How to Remove Tree Sap From a Vehicles Exterior

Tree sap is one of the most common stains that occur on a vehicle exterior. It is sticky and turns black over time making your car seem more dirty than it really is. It may seem a daunting task to remove the tree sap, but it can be really easy. There are two ways you can clean tree sap from your vehicle using everyday household items. Follow these simple steps and start removing tree sap from your vehicle today:

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hot water
• White towels
• Baking soda
• Soap and water
• Nailpolish remover
• Mineral spirits

Nailpolish Remover

1. You will need nailpolish remover and white towels. Take a towel and pour some nailpolish remover on it. Let it soak into the towel. Take the towel and rub the affected area with the towel. Use a circular motion and really press down hard. The nailpolish remover will soak into the tree sap and break it up so that it is easily removed.

2. After you have cleaned the whole area with the nailpolish remover, you will need to wash off the nailpolish remover. To do this you will need baking soda and hot water. Take 3 cups of hot water and mix in 1 cup of baking soda. Dip a towel into this mixture and wipe the affected area. This will remove any traces of nailpolish remover and tree sap. After cleaning allow the vehicle to dry or use a clean, dry towel to dry it off.

Mineral Spirits

3. To use the mineral spirits method you will need a towel and mineral spirits. Dip the towel in the mineral spirits and gently wipe the affected area. Wipe in a circular motion and gently press down as you are wiping. After you have gone over the area once, use a clean towel to wipe over the area. Repeat the cleaning process with the mineral spirits. Then wipe the area clean again with a fresh towel. This will allow you to see what part is clean and what is still dirty. Repeat this process until you no longer see any tree sap.

4. After cleaning with the mineral spirits, you will need to wash them off. Wash your vehicle normally with soap and water and let it dry naturally. This should remove all traces of mineral spirits or tree sap.

[Maya]

on 3/24/2007 Great tip!! I used mineral spirits to clean tar off the undercarriage of my car. The tar came off fairly easily, and the mineral spirits didn't damage the paint finish. When I ran out of mineral spirits (my car was REALLY dirty), a can of WD-40 finished up the job.