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The sky is clear, and the sun is out—perfect weather for a bit of garden lounging. You grab a cup of coffee or perhaps a glass of wine and head to your outdoor furniture, ready to relax.
But something’s not quite right. Oh no, bird poop! It’s always annoying, especially if you accidentally sit on it. You’ll definitely want to clean it off before using the furniture again. Here’s the solution for every furniture type.
Remove Bird Droppings from Rattan Garden Furniture
Let’s start with the popular rattan furniture, especially the synthetic kind. The process is pretty straightforward since it’s more durable and weather-resistant than the natural one. Just be careful not to smear the bird poo further into the rattan weave.
Mix a mild detergent or washing-up liquid into a bucket of warm water. Once you’ve got your cleaning solution, grab a soft brush or a microfibre cloth and gently scrub the affected spots. Work the soapy water into the weave to loosen any residue. When you’re done, rinse with clean water and let the furniture air dry before using it again.
Clean Bird Poo Off Metal Garden Furniture
Don’t be tempted to pick at it, scrub too hard, or use a pressure washer, as this could damage the paintwork or finish. Instead, go easy with a bit of baking soda.
Here’s what to do: mix one tablespoon of baking soda with 100ml of warm water in a spray bottle. Give it a good shake, then spray the fizzy mixture directly onto the affected areas. Let it sit for a couple of minutes, then wipe it away with a clean, damp microfibre cloth.
Tip: Car wipes work brilliantly on metal garden furniture, too.
Wipe Away Bird Mess from Your Wooden Garden Furniture
Removing bird droppings from wood can be a bit tricky, especially if it’s been left for too long. It can stain or discolour the surface, so, as with metal furniture, it’s best to clean it off as soon as possible. Baking soda works well, but a bit of diluted white vinegar is another great option.
White vinegar neutralises the pH levels and softens the droppings. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle or bowl, whichever works for you. Apply it directly to the marked areas on your wooden garden chairs, leave it for no more than a minute, and then wipe it away with a cloth.
Clear Off Bird Poop from Plastic Garden Furniture
Hydrogen peroxide is safe to use on plastic furniture. It has mild bleaching properties that help lift stains without much scrubbing, but be careful not to use it on cushions (more on that later).
As with the other methods, mix hydrogen peroxide with an equal amount of water. Make sure to dilute it properly; a 3% solution works just fine. Let it sit for a few minutes, scrub the area, then rinse thoroughly.
Tip: You can also use hydrogen peroxide straight from the bottle. Apply a few drops to the affected area with an eyedropper, wait for a couple of minutes, then rinse with water.
Clean Bird Droppings Off Outdoor Cushions
Cleaning bird poo off furniture cushions is a bit different. You can use a stain remover to tackle the mess, then remove the cushion cover, pop it in the washing machine, and let it dry flat.
If the bird poo is fresh, you can often just wipe it off with a damp cloth and leave the cushion to dry in the sun. Also, make sure to avoid scrubbing, as it can create a “shiny” spot by damaging the fibres.
Extra Tip: Furniture Covers and Shed Storage
Congratulations, your garden furniture and cushions are now bird poo-free and ready to use! To keep them that way, especially when not in use, consider covering the set with a furniture cover.
Or, you can store it in your garden shed to protect it not only from our feathered friends’ droppings but also from the harsh weather during the off-season.
For furniture storage and protection tips, read these guides to learn more:
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