BOAT CLEANING & BIRD FOUL REMOVAL

Moira Furnace Museum - Moira, DE12

Client's Challenge

Moira Furnace Museum required specialist cleaning to remove extensive bird fouling from the exterior hull of a narrow boat located within the museum grounds.

The contamination was significantly affecting the presentation of the vessel and posed a risk to the substrate if removed using aggressive mechanical or chemical cleaning methods. As a heritage asset within a public visitor environment, the cleaning approach needed to be controlled, environmentally responsible and sympathetic to original materials.

The museum required a solution that would deliver visible improvement while preserving the integrity of the boat and aligning with conservation best practice.

Assessment & Planning  

APT ICC carried out an assessment of the narrow boat’s surface material and the extent of bird fouling contamination.

The assessment confirmed that soda blasting was the most appropriate
cleaning method, providing effective removal of organic contamination while
remaining non-abrasive and surface-safe.

Planning focused on:

• Protecting the historic substrate from damage
• Containing debris and residue within the heritage environment
• Ensuring the cleaning process aligned with conservation standards
• Delivering a controlled, visually improved finish suitable for public display

A contained working area and debris management approach were agreed prior to commencement.

    Methodology

    Step 1: Site preparation and containment
    Protective sheeting and ground coverings were installed around the narrow boat to isolate the work zone and capture soda media and contamination during cleaning.

    Step 2: Soda blasting for bird fouling removal
    Controlled soda blasting was carried out across the affected exterior hull and exposed surfaces. The bicarbonate based media safely lifted bird fouling without abrasion, etching or damage to the substrate material.

    Step 3: Residue removal and clean-down
    Following blasting, a compressor-led clean-down was completed to remove remaining soda residue and loosened contamination from the surface.

    Step 4: Surface disinfection and final inspection
    The cleaned surfaces were treated and wiped down to disinfect and neutralise remaining organic residues. A final inspection confirmed all visible bird fouling had been removed and the boat exterior was ready for ongoing restoration or display.

    Eco Soda Blasting Boat Cleaning & Bird Foul Removal at Moira Furnace Museum

    Site Access & Logistics

    Eco Soda Blasting Boat Cleaning & Bird Foul Removal at Moira Furnace Museum

    Equipment
    • Soda blasting system (controlled, non-abrasive media blasting)
    • Protective containment sheeting and coverings

    Chemicals
    • UltraClean MB – used
    to disinfect and sanitise surfaces following bird fouling removal

    The Results
    APT ICC successfully removed all visible bird fouling from the narrow boat hull and exterior surfaces without causingdamage to the underlying material.

    Key outcomes included:

    • Complete removal of bird contamination using a heritage-safe method
    • Preservation of the original substrate with no abrasive damage
    • Significant improvement to the boat’s visual presentation
    • Cleaning delivered in line with conservation and heritage standards

    The restored appearance supported Moira Furnace Museum’s ongoing heritage preservation objectives and improved the presentation of the asset for visitors.