Cutting Edge Tile

Houston Flooring Services - Tile Removal

  • Home
  • Services
  • Dust Free Tile Removal
  • About
    ▼
    • About Us
    • Case Studies
    • Customer Reviews
  • FAQs
  • Payment Options
  • Blog
  • (832) 586-0873
  • Free Quote
MENUMENU
MENUMENU
  • Home
  • Services
        • Tile Removal

          Dust Free Tile Removal
        • Need help with concrete?

          Concrete Coatings
          Epoxy Garage Floors
          Concrete Densifying
          Concrete Polishing
          Concrete Sealing
          Concrete Staining
          Concrete Surface Prep
        • Floor Installation

          Flooring Installation
          Tile Installation
          Hardwood Floor Installation
          Engineered Wood Floor Installation
          Need a different type?
        • Cleaning & Restoration

          Concrete Cleaning
          Tile & Grout Cleaning
          Natural Stone
          Granite
          Marble & Limestone
          Slate
          Travertine
          Terrazzo
          Industrial Coatings
  • Dust Free Tile Removal
  • About
    • About Us
    • Case Studies
    • Customer Reviews
  • FAQs
  • Payment Options
  • Blog
  • (832) 586-0873
  • Free Quote

Tips To Remove Stains From Bird Droppings

People may love hearing and seeing birds, but nobody loves bird droppings, especially on their outdoor kitchen countertops or other exterior natural stone surfaces. Sometimes we get calls from frustrated customers about stains from “bird poop” (or other creative expletives). This article explains how to clean up bird droppings on natural stone, remove the stains that may persist after cleaning, and avoid having to do the same thing again next week.

How to Clean Bird Droppings on Natural Stone

First, remove any solid material. If it is dried on, use a plastic putty knife to gently scrape it away. Do not use metal, as it may leave scratch marks on your stone finish.

Next, wash the area with a stone-safe, pH-neutral cleaner and a clean rag. (You may need to allow the cleaner to dwell for a few minutes to soften and loosen dried-on solid material that would not come off with the plastic putty knife.)

If you see any remaining discoloration on the stone, give the stone time to dry before proceeding to the next step. The discoloration you see may actually be moisture absorbed into porous stone and not an actual stain.

How to Remove Bird Dropping Stains on Natural Stone

To remove stains from bird droppings, make a poultice with an absorbent material, such as diatomaceous earth, flour, or a paper towel, and 40 volume hydrogen peroxide (12%). You will need to purchase this kind of peroxide online or at a beauty supply store, because the peroxide at your local drug store isn’t strong enough.

Warnings

IMPORTANT

• Always read the label on the chemical bottle.
• Always follow the directions and precautions listed on the label.
• Never use a chemical if you are unsure what it is or how to protect yourself.
• Always take the time to protect yourself and those working around you.
• Always dispose of a chemical properly. Every municipality has a household hazardous waste drop-off location. For safe disposal of chemical products at work, contact your health and safety representative.

What to Do If the Poultice Doesn’t Work…

Sometimes it takes several poultice applications to remove a stain. If you notice some improvement after the first application, keep trying. It’s very likely that the stain will come out with some persistence and patience.

If you do not see any improvement after your poultice application, remember the stone may just need time to dry.

If the discoloration remains after the stone is dry, then the discoloration may not actually be a stain. Bird droppings contain uric acid and may result in etching on some stones. Etching is chemical damage to the finish. But don’t worry, the finish can be restored by a professional stone restoration contractor.

How to Avoid Bird Droppings on Natural Stone

Some people recommend buying plastic owls with big scary eyes or rubber snakes to keep birds away, but birds eventually catch on and adapt.

If you have bird feeders or bird baths, move them to an area in your yard far away from your natural stone or remove them from your yard altogether.

Movement and sound will discourage birds from getting too close. Try using wind chimes, flags, wind spinners, and the like. If all else fails, cover outdoor kitchen countertops when not in use.

Filed Under: Blog

Contact Us:

Office: (832) 586-0873

REQUEST A QUOTE

About Us:

4125 Hollister, Unit P
Houston, Texas 77080

Monday-Friday: 8AM-5PM
Saturday: 9AM-1PM

Follow Us:

  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2023 Cutting Edge Flooring Services | All Rights Reserved. The material on this website cannot be distributed, reproduced, cached, transmitted, and or otherwise used. You need written permission from Cutting Edge Flooring Services