How To Clean Bird Poop Off Composite Decking
Having a deck can be an amazing addition to your home — but only if you keep it clean. Birds tend to like sitting on top of things, and given that they have excellent poop-spotting abilities, it’s not uncommon for them to poop directly above your head.
If you have a bird-friendly yard, this may not be a bad thing. But with this kind of company, your deck is likely going to become their new favorite hangout. And if you’re anything like us that means spending far more time cleaning than you probably ever want to again. But we’ve got some tips on how to clean the poop off your deck so that the birds are the only ones who know about their hidden winged toilet.
How to Clean Bird Poop Off Vinyl Decks
Vinyl decks are the easiest to clean when it comes to dealing with the aftermath of avian defecation. It’s important to note that this is only in terms of the deck itself; if any of your other outdoor surfaces are vinyl, you’ll have to clean them by hand. The deck, though, can be cleaned with a pressure washer, water and a deck wash. Pressure-washing the deck ensures that you get rid of the dried poop, and it’s also great for getting rid of other contaminants like dirt and dust. Just be sure to make use of the low-pressure setting so you don’t damage the deck itself. It’s also important to use a cleaning solution that’s meant for decks. While water by itself will clean the deck, it’s not nearly as thorough. You’re better off using a deck wash instead of just plain water if you want to get rid of the poop as well.
How to Clean Bird Poop Off Wood Decks
Wood decks have a bit more of a buildup than vinyl decks, but they can still be cleaned fairly easily. You’ll want to start by removing as much of the dried poop as possible. This can be done manually with a rake, a putty knife or even just your hands. You may also want to consider getting a squeegee for the larger pieces that are closer to the ground. Once you’ve removed as much as you can, use a pressure washer to get rid of any leftover debris. Just be careful not to use too much water as this can cause the wood to warp or crack. Once the deck is clean, you’ll want to seal it with a deck sealant. This will make the wood less porous and therefore less likely to retain any of the dried poop.
How to Clean Bird Poop Off Aluminum Decks
Aluminum decks are a bit trickier to clean than their wooden counterparts. This is both because of the material and because the poop dries much faster on the aluminum. The first thing you’ll want to do is scrape off as much of the dried poop as you can. This can be done with a putty knife, a scraper or even a piece of sandpaper. Once you’ve removed as much as you can, it’s time to clean the deck. You’ll first want to clean the surface of the deck to remove any contaminants that may have gotten into the aluminum. Make sure to use a cleaning solution meant for aluminum so you don’t damage the surface. You can then wash the deck with water and a deck wash. While this will remove the dried poop, the aluminum will likely still have a yellow tint. To remove this, you’ll want to use a cleaner that’s specifically meant for aluminum.
How to Clean Bird Poop Off PVC Decks
Cleaning PVC decks is a bit trickier than cleaning other types of decks, though it’s not impossible. You’ll want to start by removing as much of the dried poop as possible manually. This can be a bit tough given the texture of the PVC, but it’s important to get as much off as you can to make the next steps easier. You’ll also want to clean the rest of the deck to remove any other contaminants that may be present. This can be done with a cleaning solution meant for PVC. You’ll want to make sure to clean the deck thoroughly to ensure there’s no trace of the dried poop left. Once the deck is clean, you can seal it with a deck sealant to prevent any future buildup.
Conclusion
The presence of bird poop on your deck is probably the least of your concerns when you’re trying to find ways to enjoy your outdoor space. The good news is that it’s easier to clean than you might think. While it’s important to be gentle when cleaning, it’s also important to be thorough, because the best way to get rid of the poop is to prevent it from coming back in the first place. To do that, you’ll want to make sure to clean your deck regularly, especially if you’ve noticed an increase in poop over the past few months. Luckily, cleaning a deck is a fairly simple task, especially if you follow these tips.
