Watching birds can be delightful, but their droppings are a nightmare for your beautiful wooden outdoor benches. The acids and chemicals in bird waste can quickly stain, etch, and degrade the protective finish, leaving the wood vulnerable to moisture and rot. Don't worry—protecting your benches is straightforward with a proactive approach.
Your first and best line of defense is a high-quality protective finish. Start with a clean, dry bench. Apply a robust, exterior-grade sealant like a polyurethane, spar urethane, or a specialized outdoor wood oil. These products create a hard, non-porous barrier, making it much harder for droppings to penetrate. Reapply this finish every one to two years, or as the manufacturer recommends, to maintain protection.
For added security, consider physical barriers. A fitted, waterproof bench cover is excellent for long periods of disuse. For a more constant solution, install subtle deterrents near the bench. Hang reflective tapes, old CDs, or commercial bird repellent discs nearby. Placing a decoy predator, like a fake owl or hawk, can also discourage birds from perching. Just remember to move these decoys regularly so birds don't get used to them.
When droppings do land, prompt cleaning is crucial. Never let them sit and bake in the sun. Gently scrape off solid matter with a plastic putty knife. Then, mix a mild solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Dampen a soft cloth (never soak the wood) and wipe the area clean. Rinse immediately with a cloth dipped in clean water and dry thoroughly. For stubborn stains, a specialized wood cleaner may be needed. Avoid harsh chemicals or power washers, as they can damage the finish.
By combining a strong sealant, smart deterrents, and immediate cleaning, you can effectively shield your wooden benches. This simple routine preserves their beauty and ensures you enjoy them for many relaxing seasons to come.