Tips to Remove Stains from Bird Droppings
People may love hearing and seeing birds, but nobody loves bird droppings, especially on their outdoor kitchen countertops or other exterior natural stone surfaces. Sometimes we get calls from frustrated customers about stains from “bird poop stains” (or other creative expletives). This article explains how to clean up bird droppings on natural stone, remove the bird poop stain that may persist after cleaning, and avoid having to do the same thing again next week.
How to Clean Bird Droppings on Natural Stone
First, remove any solid material. If it is dried, gently scrape it away with a plastic putty knife. Do not use metal, as it may leave scratch marks on your stone finish.
Next, wash the area with a stone-safe, pH-neutral cleaner and a clean rag. (You may need to allow the cleaner to dwell for a few minutes to soften and loosen dried-on solid material that would not come off with the plastic putty knife.)
If you see any remaining discolouration on the stone, give the stone time to dry before proceeding to the next step. The discolouration you see may be moisture absorbed into the porous stone, not a stain.
How to Remove Bird Poop Stains on Natural Stone
To remove stains from bird poo, make a poultice with an absorbent material, such as diatomaceous earth, flour, or a paper towel, and 40-volume hydrogen peroxide (12%). You will need to purchase this kind of peroxide online or at a beauty supply store because the peroxide at your local drugstore isn’t strong enough.
For more detail on getting a poultice right — and what to do when it seems to make things worse — read our guide on why a poultice can leave a bigger stain.
Important
• Always read the label on the chemical bottle.
• Always follow the directions and precautions listed on the label.
• Never use a chemical if you are unsure what it is or how to protect yourself.
• Always take the time to protect yourself and those working around you.
• Always dispose of a chemical properly. Every municipality has a household hazardous waste drop-off location. Contact your health and safety representative for safe disposal of chemical products at work.
What to do if the Poultice doesn’t work?
Sometimes it takes several poultice applications to remove a stain. If you notice some improvement after the first application, keep trying. It’s very likely that the stain will come out with some persistence and patience.
If you do not see any improvement after your poultice application, remember the stone may just need time to dry.
If the discolouration remains after the stone is dry, then the discolouration may not actually be a stain. Bird droppings contain uric acid and may result in etching on some stones. Etching is chemical damage to the finish. But don’t worry — etching is repairable. The dull mark can be ground back and re-polished so the finish matches the surrounding stone. That is exactly the work our stone polishing and restoration team does across Sydney every week.
How to Avoid Bird Droppings on Natural Stone
Some people recommend buying plastic owls with big scary eyes or rubber snakes to keep birds away, but birds eventually catch on and adapt.
If you have bird feeders or bird baths, move them to an area in your yard far away from your natural stone or remove them from your yard altogether.
Movement and sound will discourage birds from getting too close. Try using wind chimes, flags, wind spinners, and the like. If all else fails, cover outdoor kitchen countertops when not in use.
The most reliable long-term defence is a quality impregnating sealer. A sealed surface gives you time to wipe droppings away before the uric acid can soak in and stain. See how professional stone sealing works and how often it needs renewing.
Bird Droppings Already Left a Mark?
If the stain or etch mark has not lifted after a couple of poultice attempts, it is worth having it looked at before you try anything stronger. Acid damage on marble, limestone and travertine gets worse with the wrong products.
Complete Stone Care has been restoring natural stone across Sydney for over 20 years. We can tell you quickly whether a mark is a stain, an etch, or permanent damage — and what it will cost to put right.
Request a free, no-obligation assessment or call 1300 083 423 to speak with a stone specialist.
