How to Clean Bird Poop Off Driveway (Without Damaging It)
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Statues hate bird droppings and I am sure you do too. The statues can’t but you could live with it if you knew how to clean bird poop off driveway!
- Bird droppings contain uric acid, which is highly corrosive.
- Bird poop can be a source of disease-carrying bacteria and pests.
- Clean bird droppings off driveways as soon as possible.
- Seal your driveway every year to prevent bird poop from penetrating into the concrete.
Bird droppings are a common sight on driveways, but they’re not just unsightly. They can also be harmful to the concrete surface.
That’s because bird droppings contain uric acid, which is a highly corrosive substance. Over time, uric acid can etch into the concrete and cause permanent damage.
In this post I show you how to clean bird poop off driveway! There are ways to clean bird dropping stains off your driveway without damaging the surface.
We’ll also share some tips on how to prevent bird droppings from becoming a problem in the first place. So whether you’re dealing with a fresh pile of bird poop or a long-standing stain, we’ve got you covered.
Read on to learn how to clean bird poop off driveway like a pro!
Impact of Bird Droppings
Poop is, well, poop and even the poop from those beautiful birds in the sky is less than welcome. Apart from the fact that they mess up your driveway, not to mention your deck and patio, they are harmful.
Uric Acid Content
Bird droppings contain uric acid, which is an acid and therefore a highly corrosive substance.
When left untreated, bird droppings can etch stains into the concrete surface, which can be quite difficult to remove.
Disease Carriers
Bird droppings can also pose a serious health hazard. They can contain harmful bacteria and fungi, including Histoplasma and Chlamydia.
These bacteria can cause respiratory problems, gastrointestinal illness, etc.
Attracts Pests
In addition, bird droppings can attract insects and other pests, as they are nutrition for them. This is not just a nuisance but can further damage the driveway.
How to Clean Bird Poop Off Driveway
Cleaning Fresh Bird Poop
Safety Precautions
Before you start cleaning bird poop off your driveway, it is important to take some safety precautions.
First, wear gloves to protect your hands from the uric acid in the droppings.
Second, use a mild dish soap or a specialized concrete cleaner that is designed for removing bird droppings. These cleaners will be effective in breaking down the uric acid without damaging the concrete.
Necessary Tools and Materials
To clean bird poop off your driveway, you will need the following tools and materials:
- Soft-bristle brush or scrubber
- Mild dish soap or concrete cleaner
- Bucket of water
- Rubber gloves
- Garden hose with adjustable nozzle
- Plastic putty knife or scraper
- Absorbent materials (kitty litter)
The Process
- Safety First. Put on your gloves and gather your tools and materials.
- Initial Cleanup of Fresh Droppings. If the bird droppings are fresh, you can gently scrape them off the driveway with a plastic putty knife or scraper. Place the scraped droppings in a plastic bag that can be sealed and disposed.
- Prepare Cleaning Solution. Mix a small amount of mild dish soap or concrete cleaner with water in a bucket. This is effective at breaking down the uric acid in the bird droppings.
- Pre-soak the Area. Use a garden hose with an adjustable nozzle to wet the concrete driveway with dried bird poop. The water will help to loosen the bird droppings and make them easier to remove.
- Scrubbing. Dip a soft-bristle brush or scrubber into the cleaning solution and scrub the affected area. Apply gentle pressure to remove the bird droppings without damaging the concrete.
- Rinsing. Thoroughly rinse the cleaned area with water from the hose to remove the bird droppings and cleaning solution mess.
- Drying. Allow the driveway to air dry naturally to prevent water spots from forming.
Cleaning Dried Bird Poop
If the bird droppings are dry, you will need to soak them before you can scrub them off.
Place a wet cloth or sponge over the dried droppings to rehydrate them. Once the droppings are soft, you can use the soft-bristle brush and cleaning solution to scrub them away.
Follow the same process as above.
Preventive Measures
There are a few things you can do to prevent bird droppings from becoming a problem in the first place:
- Install bird deterrents, such as spikes, nets, or scare devices.
- Clean your driveway regularly.
- Apply a concrete sealant to protect the surface from permanent stains and damage.
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
The Best Sealers for Your Concrete Driveway or Patio
A topical sealer is essential for protecting concrete surfaces from water permeation that can damage the concrete from within and compromise its lifespan.
I highly recommend Foundation Armor Concrete Sealers. Pick the one that best meets your aesthetic and application preference.
Bottom Line
Do not take bird poop lightly. It contains uric acid which can etch and stain your pristine concrete driveway.
Bird poop is also a possible source of disease carrying bacteria and irritating pests.
Act Promptly. The sooner you clean bird poop off your driveway, the easier it will be to remove.
It is easier to clean up fresh bird poop than dried up bird poop. However, always use gloves when dealing with it.
Use Gentle Tools and Cleaning Agents. Be careful not to use harsh chemicals or tools that could damage the concrete surface.
By following the above cleaning process you can easily and safely get bird poop off your driveway.
Establish a Regular Cleaning Routine. Cleaning your driveway on a regular basis will help to prevent bird droppings from becoming a problem.
It is better to keep your concrete driveway well sealed so that the poop is not able to penetrate the porous concrete.
Thank you very much for reading this post. I do hope you found it informative and helpful.
