How do I clean the mess off my deck left by pigeons?

If your deck has been installed close by to, or even under, trees then you may have encountered a high level of bird faeces present on the deck. This is due to the birds naturally roosting or nesting in the trees – pigeons being a particular culprit. Such stubborn deposits can be deep seated and hard to remove with a just a power washer and we advise not to force or increase the levels of water pressure as this may damage the deck surface.

It’s best to clean up any mess you notice before it dries, simply using mildly soapy water and a brush. However, if after that it’s still stuck, there are proprietary cleaning products you can use. It’s best to clean the whole deck area at one time so the resulting clean deck is not ‘patchy’.

Which cleaning product you use will depend on your timber type and whether you have previously applied a protective or decorative coating product to it – always check with the manufacturer.

Solutions from Barrettine

Cleaning

If your deck has no previous finishing coating – whether it’s softwood or hardwood, then using Barrettine's decking cleaner is an ideal starting point. 

• It is ideal for use on most hard surfaces including: timber, concrete, brick, plaster, stone and tiles.
• Can be used externally and internally. For example internally on timber or stone surfaces to remove mould and algae prior to painting/decorating.

Application guidance:

• Remove all loose matter and visible growth from the surface to be treated.
• Apply generously by spray, brush, or cloth and scrub as needed. Leave up to 20 mins but do not allow to dry, before agitating/scrubbing and rinsing with clean water at low to medium pressure. It may be necessary to repeat the process for heavily contaminated areas.
• Avoid contact with plants where possible, and rinse off the leaves immediately if contact is made. Safe for pets once dry.
• Driveway, Decking and Patio Cleaner is not a bleach so it will not remove all stains. If applying to exterior surfaces, do not apply if rain is imminent.
• Note: Test on an inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility.

If your deck is in a susceptible location to bird defecation and you are looking for a more proactive rather than reactive approach, you could apply a protective finish to the timber to allow for easier cleaning.

Preparation and priming

Generally a system of preparation and priming is required prior to the final product application – to remove existing residues or coatings and get the surface ready to accept the new finish. The preparation you need to do to your decking very much depends on the timber species, the state it’s currently in and what has been done to it before. 

Protective top coat products

Which product you choose is dependant on the timber species, the location and main use of your deck.

Barrettine Decking Oil All-In-One-Treatment is specifically formulated for use on pressure-treated and preservative-impregnated timber offering superb protection to deck boards, deck tiles and balustrades. It also achieves a superior finish to summerhouses, sheds and fences. Non-flaking and its water repellency help prevent timber from splitting and cracking.

Decking location advice

It is advisable to avoid installing your deck directly underneath trees as the potential for slip is increased due to falling, wet leaves – unless you also install anti-slip measures (such as deck boards with integrated aggregate strips) or you are willing to take extra time to maintain your deck and keep it free of debris.