Quck answer
Bird droppings can be unsightly and damaging to a wooden deck. To remove them, follow these steps:
1. Gather your materials: a bucket, warm water, mild dish soap, a soft-bristle brush, and a garden hose.
2. Start by wetting the droppings with water to loosen them.
3. Mix a solution of warm water and mild dish soap in the bucket.
4. Dip the brush into the soapy water and scrub the droppings gently, working in circular motions.
5. Rinse the area thoroughly with a garden hose to remove the soap and droppings.
6. Repeat the process if necessary until all the droppings are gone.
7. Allow the deck to air dry completely before using it again.
Remember to wear gloves and protective eyewear when cleaning to ensure your safety. Regular cleaning and maintenance will help prevent future build-up of bird droppings on your wooden deck.
Enjoying a cup of coffee on your wooden deck while observing songbirds is incredibly calming. However, this serenity can quickly turn into frustration when the birds begin to leave their droppings all over your deck. If you’ve only had a few drops, a spot treatment with a scraper and soapy water will suffice. But if you have a lot of birds or have put off cleaning your deck for an extended period, you’ll need to take a more serious approach.
Important Safety Precautions
For most people, bird droppings are just unsightly. Nonetheless, it can spread diseases, and those with weakened immune systems should not clean the deck. Even healthy individuals should take precautions when dealing with bird droppings.
When cleaning the deck, wear apparel that can be washed immediately after you finish cleaning and don’t mind getting dirty. Wear old shoes, preferably waterproof boots, and rubber gloves to protect your hands. If you need to get close to the feces to scrape or scrub a particularly stubborn stain, use goggles and a disposable mask to cover your face.
Items You’ll Need:
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Disposable face mask (optional)
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Liquid dish soap
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Bleach
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Commercial deck cleaner (optional)
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Waterproof boots
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Rubber gloves
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Safety goggles
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Garden hose
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Bucket
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Stiff scrub brush
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Power washer (optional)
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Putty knife
Instructions for Removing Bird Droppings From a Wooden Deck
Step 1: Soak the Deck
Soften dry bird droppings by soaking them in water before attempting to remove them. Soaking also prevents feces from flaking off and turning into powder, which is one of the primary ways bird droppings can cause illness. Sometimes, the water pressure from the hose is enough to remove some of the dirt.
- Spray the deck with water from your garden hose and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Fill a large bucket with dish soap and hot water. Dip a stiff scrub brush into the bucket and scrub the deck with it.
- Rinse the deck with your garden hose and inspect it.
Step 2: Increase the Cleaning Power
You should always start with the safest and mildest cleaning agents and work your way up to more potent options when cleaning. In many cases, soapy water will remove bird droppings from a deck. However, stubborn bird stains, such as those left by birds that have recently consumed berries, may require a second cleaning with a more potent substance.
To clean your deck, you can make a solution by mixing 3 parts water with 10 parts bleach. Alternatively, you can purchase a commercial deck cleaner from a hardware store. Leave the bleach solution on the deck for five minutes to disinfect it properly. Then, scrub the deck with the bleach mixture and rinse it off thoroughly. If you find tough spots like bird droppings, use a putty knife to scrape them away before the deck dries. You can soak any remaining stains in dish soap for 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse the area. Finally, consider sealing your deck to protect it from future bird droppings. Remember to be careful when using a power washer to rinse your deck, as it can damage the wood. Always use a fan-style tip and low or medium power settings.
FAQ
1. How do I remove fresh bird droppings from my wooden deck?
To remove fresh bird droppings from a wooden deck, start by using a hose or a bucket of water to wet the area. Then, gently scrub the droppings with a soft brush or sponge and a mild detergent solution. Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water and allow it to dry. If any stains or residue remain, you can try using a mixture of vinegar and water or a specialized deck cleaner. Remember to always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not damage the wood.
2. How do I remove dried bird droppings from my wooden deck?
If the bird droppings on your wooden deck have dried and hardened, you may need to use a more intensive cleaning method. Start by scraping off as much of the dried droppings as possible using a plastic scraper or a putty knife. Then, wet the area with water and apply a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Let the solution sit on the droppings for a few minutes to loosen them. Scrub the area with a stiff brush or sponge, rinse thoroughly, and allow it to dry.
3. How can I prevent bird droppings from staining my wooden deck?
To prevent bird droppings from staining your wooden deck, it is important to clean them up as soon as possible. Regularly inspect your deck for any droppings and remove them promptly. Consider installing bird deterrents such as spikes or nets to discourage birds from landing on your deck. Additionally, applying a protective sealant or stain to your wooden deck can help create a barrier that makes it easier to clean off any droppings. It is also a good idea to provide alternative feeding areas for birds, away from your deck, to reduce the likelihood of droppings accumulating.