains:

Topical stains will appear chalky and faded, with little to no etchings. Since this type of stain is not ingrained in the vehicle’s surface, they are easier to clean.

Fractured/wrinkled stains are a tougher fix. This type may contain hard particles or granules that can scratch your car’s paint if handled incorrectly. Be sure to use extra care when dealing with these.

How to find affordable car insurance

Though damages caused by bird poop are generally not included in car insurance policies, it is still a good idea to have coverage that will cover your vehicle in the case of other unexpected damages.

With help from

Jerry

, you can find insurance that is both cheap and top-of-the-line.

With only a few pieces of info about you and your car, the Jerry app can collect quotes from dozens of top insurance companies, like

Travelers

Nationwide

, and

Progressive

, in seconds! Jerry can even switch you over to your new policy once you make your pick.

So why do all that extra work of searching for insurance when Jerry can do it better?

“I had a great experience using
Jerry
for the first time. Once my boyfriend buys his new car, we’ll use Jerry together to make sure he doesn’t end up overpaying on new insurance!” —Stephanie S.

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FAQs

Will bird poop hurt car paint?

Yes,bird poop can hurt your carpaint because of its high acidity. If left on the vehicle for too long, it can stain your car’s paint and, in the worst-case scenario, require attention from an auto body repair shop.

How do I get bird poop stains off my car?

Try a baking soda solution or a cloth soaked with a cleaning product to tackle tough stains. If you’ve tried a few different methods but are still struggling to get rid of the stains, you may need to take your car to an auto repair shop for a professional cleaning.

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