How to Remove Bird Poop Stains From Clothes and Carpets

How to Remove Bird Poop Stains From Clothes

1. Let the Droppings Dry

   Though this isn't very appealing, the easiest way to get rid of the waste is to let the bird droppings dry on the fabric. Rubbing the droppings while wet will cause the matter to smear, and the scrubbing motion will push the poop deeper into the fabric.

2. Remove the Dry Droppings

   Once the droppings are dry, scrape off the solid matter from the fabric using a dull knife or spoon.

   If the droppings are wet, move to the next step.

3. Removing Wet Droppings

   If you can't remove your clothes or don't have the time or stomach to let the poop dry, use the edge of a credit card or plastic knife to scoop away as much of the moist poop as possible. Be careful not to smear the droppings.

4. Blot the Stain

   • Wet a paper towel with plain water.
   • Start at the outside edge of the area where you just scooped up the poop, and begin to blot the stain away.
   • Move to a clean spot on the towel each time some of the stain is transferred.
     
   • Allow the fabric to air-dry.

   Warning

   Do not rub; just blot until no more waste is transferred to the paper towel otherwise, you'll smear it and push the poop further into the fibers.

5. Flush the Stain With Cold Water

   As soon as possible, remove the garment and flush out the waste with water.

   • Hold the fabric with the wrong side facing up under a cold water faucet running at full force. The force of the water will push the poop away from the surface of the fibers.
   • If the fabric is not discolored, wash the entire garment as usual.

   Warning

   Do not use hot water because the protein in the droppings will "cook" onto the fibers.

6. Removing Dye Stains From Droppings

   If any coloration remains after flushing the stain away, it could be a natural dye from whatever item the bird consumed.

   • Mix a solution of warm water and oxygen-based bleach (brand names are OxiClean, Nellie's All-Natural Oxygen Brightener, or OXO Brite) following package directions. 
   • Submerge the stained item entirely and allow it to soak for at least four hours or overnight.
   • Wash the garment.

7. Wash as Usual

   Wash the garment following the care label instructions.

   Tip

   It's important to wash the item or take it to a dry cleaner as soon as possible because some bird droppings are highly acidic and can cause discoloration. This is especially true for droppings from birds that may have consumed fruits like berries that can stain fabrics.

How to Remove Bird Poop Stains From Carpet

1. Lift Away the Droppings

   If the droppings are wet or dry, use a dull-edged knife or a credit card to lift away the solids. If the poop is wet, do not smear and never rub the stain.

2. Mix a Cleaning Solution

   In a small bowl, mix a solution of 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid with 2 cups of lukewarm water.

3. Treat the Stain

   Dip a white cloth or paper towel into the solution and blot the stain. Keep moving to a clean area of the cloth as the stain is transferred out of the carpet.

4. Treat Any Remaining Stain

   If the stain is still present:

   • Mix a solution of oxygen-based bleach in cool water following the package's directions. 
   • Dip a clean sponge into the solution or use an eyedropper to apply it to the remaining spot.
   • Working from the outside edge of the stain toward the center, work the solution into the carpet. Do not saturate the carpet.
   • Allow the solution to remain on the stain for at least 30 minutes.

5. Rinse the Carpet

   When no more of the stain can be transferred, dip a clean white cloth in plain water and rinse by blotting the stain again.

   Tips

   It is important to thoroughly rinse the cleaning solution out of the carpet fibers because any residue can attract soil.

6. Allow the Carpet to Dry

   • To speed drying, use a dry white cloth to blot away moisture.
   • Allow the area to air-dry away from direct heat.
   • When it's dry, vacuum the area to restore the pile of the carpet.

Additional Tips for Handling a Bird Poop Stain

Some stains are stubborn and will linger on clothing, and you might need a little extra help to get rid of them.

• If the poop left a red stain on your clothing, you'll need to focus on ways of removing berry stains from fabrics, which usually require more treatments with oxygen-based bleach and possibly hydrogen peroxide.