Tree Sap Stain Removal Guide

Tree sap stain removal techniques become necessary when you accidentally bring a little bit more of the outdoors back with you into your home than you planned.

The problem with tree sap removal from items in your home is if dries, because then it is even more difficult to remove because it gets hard, and sticks very well to the fibers of your clothes, the upholstery or carpet.

If that occurs you will want to try to moisten the sap stain some before beginning stain removal.

One way to do this is to moisten a white paper towel or white cloth and lay it over the stain for an hour or two.

Once the sap is again moist be careful, however, during removal so you don't spread it further, or grind it into the fibers.

Tree Sap Removal From Clothing And Fabric

Step 1: Scrape off as much tree sap from the fabric as possible, with a blunt knife, being careful not to spread the stain further.

Step 2: Pretreat the sap stain with a laundry stain remover.

Step 3: Launder in the hottest water the fabric will allow to get out the stain, and either chlorine bleach if the fabric will allow it, or color safe bleach if not.

Hint: Make sure the stain is gone after washing, but before you place in the dryer or you may set the stain. Repeat if necessary.

If this does not remove the stain blot the stain with rubbing alcohol (being careful to first spot test this in an inconspicuous area to make sure this doesn't harm the fabric) and then launder again.

How To Remove Tree Sap Stains From Upholstery

Step 1: Scrape off any excess tree sap from the upholstery, making sure not to spread the stain further.

Step 2: Mix a solution of two cups cool water and one tablespoon dishwashing liquid.

Step 3: Using this solution, sponge the stain caused by the sap with a clean white cloth.

Step 4: Next, blot at the stain until the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Repeat steps 3-4 until the sap stains are removed from the upholstery.

Step 6: Now that the stain is removed you should get plain cold water and a new white cloth and sponge the area to remove the cleaning solution, and then blot dry.

Hint: Be sure to get the upholstery only as wet as necessary for tree sap stain removal.

If this stain removal method does not work you can try removing the stain with dry cleaning solvent.

However, you should first test this cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area to make sure it will not harm your upholstery.

You can get more information on how to clean upholstery here.

Removing Sap Stains From Carpet

Follow the same directions for tree sap stain removal from carpet as for upholstery above.

How To Remove Tree Sap From Car

One of the most common surfaces where tree sap removal becomes necessary is your car, because it is outside a lot, often parked underneath a tree.

Sitting out in the hot sun the sap dries quickly and becomes hard little sticky beads on your car.

There are lots of different opinions from auto detailers about tree sap removal from your car, and I've collected many of them, along with some reader tips, on how to remove tree sap from car paint here.

Removing Sap From Outdoor Furniture

Many of the same methods that worked for removing the sap from your car will also work on your outdoor furniture, another hard surface. As always, try the gentlest methods for removal first, and make sure whatever cleaner or product you're using on your patio or garden furniture is safe for that surface.

In addition, here's my general article on cleaning tips for outdoor furniture.

Recommended Tree Sap Removers

Perhaps you don't want to make your own stain remover, but instead want to use something designed to remove tree sap from various surfaces. Make sure you choose a product that works on the surface which you have tree sap on, since some work on some surfaces, but aren't safe for others.

Here are some articles and reviews on this site which discuss various products that are designed to remove these stains:

Lestoil Cleaner For Removing Pine Pitch From Surfaces

Goo Gone

LA's Totally Awesome All Purpose Cleaner For Car Exterior

Remove From Car With Windex

Hand Sanitizer For Car

You can also share your own stain remover reviews here for other removers that work for tree sap stain removal, or any other stain.

Submit Your Own Stain Removal Tip For Tree Sap Stain Removal

Do you have your own stain removal tip for removing stains from sap? If so, submit your tip about removing stains caused by sap here, or read other tips that have already been submitted.

Get Even More Stain And Spot Removal Help Here

Are you a stain magnet like me? If so, check out the A to Z Stain Removal Guide which gives directions for how to remove over 100 types of stains from all kinds of surfaces.

Third photo by holisticmonkey

Related Pages You May Enjoy

A-Z Guide: Instructions For Removing Over 100 Types Of Stains

How To Remove Mud Stains

Go From Tree Sap Stain Removal Guide To Home Page

CAUTION: This website is provided for informational purposes only. It is provided as is, without warranties or guarantees. Some stains and messes just won't come out, and are permanent. Further, some cleaning methods can harm your item, so if what you want to clean or launder is sentimental or expensive call a professional. See disclaimer of liability for more information.