Spring and late summer are the prime seasons for sticky, gooey, tree sap. The stuff seems to ooze onto everything with ease. Getting it off, however, can be a whole different matter. Here are some sure fire methods for removing tree sap from just about anything.
To avoid damaging the surface covered in sap, AWAYS test removal agents on an inconspicuous area first. Only when that area has been treated successfully should you proceed to a larger area. Always wear gloves and use precautions when using any type of chemical.
Note: When removing sap from a vehicle, the goal is to use the least amount of pressure possible to reduce the risk of scratching the paint. After the sap is removed, treated areas should always be buffed with a high quality polish or re-waxed in order to clean up any marks created during removal. As always, test the method in an inconspicuous place before applying to a broader area.
To remove the tree sap from your vehicle's surface, use finger nail polish remover on a cotton ball. After removing the sap, make a paste from water and baking soda to wash the affected area, then polish or apply wax.
Another method to remove sap from your vehicle is to use mineral spirits or denatured alcohol (also removes tar). Use a soft towel or wash cloth dampened with mineral spirits. After removal, wash the car and apply polish/wax to the affected area.
WD-40. Spray some on the sap, let it sit for a while and wipe off with a soft cloth. Repeat if necessary then wash, polish/wax as usual.
Buff the affected area with lard or bacon grease and wipe clean with a soft cloth diaper or terrycloth towel. Wash and polish/wax and usual.
Make a paste out of baking soda and water and cover the affected area. Wipe clean with a soft, damp cloth.
Applying mayonnaise to the area is also said to remove tree sap.
Another technique is to use citrus-based solvents and children's molding clay. Apply a small amount of the solvent and rub with the clay. It is abrasive enough to scrub off the sap (which has been broken down by the solvent) without damaging the paint.
Apply to the skin with a soft damp cloth, then rinse with warm, soapy water.
Hair is one of the hardest things to remove tree sap from, but the task can be made somewhat easier if the sap is still soft. Short of getting yourself a new haircut, try the following:
Creamy peanut better (the oilier the better). Apply it liberally to the hair and soften it using a hair dryer on the lowest setting (careful to avoid burning the skin). Let the softened peanut butter sit for a few minutes before combing it through the hair with a large-toothed comb. Shampoo and rinse with warm water. If you can't stand peanut butter, substitute mayonnaise.
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My sister says for pine sap removal from her car, and other items in her yard she uses hand sanitizing gel. It works wonderfully.
This is a page about cleaning tree sap on a dog. When removing tree sap from your dog's fur you want to use products and methods that are safe for your pet.
Trees overhanging your driveway, sidewalk, or patio can drip sap on to the concrete surface leaving you with a sticky mess to clean up. This is a page about removing sap from concrete.
Tree sap can get tracked into your home and harden on your vinyl floors. Using the best product to remove it without damaging the flooring may require a bit of research or trial and error.
Removing pine tree sap from artificial grass will probably require some research to find a product that will not damage the turf. Try testing a small area with something like Goo Gone. This is a page about removing pine sap on artificial grass.
Garden and patio furniture is in danger of having tree sap drip on the frames and cushions. This page contains several suggestions for removing tree sap from outdoor furniture.
Removing tree sap from various items is a common cleaning chore. The process may vary depending on the item onto which the sap has transferred.
Cast iron needs to be cleaned with care to avoid damaging the non-stick patina. This is a page about removing pine sap from a cast iron skillet.
If your tent is under a tree for a while, it may get some tree sap on it. Isopropyl alcohol, preferably 99% or 91%, can be very useful for removing tree sap from things. This is a page about removing tree sap from a tent.
This is a page about cleaning tree sap from glass. Removing tree sap from windows and car windshields can be a recurring job.
