If you have a patio umbrella, you know that bird poop can be a real problem. It’s not only unsightly, but it can also be difficult to remove.
But don’t despair – there are ways to clean bird poop off your umbrella quickly and easily. In this blog post, I’ll share some of my best tips for getting rid of bird poop so you can enjoy your patio again in no time.
To understand the effective ways to clean the pesky bird poop off your patio umbrella, let’s first take a look at what patio umbrellas are made of.
What Are Patio Umbrellas Made of?
Patio umbrellas are usually made of different materials. Here are a few of the most common ones and their main characteristics;
- polyester
- acrylic
- PVC
Polyester
Polyester is the most common material used to make patio umbrellas. It’s usually coated with a waterproof finish, making it water-resistant and mildew-resistant.
Polyester is made up of tiny plastic fibers, which makes it very difficult for bird poop to penetrate.
This means that the cleaning process is generally much easier when you use the right cleaning products and methods.
Acrylic
Acrylic is also a popular choice for patio umbrellas, as it’s lightweight and relatively inexpensive. It’s also waterproof and mildew-resistant, making it a great option for outdoor use.
The downside of acrylic is that it’s not as strong as polyester, making it more prone to damage by bird poop. As such, cleaning methods should be slightly gentler for acrylic patio umbrellas.
PVC
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a type of plastic that’s becoming increasingly popular with patio umbrellas. It’s slightly more expensive than the other materials, but it offers a number of advantages.
PVC is highly resistant to water and mildew, meaning bird poop won’t penetrate as easily as on other materials. This makes the cleaning process simpler and more effective.
It’s also very durable, making it ideal for outdoor use and harsher weather conditions.
How to Clean Bird Poop off Patio Umbrella
Now that you know what patio umbrellas are made of, let’s take a look at the best ways to clean bird poop off your umbrella, no matter the material they are made of.
So here are six easy ways to clean bird poop off patio umbrellas safely;
1. Using Enzyme-Based Stain Cleaners
Enzyme-based stain cleaners are specifically designed to break down proteins and oils, which make up the majority of bird poop.
These cleaners can be easily found in most stores, and they generally come with detailed instructions on how to use them properly.
Be sure to test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area of your umbrella before using it on the bird poop.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use enzyme-based cleaners to clean bird poop off your patio umbrella;
Step One:
- Start by mixing the cleaner according to the instructions on the bottle.
Step Two:
- Dip a soft cloth or brush into the mixture and gently scrub at the affected area of your umbrella.
Step Three:
- Continue until all traces of the bird poop are gone.
Step Four:
- Rinse the area with warm water and a clean cloth or sponge. Let it air dry.
2. Using Baking Soda Solution
Baking soda is a great cleaning agent for many surfaces, and patio umbrellas are no exception.
Baking soda solution works not only removes the poop stains easily, it also kills a lot of the germs and bacteria that may be living in the bird poop.
To use this method, here’s what you need to do;
Step One:
- Simply mix baking soda with water to create a solution.
Step Two:
- Apply it to the affected area of your umbrella.
- Let it sit for abort 10 minutes, then gently scrub off the mixture with a soft cloth or sponge.
Step Three:
- Rinse away any remaining residue with warm water and let your umbrella air dry.
3. Using Vinegar Solution
Vinegar is another great cleaning agent for patio umbrellas, and it’s especially effective for removing bird poop and all types of stains.
It also has disinfectant properties, which will help kill any germs and bacteria that may be living in the bird poop.
Plus, it’s very gentle on patio umbrella materials, so you don’t have to worry about damaging it.
Here’s what you need to do;
Step One:
- Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Step Two:
- Spray the solution onto the affected area of your umbrella and wipe it down with a soft cloth or sponge.
- Repeat this process until all traces of the bird poop are gone.
Step Three:
- Rinse your umbrella with clean water and let it air dry.
That’s all there is to it!
4. Using Mild Dish Soap And Warm Water
If the bird poop stains on the patio umbrella are relatively new, then you want to go with mild dish soap and warm water to clean them off.
The mild dish soap solution will help to loosen and remove the bird poop stains quickly and easily.
Here’s what you need to do;
Step One:
- Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water in a bucket or bowl.
Step Two:
- Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the mixture, then gently scrub at the affected area of your umbrella.
Step Three:
- Rinse off any remaining residue with clean, warm water and let it air dry.
5. Liquid Laundry Soap
Another simple yet effective way to clean bird poop off patio umbrellas is to use liquid laundry soap.
The cleaning agents in these soaps are also designed to break down tough stains.
Plus, it’s very gentle on patio umbrella fabrics, so you don’t have to worry about damaging them.
A good example of a laundry soap you can use is Dreft.
To use this method, follow these steps;
Step One:
- Mix a small amount of laundry detergent soap with warm water in a bucket or bowl.
Step Two:
- Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the mixture, then gently scrub at the affected area of your umbrella.
Step Three:
- You can allow the cleaning solution to sit on the surface of your umbrella for up to 15 minutes, then rinse it off with clean, warm water.
Step Four:
- Let the umbrella air dry completely before storing or using it.
6. Using Bleach
Last but not least, if you have stubborn bird poop stains on your patio umbrella, then you can opt to use bleach.
Bleach is very strong and effective at removing tough stains and germs, but it’s also quite harsh and can damage some materials if used incorrectly.
So always use caution when using this method.
Here’s what you need to do;
Step One:
- Make a powerful disinfecting solution by blending one cup of bleach with ¼ cup of mild detergent in one gallon of water.
Step Two:
- Once you have the mixture ready, fill up a spray bottle and start spraying over the affected area of your umbrella.
Step Three:
- Let it sit for up to 10 minutes, then use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub away any remaining residue.
Step Four:
- Rinse everything off with clean, warm water and let the umbrella air dry completely before storing or using it again.
Tips For Cleaning Bird Poop
- Always wear gloves when cleaning bird poop off your patio umbrellas, as it can contain bacteria and other germs.
- Always use gentle cleaners when dealing with delicate materials, such as canvas or vinyl, to avoid damaging them.
- For more stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the cleaning process multiple times for the best results.
- Never use abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the umbrella’s material and weaken its structure.
- Always allow your umbrella to air dry completely before storing or using it again.
- Make sure to clean poop stains as early as possible, as it may be more difficult to remove them if they have dried up.
Final Words
Cleaning bird poop off patio umbrellas can be a tricky task, but with the right cleaning materials and techniques, it can be done quickly and easily.
Whether you choose to use a store-bought cleaner or one of the many DIY solutions we’ve listed above, make sure to follow the instructions carefully for best results.
And always use caution when dealing with delicate materials to avoid damaging them. Good luck!