[Home Tips] How to clean the dust and bird droppings on the terrace?

🧐 Why are Hong Kong terraces prone to dust and bird droppings?

Hong Kong is densely populated, and most balconies face the road, patios, or public spaces. Coupled with the humid weather and severe air pollution, dust and bird droppings are common problems.

1. Traffic dust 🚗💨
   Road dust and car emissions pollutants, when blown by the wind, stick to the ground and railings.

2. Construction dust 🏗️
   Buildings in Hong Kong are frequently renovated or rebuilt, and cement powder and sand dust often drift onto terraces.

3. Wild pigeons and sparrows🕊️
   Bird droppings may contain pathogens such as Cryptococcus and Salmonella, which pose potential risks to the respiratory system.

4. Rainwater mixed with dirt🌧️
   When it rains, dust mixes with bird droppings to create stains that become even harder to clean after they dry.

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🚨 The health risks of bird droppings

• Bacteria and fungi : can cause lung infections and gastroenteritis.
• Odor problem : It will release a pungent odor after being exposed to the sun.
• Appearance impact : If not cleaned for a long time, stubborn stains will form and even corrode the floor tiles.

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💡 Editor's Pick: A Complete Guide to Terrace Cleaning

1. Personal protective equipment first

• Essential :
  • Disposable mask (N95 is recommended to prevent inhalation of dust and germs) 😷
  • Rubber gloves 🧤
  • Protective eyewear (to prevent dirty water from splashing into eyes)
• Editor's tip : Be sure to wear a mask when cleaning bird droppings, because the dust from dry bird droppings is most easily inhaled.

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2. Spray first, then clean

• Reason : Once dry bird droppings are scraped, bacteria and dust will float into the air.
• method :
  1. Use a spray bottle filled with clean water or diluted bleach (1:49) to evenly spray the area where the bird droppings are.
  2. Wait 5-10 minutes for the dirt to soften.
• Editor's tip : Avoid using a high-pressure water gun to directly flush out bird droppings, as this will cause the pathogens to spread further.

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3. Floor and railing cleaning steps

1. Guano treatment
   • Use a disposable paper towel or a plastic spatula to gently scrape away the softened bird droppings.
   • Seal and discard in a garbage bag.
2. Dust treatment
   • Sweep away dry dust with a broom or use a vacuum cleaner (for outdoor use).
3. Deep Cleansing
   • Floors: Scrub with diluted bleach (1:49) or disinfectant cleaner.
   • Railings: Wipe with a sponge or rag dipped in disinfectant, paying special attention to gaps.
4. rinse
   • Rinse with clean water to avoid chemical residue.

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4. Treatment of stubborn stains

• Tile gaps : Use a toothbrush with baking soda and white vinegar to scrub and remove stains.
• Rust stains on metal railings : Wipe with lemon juice + salt, then apply anti-rust oil.
• Editor's tip : After cleaning, apply a layer of waterproof and anti-fouling agent to reduce the adhesion of stains.

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5. Prevent pigeons from returning with dust

• Bird prevention measures :
  • Install transparent bird-proof netting (available at hardware stores in Hong Kong)
  • Use bird repellent spikes (does not harm birds, but prevents them from staying)
  • Hang reflective tape or rotating reflective sheet to deter
• Dust reduction methods :
  • Mop the floor regularly with a damp mop (reduces dust compared to dry sweeping)
  • Install transparent windbreaks on the edge of the terrace to reduce dust intrusion
• Editor’s Tip : Some housing estates in Hong Kong have bird prevention regulations, so please check with the management office before installation.

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📊 Editor's Terrace Cleaning Lazy List

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🚨 A friendly reminder from the editor

1. Avoid children or pets nearby when cleaning🐶🐱.
2. If the bird droppings are large in area or are suspected to contain a large number of pathogens, it is recommended to find a professional cleaning company to handle it.
3. Hong Kong's summers are hot and humid, so it's best to clean your terrace at least once a week to prevent stains from hardening and odors from accumulating.

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📌 Editor's Summary

While dust and bird droppings are common problems on terraces in Hong Kong, they can be kept clean and hygienic for a long time by taking proper personal protective measures, spraying them wet before cleaning, deep scrubbing with disinfectant, and taking precautions against bird and dust. 🌬️✨ I've personally tried using bird-proof netting combined with regular vacuum cleaning, and the results are so good that even my neighbors are asking how I keep my terrace so dry!