Over the last few weeks’, we’ve received a lot of enquiries about bird poo removal from porcelain and stone pavers. These stains are generally white, grey or pink – if bird’s have been eating berries – and they can be quite difficult to remove, especially once dry. A quick search on Google reveals lots of cleaning hacks and tips, ranging from washing-up liquid and sparkling water, to vinegar, baking soda and bleach. The problem is that none of these offer a satisfactory solution. So, what’s the best course of action? We explain in our latest blog:
Porcelain pavers
Porcelain tiles are renowned for their robustness and although they are largely stain-resistant, they are still slightly porous. Their textured, anti-slip glaze has micro-fissures in the surface that can hold onto stains and whilst tiles can be scrubbed – and most cleaning solutions are tolerated – traces of residue will still remain. Viscous solutions, like washing up liquid, will often leave a residue behind when surfaces have dried, which becomes slippery when made wet again. Mix this with rain water and air-borne pollution and a fine layer of grime can form, creating a key for dirt. Harsh cleaning solutions will also compound problems by damaging any protective barrier applied and the tile and the grout joint.
Stone pavers
The same issues are relevant for stone, except that it’s porous and often acid-sensitive. As a result, stains will penetrate more deeply. Acidic liquids – like basic patio cleaners and vinegar – and alkali solutions – like baking soda and bleach – will also create more damage, remove any applied protective sealer and erode the stone underneath it.
How to effectively remove bird poo
To remove all traces of bird poo – and other similar excretions – we recommend ECOPROTEC Intensive Cleaner. This cleaner is stronger, so that it works more deeply, breaking down traces of residue in micro fissures and pores. It also kills germs.
How to apply ECOPROTEC Intensive Cleaner
- To remove mild staining, dilute one part of cleaner with 10 parts of warm water. Wash the surface thoroughly, using a brush or yard broom, and rinse with clean water.
- For more severe staining, dilute one part of cleaner with 3 parts of warm water. Agitate with a scrubbing brush and leave to act for 5-10 minutes, adding more solution to keep the surface wet.
- Sweep up any residue and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Jet washing isn’t recommended. At a lower pressure it will only wash dirt off the surface of the pavers and, at a high-pressure, it has the potential to damage the surface of the paver and remove grout from the joints. A specialist treatment, like ECOPROTEC Intensive Cleaner, will react with the dirt and grime, giving a really deep clean without damaging pavers.
Although ECOPROTEC Intensive Cleaner is a very safe solution, it’s always best to keep pets and children away from areas until pavers are rinsed and dry. If the solution comes into contact with grass and plants, just wash off with water.
To see more video demos of the products being applied, visit ECOPROTEC TV on YouTube.
To find out more about patio maintenance, contact the ECOPROTEC team direct on 01823 662722 or email technical@ecoprotec.co.uk
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For media information and photography, please contact Angela Fitzhugh PR Ltd at angie@afpr.co.uk
