No one likes dealing with bird poop, but it’s an unfortunate reality if you have birds near your home. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to clean bird poop off your patio cushions.
Here’s all I’m going to cover in this article:
- types of patio cushion materials,
- how to clean them,
- how to prevent future buildup of bird poop on patio cushions.
Let’s get into the details.
Types of Patio Cushion Material
The type of patio cushion material will determine how you clean the bird poop. Patio cushions may be made of fabrics such as canvas, polypropylene, or vinyl.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene, also known as olefin, is a synthetic fiber used to make patio cushions. It is water-resistant, lightweight, and easy to clean.
Polly propylene is incredibly durable and is usually used for inserts and covers for cushions.
The best part about this material is that it is stain resistant and stands up to UV rays very well. This means that bird poop stains and other types of dirt can be removed by spot-cleaning.
How To Clean Bird Poop From Polypropylene Patio Cushions
One of the best ways to clean any type of upholstery material is by reading the manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean the fabric.
But if you ask me, I will say here’s one method that works great for us.
1. Using Mild Dish Soap
Using mild dish soap is a great way to remove bird poop and other stains from polypropylene patio cushions. To do this;
- First, take a damp rag and mix some mild dish soap with warm water.
- Use this solution to gently blot the area affected by bird poop.
- Make sure not to scrub too hard, as this can damage the fabric.
- Finish off by rinsing the area with clean water and drying it off with a soft cloth.
- Leave the seat cushions to air dry, and voila! The bird poop stain should be gone.
2. Using A Steam Cleaner
You can also use a steam cleaner to remove bird poop stains from polypropylene cushions.
With the steam temperature hovering at a mere 100⁰C and polypropylene’s melting point set at 160⁰C, your patio cushions are perfectly safe to be cleaned with steam.
- Simply fill the steam cleaner with water, turn it on, and let it heat up for a few minutes.
- Hold the nozzle about 8 inches away from the fabric and gently move it in a circular motion over the stain.
- This should help loosen any dried bird droppings and lift them off your patio cushions.
- Once you’re done, turn off the steam cleaner and let your cushions air dry.
Solution-Dyed Acrylic
Solution-dyed acrylic is also a very popular material used for patio cushions, and it is quite easy to clean.
This material is highly resistant to water, fading from the sun, and mildew – making it ideal for outdoor use.
How To Clean Bird Poop From Solution-Dyed Acrylic Patio Cushions
Solution-dyed acrylic is quite easy to clean, and all you will need is a mild detergent solution or any natural soap.
- First, mix a mild detergent such as dish soap with warm water.
- Then take a soft cloth and blot the affected area with the solution.
- Next, use a clean cloth to rinse off the soapy residue left behind by the cleaning solution.
- Finally, let your cushions air dry before using them again.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a type of plastic coating that is often used to make patio cushions.
It is waterproof and resistant to fading, so it’s an ideal material for outdoor furniture.
How To Clean Bird Poop From Vinyl Patio Cushions
You can use any of the methods discussed above to clean your vinyl patio cushions.
However, one of the best ways I have found is to use washing soda. Washing soda is abrasive enough to lift bird poop stains yet gentle enough not to damage the vinyl.
It’s best for stubborn bird poop stains that won’t come off with a mild detergent. To use washing soda here’s what you need to do;
- Sprinkle some washing soda on a damp cloth.
- Now begin to scrub at the bird poop stains.
- Rinse the cloth from time to time and add more washing soda.
- Continue scrubbing until all the stains are gone.
- Finally, rinse off the area with plain water and let your cushions dry before using them again.
Although vinyl is easy to clean and robust, its tendency to become hot when temperatures increase makes it an uncomfortable option for summer.
Furthermore, its non-absorbent quality can leave you feeling sticky from sweat during the hottest months of the year.
Duck Cloth
Duck cloth, commonly known as canvas, is a popular material used for patio cushions. It is strong and durable, making it ideal for outdoor furniture.
How To Clean Bird Poop From Duck Cloth Patio Cushions
Usually, for this type of cushion material, machine washing is a great option if the cushion covers are removable.
- Simply put your duck cloth cushions in the washing machine, using regular detergent and warm water.
- Select the gentle cycle setting, and set it to a low spin speed to reduce wear and tear on the fabric.
- Once they are done washing, hang them out to air dry.
- This will help your patio cushions maintain their shape and remain durable.
If the cushion covers are not removable, you can still use any of the above mentioned methods to clean the bird poop from your duck cloth patio cushions.
Be sure to rinse your cushion covers thoroughly with plain water after you are done cleaning them, and then let them air dry for best results.
Textilene Fabric
Textilene is a type of mesh fabric that is extremely popular for outdoor furniture, including patio cushions.
It is made from woven polyester that is covered in PVC which makes it a bit uncomfortable when compared to other materials.
But it’s lightweight and breathable, making it the perfect material for summer months.
How To Clean Bird Poop From Textilene Fabric Patio Cushions
Because this type of patio cushion material is also covered in vinyl, you can simple clean it by following the same steps for cleaning vinyl patio cushions.
However, you should avoid using any harsh or abrasive cleaners on Textilene fabrics as it may cause damage to the material.
Once you are done cleaning your cushions, hang them out to air dry and they will be ready to use once again.
Cotton
Cotton is a breathable, comfortable, affordable material that is perfect for patio cushions.
But this comes with a huge downside as it tends to stain and easily. It is also prone to meldew, which is why it is not an ideal material for outdoor furniture.
But if you have a cotton patio cushion and you’ve got some bird poop on it, do not despair.
There are steps you can take to clean it off and make your cushion look good as new.
How To Clean Bird Poop From Cotton Patio Cushions
The best way to clean bird poop from cotton patio cushions is to machine wash them.
- Start by removing the cushion cover and placing it in the machine.
- Then, use a mild detergent to wash them on the gentle cycle, using cold water.
- If you’re concerned about fading or other damage, add fabric softener to protect the fabric while washing.
- Allow the cushion covers to air dry or tumble dry them on low heat.
- In some cases, you may need to spot treat the cushion covers before washing them.
- To do this, create a solution of one cup of warm water and a teaspoon of mild detergent.
- Use a clean cloth or sponge to dab the mixture onto the stain and rub it in gently.
- Allow the fabric to air dry, and then machine wash the cushion covers as above.
How To Prevent Bird Poop On Your Patio Cushions
- To prevent bird poop from landing on your patio cushions, keep the area clean and free of food scraps.
- Try to remove any potential sources of food such as spilled bird seed or pet food.
- If birds are consistently returning to the same spot, place a scarecrow or other visual deterrent in that area.
- You can also purchase fabric protectors that are designed to repel bird droppings and other stains.
- These products usually come in an aerosol spray and should be applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- You can cover up your patio cushion when not in use.
By following these steps, you can help keep your patio cushions looking fresh and new!