The Best & Easiest Ways to Remove Bird Poop From Your Car

Get bird droppings off your car without damaging your car’s paint job

Co-authored by Tommy Goldberg and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: June 2, 2025 Fact Checked

Sometimes it seems like birds think our vehicles are custom-built toilets. One unfortunate parking job is all it takes to replace that off-the-lot sparkle with a new, bird poop-colored paint job. It’s unsightly and a little gross, but thankfully, it’s not a super tough problem to fix, as we learned from speaking with automotive expert Tommy Goldberg. All it takes is some elbow grease and an off-the-shelf or at-home remedy to get your car shiny again.

How do I get dried bird poop off my car?

Automotive expert Tommy Goldberg recommends using car wipes and/or detailer spray to safely get bird poop off of your car. Use a spray that’s paint-safe to ensure your car’s paint doesn’t chip or peel away as you clean.

1

Car or Drop Wipes

Download Article

Wipe away bird poop with a specialized product. Yes, they exist, and yes, they work. There’s not much to it: simply take a car wipe and attack those bird droppings with a good but gentle amount of pressure. The chemicals in the wipe are specifically formulated to loosen and break up bird poop without damaging the paint on your car.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Afterward, wipe down the area with some water or car shampoo and rinse it with warm water to wash away any residue.
- Goldberg stands by this poop-cleaning method 100%, stating that it’s one of the “safest methods for sure.”^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Tommy Goldberg
  Automotive Expert
  
  Expert Interview}

2

Detailer Spray

Download Article

Scrub the spot with a rag soaked in detailer spray for a speedy shine. Detailer spray is what they use at car dealerships to give the floor models a quick shine. It’s also handy for small trouble spots like bird poop. Give a microfiber towel a few spritzes of spray, then gently wipe the rag back and forth across the bird poop until it comes away.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- While this is Goldberg’s preferred method of cleaning bird poop off a car, he still advises against rubbing too hard, as the spray can streak across the paint job. Smooth, light, but firm strokes are key here.^{[4]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Tommy Goldberg
  Automotive Expert
  
  Expert Interview}
- While you’re at it, consider washing the rest of your car with some car shampoo for an all-over shine.

3

Water

Download Article

Typically, you don’t need to look any further than some warm water to lift bird poo. Use a spray bottle to soak the poop, or simply dump a cup of water onto it until it's completely saturated. Wait 10-15 minutes, then wipe it away with a rag or a microfiber cloth. Put some elbow grease into it, but not too much. Go gentle on the paint job. Keep soaking and wiping as needed.^{[5]
X
Research source}

4

Seltzer Water

Download Article

Pour a small amount of unflavored seltzer water or club soda on the spot, until it’s saturated. Then dampen an old rag with the club soda, and place or hold it over the stain for 10-15 minutes to let it work its way into the mess. Then, gently but firmly wipe the poop away with the rag, and rinse the spot clean with a splash of water.^{[6]
X
Research source}

5

Baking Soda

Download Article

Mix baking soda and water to make a poo-fighting spray. Bird droppings are acidic, so baking soda, which is alkaline, makes the perfect, specialized cleaner. Fill a 32 fluid ounces (950 mL) spray bottle with warm water, then mix in about 4 tbsp (14 g) of baking soda. Saturate the poo with the baking soda spray, let it break down the poo for about 15 minutes, then wipe it away with a microfiber towel.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Be warned: Baking soda is mildly abrasive and could damage your car’s paint.^{[8]
  X
  Research source} Use this method with caution.

6

WD-40

Download Article

Hit the stain with some WD-40 and wait 15-30 minutes. WD-40 is some sort of miracle substance, given just how many uses it has. Ridding your ride of bird poop is among them. Saturate the poop with WD-40, then give it 15-30 minutes to soak and start to break down. Then come back with a rag or microfiber towel and wipe those droppings away.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Repeat this process 2-3 times, as needed.
- While this is a common method to clean bird poop on a car, Goldberg advises against it because it can be abrasive and damage the car’s paint.^{[10]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Tommy Goldberg
  Automotive Expert
  
  Expert Interview} So, use this method as a last resort for stubborn stains.

7

Glass Cleaner (for Windows)

Download Article

Spray glass cleaner directly onto any poop on your windows. While glass cleaner is a bit too harsh for painted areas, it’s a no-brainer for your windshield or other windows. Give the bird poop 3-4 sprays, then firmly wipe it away with a microfiber towel until that glass is spick and span. The vinegar in the spray will break down and lift the droppings with ease.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- If the poop is stubborn, saturate it with more cleaner and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then come back and give it another go when the poop is a bit more broken up.
- Don’t use glass cleaner on any painted areas, since the chemicals in the cleaner may damage the paint.

8

Laundry Detergent (for Upholstery)

Download Article

Let the bird poop dry before scrubbing it with a dab of detergent. Look, we won’t ask how you got bird guano inside your car, but we don’t envy you. To clean your car seats, wait for the poop to dry, then scrape the dried poop off the upholstery with a paper towel or a blunt knife. Then, dampen a rag with warm water and a dab of detergent, and scrub away the residue.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Use a hand vacuum to suction up any poo dust after you scrape the bulk away.
EXPERT TIP

Chad Zani
Auto Detailing Expert
Chad Zani is an Auto Detailing Expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the Director of Franchising at Detail Garage, an automotive detailing company with locations around the U.S. and Sweden. He and his team are auto detailing experts that offer detailing and car care services.

Chad Zani
Auto Detailing Expert

Make sure your car seats are dry after they get wet. Leave the windows down about ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm) or keep the doors open. If you’re in a colder climate, you can also turn the heat on in the car to speed up the process.

9

Stiff-Bristled Brush (for Floor Mats)

Download Article

Remove and clean your floor mats with a stiff brush. Beat loose dust and grime off your car mats before placing them on the ground outside. Then, take a stiff-bristled brush to the mats to brush away the bird poop. Finally, rinse the mat down with a hose and let it dry for an hour or 2 before placing it back in your car.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Place a dime-sized drop of dish soap on any trouble spots to lift tougher stains as you scrub.
- You can also use the brush to clean your tires with tire cleaner.
EXPERT TIP

Chad Zani
Auto Detailing Expert
Chad Zani is an Auto Detailing Expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the Director of Franchising at Detail Garage, an automotive detailing company with locations around the U.S. and Sweden. He and his team are auto detailing experts that offer detailing and car care services.

Chad Zani
Auto Detailing Expert

Wash car tires with a strong degreaser. If you don’t have a tire cleaner, no worries! A strong, at-home degreaser like dish soap can make your tires sparkle just as well.

10

Commercial Car Wash

Download Article

Take a spin through a nearby automatic car wash. It’s quick, it’s easy, and all those spinning scrubbers put on a show while they wipe your car clean of bird poop. What’s more, commercial car washes recycle dirty water and properly dispose of it, making this an eco-friendly and hands-off solution.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- Not sure where to find a car wash? Search “car wash near me” online.

11

Professional Service

Download Article

Visit a pro car detailer for top-notch service. When all else fails, take your ride into an auto body or detailing shop. The pros will give you a full wash and wax, and even fix any chipped paint while you’re there. Overkill for a bit of bird poop? Maybe, but your car was about due for some TLC anyway.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- Looking for a pro car detailer in your area? Search “professional car detailer near me” online to find local auto shops.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

For best results on painted sections of your car, clean the bird poop off ASAP, before it begins to deteriorate the paint.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 3
Park your car under a shelter or in a garage, or invest in a car cover to avoid future bird poop mishaps.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
After cleaning, wax your car to restore its shine and luster.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0