How to Remove Tree Sap From Clothes
Pressure buildup within trees causes sap to leak from wounds or cracks. Tree sap is prevalent during the springtime, when fluctuating temperatures increase carbon dioxide within trees. Simply walking underneath overhanging tree branches in the early springtime makes clothes susceptible to tree sap. Tree sap contains water, sugar, minerals and hormones, which together create sticky stains on fabric. Aside from being unattractive, these sticky sap stains gradually become harder to eradicate over time. Fortunately, certain products effectively dissolve tree sap and remove the sticky stains from clothes. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Prewash stain remover
- Washing machine
- 2 oz. of chlorine or all-fabric (oxygen) bleach
- Rag
- Rubbing alcohol
Instructions
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1
Coat the tree sap liberally with prewash stain remover. Let the solution permeate the sap-stained fabric for 30 minutes.
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2
Launder the pretreated garment separately with 2 oz. of bleach and the warmest water the fabric can handle. Refer to the garment's label to determine the warmest water acceptable. If the garment is white, use ordinary chlorine bleach; otherwise use all-fabric (oxygen) bleach.
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3
Let the laundered clothing item air-dry.
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4
Examine the clothing for sap. If any sap remains, moisten a rag with rubbing alcohol. Using the alcohol-dampened rag, blot the sap until the sticky stain dissolves entirely.
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5
Launder the garment as before, using warm water and bleach. Simply repeat the previous laundering techniques.
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6
Let the laundered clothing item air-dry.
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Tips & Warnings
Substitute a paste of bleach-free powdered laundry detergent and warm water for a prewash stain remover.
Spot-test the rubbing alcohol and prewash stain remover on a hidden seam of the sap-stained garment to prevent damage.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
