When it comes to unexpected stains, bird poop is definitely one of the most annoying culprits. But does it actually stain leather? I did a little research to find out. Here’s what I found.
Here’s a quick summary if you came for a short and sweet answer: Yes, bird poop can stain leather because bird poop contains uric acid, which can break down the natural oils in leather and leave behind a stain, etch mark, or discoloration.
Here’s all I’m going to cover in the rest of this article;
- some more reasons bird poop stains leather,
- how to remove bird poop from leather, and
- ways to prevent bird poop stains on leather.
Let’s start with why you’re here;
5 Reasons Bird Poop Stains Leather
Let’s delve deeper into the main reasons bird poop can stain leather:
1. Bird Poop Contains Uric Acid
As mentioned in the introduction, bird poop (mostly the white part of the bird poop) contains uric acid.
This acidic compound can break down the natural oils and colorants in leather and leave behind a stain, etch mark, or discoloration.
The worse part is uric acid is also resistant to most leather cleaning solutions, so you’ll need to take special care when trying to remove bird poop stains from your leather surfaces.
2. Bird Poop Is Nearly 100% Insoluble In Water
According to Dr. Beasleys, bird poop is nearly 100% insoluble in water, which means using water or a damp cloth won’t do much in terms of removing the stain.
This is because most of the uric acid will still remain and can cause additional discoloration on leather if not removed correctly.
3. Bird Poop Dries Quickly
Another reason why bird poop can stain leather is that it dries quickly and binds itself to the leather material.
This is mainly because bird poop is made up of mostly water, which evaporates quickly and leaves behind a sticky residue.
This makes it harder for any cleaning solutions or treatments to penetrate and remove the stain, leaving behind a long-lasting mark.
4. Bird Poop Can Contain Dyes
The coloring of bird poop can vary from white to dark brown, depending on what the bird has been eating.
Since birds eat a variety of food, their poop may also contain different dyes and pigments that can discolor leather and leave behind a permanent mark.
This will largely come from foods like berries, which contain natural dyes that can easily stain leather.
5. The Type of Leather Material
The biggest factor that determines whether or not bird poop will stain leather is the type of leather.
For example, smooth and delicate leathers like suede are especially susceptible to staining from bird poop because they lack a protective layer over their surface.
How to Remove Bird Poop From Leather
Removing bird poop stains from leather can be tricky since uric acid is resistant to most cleaning solutions and treatments.
But do not worry, I have put together a couple of home remedies that are very effective at removing bird poop stains from leather.
Pro Tip: Make sure to always start by removing any lingering poop residue with a damp cloth or brush before you start cleaning the area.
1. Using Dish Soap And Warm Water (Best For Fresh Stains)
Using a mixture of warm water and dish soap on leather is not only simple, but it is also very effective at removing bird poop stains safely from leather surfaces.
This method works on fairly fresh bird poop stains and should be done as soon as possible after the stain has occurred.
Step One:
- Add 2-3 drops of dish soap into a bowl of warm water.
Step Two:
- Dip a clean microfibre cloth into the dish soap solution and wring it out.
Step Three:
- Then gently dab the stained area until the stain has been removed.
Step Three:
- Once you are done cleaning, use a clean towel to rinse and dry off the area.
Step Four:
- Apply a leather conditioner or a leather protector to the entire leather surface.
2. Using White Vinegar (Best for Tough Stains)
White vinegar is an acid-based cleaning solution that can help break down the uric acid in bird poop and make it easier to remove.
This works because vinegar helps to break down the bond between bird poop and leather without damaging the leather itself.
To use this method, here are a few easy steps:
Step One:
- Mix two parts white vinegar with one part water and apply it directly onto the stain using a clean cloth or sponge.
Step Two:
- Allow the mixture to soak into the leather for about 3-5 minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth.
Step Three:
- Repeat this process until the stain is completely gone.
Step Four:
- Lastly, you want to condition your leather with a leather conditioner to maintain its natural oils and keep it supple.
3. Using Baking Soda (Best for fresh messy stains)
Baking soda is another great home remedy for removing bird poop stains from leather because it helps to break down the uric acid in bird poop and can also help remove any dyes or pigments that may have been left behind.
Like with vinegar, here are a few easy steps for using baking soda to remove bird poop stains from leather:
Step One:
- Make a solution of a teaspoon of baking soda to a cup of warm water.
- Mix until the baking soda dissolves in the water.
Step Two:
- Using a clean cloth, gently dab the solution onto the bird poop stain.
Step Three:
- Allow the mixture to sit for 2-3 minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth.
Step Four:
- Repeat this process until the stain is completely gone.
Step Five:
- Apply your usual leather conditioner to the leather to restore its natural oils.
4. Use a Commercial Leather Cleaning Product (Best All Round)
If the stain is still not coming off or you simply want to play it safe, then you may want to consider using a commercial leather cleaning product that is specifically designed for safely removing tough stains from leather.
These products usually contain special enzymes and emulsifiers that help break down the uric acid in bird poop, making it easier to remove.
Follow the directions on the product to ensure that you are using it correctly and safely.
Once the stain has been removed, make sure to condition your leather with a leather conditioner to maintain its natural oils and keep it supple.
Here are a few examples of leather cleaners you can get online or your local hardware store:
- Turtle Wax Leather Cleaner & Conditioner
- Meguiar’s Leather Cleaner & Conditioners.
Finally, if the stain persists, consider seeking professional help from a leather cleaning specialist.
They are skilled at removing tough stains from leather and will be able to help you get your leather looking like new again.
How To Prevent Bird Poop Stains On Leather
The best way to prevent bird poop stains on leather is to keep your leather out of the reach of birds.
If this isn’t possible, then be sure to quickly wipe off any bird droppings as soon as you notice them. This will help reduce staining and make it easier to remove any remaining residue.
Finally, be sure to condition your leather regularly with a leather conditioner to help protect it from stains and damage.
Regular conditioning will keep your leather looking its best and makes it more resistant to staining.
Final Thoughts
Bird poop can be a real nuisance, especially when it lands on your leather furniture.
Fortunately, there are several ways to remove bird poop stains from leather without damaging the material.
Using an acid-based cleaning solution such as vinegar or baking soda is usually enough to break down the uric acid in bird droppings and remove the stain.
Alternatively, you can use a commercial leather cleaning product to remove tough stains from leather safely.
It is also very important to always condition your leather after cleaning to ensure it remains supple and soft.
Finally, make sure to prevent future staining by keeping your leather out of the reach of birds, cleaning, and conditioning it regularly.
That’s everything you need to know about removing bird poop stains from leather.
Good luck and happy cleaning!
FAQs
Before you head on out, here are a few frequently asked questions about removing bird poop from leather:
Q: Will bleach work to remove bird poop stains from leather?
A: No, you should never use bleach on leather as it could cause irreversible damage. Instead, opt for a mild acid-based cleaning solution such as vinegar or baking soda.
Q: Do bird poop stains come out?
A: Yes, most bird poop stains can be removed with some elbow grease and the right cleaning solutions. Be sure to use a mild acid-based cleaner like vinegar or baking soda to break down the uric acid in the droppings.
