Sam asked: How do I remove tree sap from clothing? It is pine sap and little spots of it got on the back of my white t-shirt when I leaned up against the tree. Thanks!
Table of Contents:
Tree sap seems to cling to everything including skin and especially clothing. The removal techniques are similar to those of removing adhesives. The most success comes when you either lubricate the sap to remove it or dry it out so it will release from the clothing fibers.
You Will Need:
- Cleaner (choose one)
- Hand sanitizer
- Peanut butter
- WD-40
- Rubbing alcohol
- Nail polish remover
- Goof Off
- Cooking oil
- Soft cloth
- Laundry detergent
Steps to Remove the Sap:
- Begin by selecting a cleaner. When making your choice consider the type and color of the fabric. Avoid cleaners such as nail polish remover on colored clothing as it may affect the dyes. If you are unsure, test a small hidden area first to ensure that there is no damage or further staining from the cleaning product.
- Once you have made your selection, apply a small amount of the cleaner by moistening a soft cloth and blotting at the sap.
- If the sap is thick or the area is larger, pour the cleaner directly onto the sappy area and work it in with your fingers.
- Launder the clothing as usual with regular laundry detergent and warm water.
- Prior to placing the piece in the dryer, check to ensure all of the sap was removed.
- If any sap remains, repeat the above procedures.
Additional Tips and Ideas
- It’s important to ensure all of the sap is removed before placing the piece in the dryer. If there is sap remaining, the heat from the dryer can melt it and spread it to other clothing pieces.
- Sunscreen can also be used in a pinch. Spray it on and rub it in. Launder as usual.
Got this advice from a vet when my cat finally got down out of a huge fir tree and was a mess with pitch. Have since used it successfully on my own hair and clothes and car upholstery. Just rub the baby oil in slowly and the pitch pretty much dissolves. Works amazingly well and smells better than most other options too.
Hand lotion of any kind will get rid of pitch. Used it on the belly of my puppy and it took it right off. Great for getting it off your hands etc. and it smells nice!
Use the butter. Rub it in to the stain and then wash with the soap.
I got tree sap on my winter jacket. 1st I let it dry, then I took a warm damp cloth and tried to removed as much as possible. Then I followed this articles advice, taking a warm damp cloth and a little bit of peanut butter and applying it to the area, it worked like a charm!
Thank you, I love this jacket!!
I let the sap dry on my black dress pants. Then I took an old tooth brush, and made a paste with my washing detergent. I gently rubbed on the spots where the sap was, then threw it in the washer. Worked like a charm!
Rubbing alcohol or surgical spirits as it is known in the UK works amazingly well at removing dried tree sap from clothes. Very quick and clean, no hassle, no oil after stains, just great!