How to Remove Bird Poop Stains From Clothes and Carpets
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/remove-bird-poop-stains-from-clothes-2146927_V2-c86d19ce84be4435a3489145c9345b66.png)
The Spruce / Ellen Lindner
A bird always seems to know just when you're wearing your best clothes because you're trying to impress others or running late to a meeting. Bird droppings can appear on anything from flags to fabric (one of the hazards of an outdoor clothesline). There can even be bird poop stains on your clothing or carpet if you have a feathered friend living indoors. Luckily, it's rare that bird waste has an odor. But it helps to know how to handle the unsightly part of the problem.
Fortunately, bird poop stains can be taken care of with some standard household products that are most likely already on hand in your house. Although it's tempting, never scrub the stain as you'll push it further into the fabric. So before grabbing a rag, take a moment and simply follow the steps below to effectively remove bird poop stains.
Stain type | Protein, natural dyes |
Detergent type | Heavy-duty |
Water temperature | Cold to warm |
Cycle type | Varies by garment's fabric type |
Before You Begin
If the garment is labeled as dry clean only, use the edge of a credit card or plastic knife to scoop away as much of the moist poop as possible. Then, head to your dry cleaner, and point out and identify the stain to a professional.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
Removing Bird Poop Stains From Clothing
- Dull knife, spoon, or credit card
- Washer or large sink
Removing Bird Poop Stains From Carpet
- Dull knife, spoon, or credit card
- Small bowl or bucket
- Eyedropper
- White cloth
- Vacuum
Materials
Removing Bird Poop Stains From Clothing
- Paper towel
- Heavy-duty laundry detergent
- Oxygen-based bleach
- Cold water
Removing Bird Poop Stains From Carpet
- Dishwashing liquid
- Warm water
- Oxygen-based bleach
- Paper towel
Instructions
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/remove-bird-poop-stains-from-clothes-2146927-03-1bdb332968be445888a3f4dfaae87edb.jpg)
The Spruce / Almar Creative
How to Remove Bird Poop Stains From Clothes
-
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.
The Spruce / Cristina Tudor
-
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.
The Spruce / Cristina Tudor
-
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.
The Spruce / Cristina Tudor
-
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.
The Spruce / Cristina Tudor
-
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.
The Spruce / Cristina Tudor
-
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.
The Spruce / Cristina Tudor
-
Wash as Usual
Wash the garment following the care label instructions.
The Spruce / Cristina Tudor
How to Remove Bird Poop Stains From Carpet
-
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.
The Spruce / Cristina Tudor
-
Mix a Cleaning Solution
In a small bowl, mix a solution of 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid with 2 cups of lukewarm water.
The Spruce / Cristina Tudor
-
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.
The Spruce / Cristina Tudor
-
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.
The Spruce / Cristina Tudor
-
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.
The Spruce / Cristina Tudor
-
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.
The Spruce / Cristina Tudor
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.