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Mike asked: Our cloth seat cushions for the patio have sap on them. The sap is left over from last year, so it’s not soft. I have used rubbing alcohol to safely remove sap from cars, but not sure it’s safe to use on fabric that cannot be washed.
When sap dries on any surface, it can be a real monster to remove. Fortunately, this is a common problem, and one that has been attacked by many do-it-yourselfers. This easy method for removing sap from outdoor cushions will make seasonal cleanup a breeze!
Removing Old Sap
You Will Need:
- Plain hand sanitizer (clear)
- Water
- Cloth scouring pad
Steps to Remove the Sap:
- Squirt hand sanitizer directly on the sap.
- Use your fingers to rub it into the area.
- Let it set for a minute or two. This time will give the sanitizer a chance to penetrate the sap. Don’t allow it to set too long or it will dry.
- Use a cloth scouring pad (or your fingernail if you prefer) to work the sap off the cushion.
- Once the sap is gone, you can “rinse” the outdoor cushion with water to make sure all traces of the alcohol are off the cushion. (The alcohol in the hand sanitizer is what does the job.)
Removing Fresh Sap
You Will Need:
- A dull knife
- A cloth
- A spoon
- Dish liquid
- Enzyme digester
- Hand sanitizer
Steps to Remove the Sap:
- If you ever do have any soft sap, you would begin by scraping off as much as possible with a dull knife or spoon.
- Lay a cloth over the sappy area and gently tap on the cloth with the back of a spoon. As the sap is transferred to the cloth, rotate the cloth to a fresh area.
- If there is a lot of sap still caught in the fabric, sponge the area with a mixture of an all-natural dish liquid and water. Gently work the soapy water into the fabric, then sponge with plain water to rinse.
- If there is only a small amount of sap remaining, pour an enzyme digester on the area. A pet stain and odor remover that can work on plant stains would be a good choice, such as Kids ‘N’ Pets. These types of cleaners can be found on the pet aisle of most supermarkets. Repeat this step as many times as needed for the sap to be fully removed.
- If there is still a stain, rub some hand sanitizer onto it, then sponge the area with water to rinse.
Additional Tips and Advice
- Before you begin, spot test in a hidden area for color fastness.
- Regular rubbing alcohol may be used in place of the hand sanitizer, but the hand sanitizer is preferred due to its slightly gelatinous form. It will not immediately run through the cushion like rubbing alcohol, thereby reducing the chance of damaging the fibers.
Sources
- Stain Removal by Stephanie Zia
- The Queen of Clean’s Complete Cleaning Guide by Linda Cobb
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