If you’ve ever had a bird fly over your head and leave behind a little “present,” you know how frustrating it can be to get rid of the mess. You might have heard that vinegar is an effective way to clean up bird poop, but does it really work? Keep reading to find out!
To briefly summarize, vinegar does have the ability to dissolve and remove bird poop from almost every type of surface. The acidity of vinegar breaks down the proteins in bird excrement, making it easier to remove from surfaces.
Here’s all I’m going to cover in the rest of this article;
- reasons vinegar removes bird poop,
- the type(s) of vinegar that removes bird poop,
- how to remove bird poop using vinegar, and
- the precautions to take when using vinegar.
Let’s get into the details;
Reasons Vinegar Removes Bird Poop
There are a lot of reasons why vinegar is a great solution for removing bird poop from various surfaces, and here are a few of them:
1. Vinegar Contain Natural Cleaning Agents
Vinegar is composed of acetic acid, a mild acid that is known for its cleaning properties.
When you use vinegar to clean bird poop, the acidity breaks down the proteins in the excrement and makes it easier to remove from surfaces.
Vinegar will not react to any other type of dirt or mess, so it won’t damage the surface you’re trying to clean.
2. Vinegar is Natural and Non-Toxic
We’ve all heard horror stories as far as bird poop goes. Bird poop is known to contain insane amounts of bacteria, making it a dangerous thing to handle without the right solution.
Good thing vinegar is natural and non-toxic, so you don’t have to worry about any side effects when using it as a cleaning agent.
This makes it a much safer option than using harsh chemical cleaners that can be damaging to skin and surfaces.
3. Vinegar Does Not Leave Behind Any Residue
One of the most annoying things about cleaning bird droppings is that no matter what you use, there always seems to be some sort of residue left behind.
This can make the surface look dull and unattractive. With vinegar, this isn’t an issue because it does not leave behind any residue when used as a cleaning agent.
So you can rest assured that your surfaces will look as good as new after you’re done cleaning!
4. Vinegar Is Acidic
To elaborate more on the previous point, vinegar has acid properties that make it extremely effective at removing bird poop from surfaces.
The acidity of the vinegar will dissolve and break down the proteins in the excrement, making it easier to remove from whatever surface you are trying to clean.
This makes vinegar a much better option than using something like soap or water for cleaning bird droppings.
5. Vinegar Is Versatile
Vinegar is incredibly versatile when it comes to cleaning. It can be used on a variety of surfaces, including carpets and fabrics, as well as hard surfaces like tile, concrete, and wood.
This means that you don’t have to worry about switching up the solution depending on what surface you are trying to clean – vinegar is a great option for just about any surface!
Types of Vinegar That Remove Bird Poop
Not all types of vinegar are created equal, so it’s important to make sure you pick the right one if you want to be able to successfully and safely remove bird poop.
There are two main types you can use;
- white distilled vinegar
- apple cider vinegar
White Distilled Vinegar
White distilled vinegar is the most common type of vinegar, and it has the strongest acidity, making it ideal for cleaning bird droppings.
It is made from diluting grain-based ethanol, and it is clear, has a great smell (at least if you’re a fan of it), and has a slightly sweet taste.
White distilled vinegar is actually one of the most used cleaning agents in the world, and it’s also one of the most affordable!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a great option for cleaning bird droppings because it has a lower acidity than white distilled vinegar, making it gentler on surfaces.
On top of that, apple cider vinegar also contains beneficial enzymes and minerals that can help with the cleaning process.
Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting apples, and it has a much more potent smell and taste than white distilled vinegar.
It also tends to be a bit more expensive than its counterpart, so keep that in mind if you are looking for an affordable option.
How To Use Vinegar To Remove Bird Poop
The process of using vinegar to clean bird droppings is relatively simple. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you out;
Step One:
- First, you’ll want to make sure that the area you are trying to clean is free of any dirt or debris.
- This will help ensure that the vinegar can do its job without getting clogged up with other particles.
Step Two:
- Once the area is clean, you’ll want to dilute your vinegar with some water.
- The ratio should be roughly one part vinegar to two parts water.
Step Three:
- Now that you have your vinegar solution ready, it’s time to apply it to the bird droppings.
- You can either spray it directly on the area or use a cloth to dab it onto the surface.
Step Four:
- Leave the vinegar solution on the bird droppings for at least five minutes.
- This will give it time to break down the proteins in the excrement and make it easier to remove.
Step Five:
- Once the five minutes have passed, it’s time to scrub!
- Grab a cloth or brush and firmly but gently scrub the area until all of the bird droppings have been removed.
Step Six:
- Once you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse the area with some clean water and dry it off with a towel.
- And that’s it! You’re all done.
By following these steps, you can easily and safely remove bird droppings from any surface using vinegar.
Important Tips When Cleaning Bird Poop With Vinegar
Though vinegar is a great option for cleaning bird droppings, there are still some important tips to keep in mind.
- First of all, make sure you use gloves and eye protection when handling the vinegar solution, as it can be quite caustic on some skin types and eyes.
- Also, make sure to always test the vinegar solution on a small, inconspicuous part of the surface before applying it to the bird droppings.
- This will help you make sure that the vinegar won’t damage or discolor the material.
- Be sure to use only white distilled or apple cider vinegar for cleaning bird droppings, as other types of vinegar can be too harsh and could potentially cause damage.
- Lastly, make sure that you rinse the area thoroughly after cleaning with vinegar to remove any trace amounts of it.
By following these tips, you can make sure that you clean bird droppings effectively without damaging your surfaces.
Final Words
Cleaning bird droppings with vinegar is an effective way to get rid of the mess and prevent any further damage to your property or furniture.
It’s also a great alternative to harsh chemical cleaners, as it is gentler on the environment and your wallet.
Just remember always to use white distilled or apple cider vinegar and test a small area first to make sure that it won’t cause any damage.
Thanks for sticking around until the end, and we hope that you found this article helpful.
Happy cleaning!