How To Clean Duck Poop From Concrete

How To Clean Bird Poop Off Concrete (Quickly & Easily!)

Cleaning bird poop off of the sidewalk isn't fun, but it is necessary so that the space doesn't look terrible. It is possible to do with 5 quick steps that involve using vinegar, water, and club soda. Whether you scrape it off or use a solution, follow along as we explore how to clean bird poop off of the sidewalk.

A bird's chirping can be a relaxing way to wake up in the morning, but they can be a menace when it comes to droppings. If trees surround your home, birds are more likely to leave droppings on concrete surfaces like your driveway and patio.

To remove bird poop from concrete, begin by scraping the area with a putty knife or a similar scraping tool to remove the bulky top layer of the stain. Next, sweep the area with a broom, disposing of all of the droppings scraped off the site. Finally, fill a spray bottle with vinegar and water and spray the affected area. Let it sit for 10-30 minutes and rinse the area with club soda.

In this article, we'll provide step-by-step instructions on how to successfully remove bird poop from concrete and the tools you'll need to achieve this task.

Don't want to do it yourself?

Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.

FIND LOCAL CONTRACTORS

Table of Contents

Steps to Clean Bird Poop Off of Concrete
- Tools & Ingredients Needed
- Step One: Use a Scraper to Remove Dried Poop
- Step Two: Use a Broom and Dustpan to Sweep Up Debris
- Step Three: Dilute Vinegar and Water in a Spray Bottle
- Step Four: Spray the Affected Area
- Step Five: Rinse with Club Soda
What Commercial Cleaners Can I Use Instead?
- Krud Kutter
- Simple Green Oxy Solve Concrete Cleaner
Other Cleanable Surfaces Affected by Bird Poop
- Brick and Masonry
- Asphalt
Helpful Considerations
- Gloves and Goggles
- Nearby Plants or Shrubbery
- Test Area
Related Questions
- - Will dishwashing detergent clean bird poop from concrete?
  - Does vinegar clean bird poop from concrete patios?
  - Will commercial-grade concrete cleaners harm my grass or plants?

Steps to Clean Bird Poop Off of Concrete

The largest issue with bird poop on your concrete is its acidity level. In time, bird poop becomes quite acidic, which can cause corrosion to your concrete surface. Whether your patio, sidewalk, or concrete driveway is stained with bird droppings, the process for cleaning is universal. While every concrete surface is different, most follow a basic cleaning regimen and are easy to remove stains from.

Tools & Ingredients Needed

Plastic putty knife or similar scraping tool
Broom and dust
A spray bottle with diluted vinegar and water 50/50
Club soda (enough to rinse affected area)

Step One: Use a Scraper to Remove Dried Poop

The first step is to scrape off enough dried bird droppings to allow for easier cleaning of the spots adhered to the concrete. Use a plastic putty knife (2" to 4" depending on the size of the area you are cleaning) or a similar scraping tool.

Scrape off the top layer of the bird droppings or as much as you're able to with the putty knife. Ideally, the area would be smooth after scraping. Though the stains will be visible after scraping, this is crucial to ensure steps two through five aren't necessary to complete multiple times.

Step Two: Use a Broom and Dustpan to Sweep Up Debris

After scraping the bird poop from your concrete surface, it is important to use a broom and dustpan to dispose of everything that has been scraped. The next step will require a surface free of scrapings to ensure that it is most effective.

Step Three: Dilute Vinegar and Water in a Spray Bottle

Fill an empty spray bottle half with vinegar and half with water. Swirl the bottle around to ensure that they are adequately mixed.

Pro Tip: Using a plastic funnel to fill the empty bottle is the best way to ensure vinegar doesn't leak to your countertop or workspace. This way, you'll avoid your space smelling like vinegar for days.

Step Four: Spray the Affected Area

Spray the affected area with the diluted vinegar and let the area sit for ten to thirty minutes. You will notice the stained areas turning the clear mixture into a white or green opaque liquid, depending on the dropping color.

If the liquid appears to be running off and there is clean, unaffected concrete underneath, it is okay to rinse. However, if the stain hasn't begun to run, wait the entire thirty minutes.

Step Five: Rinse with Club Soda

The acidic qualities of bird poop tend to break down with carbonation. That being said, you don't want to pour any type of soda onto your concrete surface, as it may erode if done repeatedly.

Seltzer water will react to any of the bird droppings left on the concrete, bubble for a minute, and eventually runoff. If you are treating a larger area, you may want to dilute the club soda with water, again 50/50, and rinse with that.

You may also choose to rinse with just water, though the remaining stain left behind won't wash off with just water. If not, repeat the steps.

What Commercial Cleaners Can I Use Instead?

Krud Kutter

If you have a larger area affected by bird poop, one of the best commercial cleaners on the market is Krud Kutter. Krud Kutter can be used on concrete, brick, masonry, and asphalt and can cut through the toughest stains.

Krud Kutter comes in a dilutable form that can be sprayed on the area. You can also buy a pressure washer concentrate if you choose to use a pressure washer for this job. Krud Kutter can be found at Lowes, Home Depot, or online at Amazon.

Simple Green Oxy Solve Concrete Cleaner

Simple Green Oxy Solve Concrete Cleaner is another option and one of the best commercial concrete cleaners. A one-gallon container of Simple Green Oxy Solve can make 21 gallons of cleaner and clean up to 6,300 square feet. If you have a large surface to clean, this cleaner can lift the toughest stains. It is EPA-approved and doesn't contain any harsh chemicals.

Simple Green Oxy Solve Concrete Cleaner is available at Lowes, Walmart, and even online at Amazon. It can be diluted to use as a spray or used with a pressure washer.

Other Cleanable Surfaces Affected by Bird Poop

Brick and Masonry

Brick and Masonry can be equally affected by bird poop. Luckily, it can be cleaned similarly with just a few simple exceptions. If your brick or masonry is older or in disrepair, consider not using commercial-grade concrete cleaner if surfaces are uneven or broken.

Be aware of the material used in the grout space between your bricks and the condition of the material. If there are large divots or missing mortar between bricks or masonry, it should be repaired before using a commercial cleaner.

When not washed off thoroughly, commercial cleaners can begin to erode or break down the mortar between bricks. If you notice commercial cleaner pooling in these areas after rinsing, simply dry with a cloth.

Asphalt

Many driveways, especially in suburban areas, are laid with asphalt. Though there is no specific downside to using the commercial chemicals and methods listed above, many asphalt-specific cleaners should take precedence before other cleaners.

Helpful Considerations

Gloves and Goggles

Commercial concrete cleaners can be irritating to the eyes and skin. Protect your skin and eyes by a using a pair of chemical-resistant nitrile gloves and a pair of safety goggles. Gear up before attempting to clean your driveways or sidewalks with a commercial-grade concrete cleaner.

Nearby Plants or Shrubbery

Though the roots of most plants won't be affected by a vinegar solution, leaves and other areas above ground can potentially be harmed. Commercial chemicals can harm plants even more so. It is a best practice to ensure that the run-off of your cleaned area is away from plants and shrubbery. Covering bushes and larger shrubbery with plastic can shield them from the spray of a vinegar solution or concrete cleaning chemical.

Test Area

If brick, masonry, or other surfaces are older, perform a cleaning test on a 2" by 2" area. Follow the same steps above and check the condition of your surface after all of the steps are complete. If the area is clean and the surface doesn't seem to be in disrepair or have been affected by harsher commercial chemicals, proceed with cleaning the entire area.

Don't want to do it yourself?

Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.

FIND LOCAL CONTRACTORS

Will dishwashing detergent clean bird poop from concrete?

Squirting liquid dishwashing detergent on a bird poop stain on concrete and letting it set will clean the stain. The stain will have to be scrubbed with a stiff bristle brush to remove it, then rinsed with water.

Does vinegar clean bird poop from concrete patios?

Vinegar will clean poop from a concrete patio. Dilute vinegar with water 50/50, spray it on the surface and let it sit for thirty minutes. Rinse the surface with water and repeat if necessary.

Will commercial-grade concrete cleaners harm my grass or plants?

Some harsher concrete cleaners may plant leaves and stems if they are in the path of the run-off. Many commercial concrete cleaners are "eco-friendly" and will not hurt any grass or plants if they are in the run-off's path. Look for cleaners with "eco-friendly" on the label.

Upgraded Home Team

We are a team of passionate homeowners and home improvement enthusiasts who enjoy sharing home improvement, housekeeping, decorating, and gardening tips with other homeowners! Whether you're looking for a step-by-step guide on fixing an appliance, cleaning your carpet, or even putting up a fence, we've got you covered.

Recently Published

link to Can You Put An Above Ground Pool On Concrete? (Find Out Now!)

link to Does Lowes Fill Propane Tanks? (Find Out Now!)

Does Lowes Fill Propane Tanks? (Find Out Now!)

Propane tanks come in handy for cooking, grilling, heating your home, and much more. However, if your tank suddenly runs out of propane you may find yourself wondering: Does Lowes refill propane...