Seeing tree sap stuck to the car will make you sad, not only because it dirty the car, but also difficult to clean. Removing sap from a car is difficult, and it is possible to scratch the paint, plus a car cleaning service may not necessarily be able to remove it. Even so, there are several ways to make the cleaning process easier. Follow one of the methods below to get your car back clean and shiny!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Washing the Car with Soap and Hot Water
Step 1. Wash the car as soon as possible
Tree sap and similar substances (such as bird droppings or insect carcasses) will be more difficult to remove if left too long. Quick action will make the cleaning process easier.
Step 2. Spray the car with clean water
Rinsing the car before starting will remove large debris and highlight areas that need special cleaning.
Be patient when cleaning the car thoroughly, even if not all of it gets sap. You'll feel more satisfied when you get the sap off and the car looks clean. After all, you also have the tools you need and are ready to do it
Step 3. Scrub the surface of the car with a microfiber cloth dipped in hot soapy water
Try to use the hottest water you can get, sap has a weakness for very hot water.
- Before trying other sap cleaning methods, try cleaning the car with very hot water. If the sap comes off immediately means your job is done, if not, at least the surface of the car is clean when you try other methods.
- Make sure the cloth used is clean and rinsed frequently to remove dirt and sap. Using a dirty rag will actually stain the surface you're trying to clean.
Step 4. Rinse the surface repeatedly
Rinsing the area you are cleaning will show which areas are sap-free and which still need scrubbing.
Step 5. Dry and coat the surface of the car with polish (wax) after cleaning from the sap
After cleaning, not only will the stains of sap disappear, but it may also be the polish that protects the surface of your car. Use your usual polishing method, and if you haven't already, try asking a friend or reading this article.
Method 2 of 3: Removing Sap with Commercial Cleaners
Step 1. Wash the car with soap and hot water
Make sure the dust and dirt around the affected area is gone. If the sap still doesn't come off after washing it with hot water and soap, keep reading this section.
If the sap has not disappeared after washing, the heat carried by the water will soften the sap and make the cleaning process easier. This method can also be used on sap that has been attached to the car for a long time
Step 2. Purchase a commercial tree sap cleaner and re-read the instructions on the package
Using this type of product is highly recommended because it is made of a material that can dissolve sap without damaging the outside of the car.
Step 3. Pour the cleaner on a clean rag
Cover the affected area with a rag while pressing it lightly for about a minute. The cleaner soaks into the sap and removes it from the surface of the car.
Step 4. Rub the affected area in a circular motion to release the sap
Do this step carefully so that the sap stain doesn't spread.
Step 5. Finally, wash and polish your car
Rewashing the car will help remove any residual sap or cleaner used. Also try to re-polish the car for a beautiful, shiny finish.
Method 3 of 3: Removing Sap with Products Available at Home
Step 1. Wash the car with soap and hot water
Make sure the dust and dirt in the affected area is gone. If the sap still doesn't come off after washing it with hot water and soap, keep reading this section.
If the sap has not disappeared after washing, the heat carried by the water will soften the sap and make the cleaning process easier. This method can also be used on sap that has been attached to the car for a long time
Step 2. Use a product available at home to remove the sap
There are a variety of products you probably already have at home that can be used to remove tree sap stains. Use the product sparingly and test it on areas of car paint that are rarely seen before using it to remove sap, remembering that the product is not made specifically for cleaning car surfaces.
- Try using mineral spirit or alcohol wipes. The sap can be removed by wiping it with mineral spirit, but this method risks damaging the surface of the car. Avoid scrubbing too hard or too long to avoid damaging the paint.
- Spray WD-40 on the affected area of tree sap. Leave it for a few minutes until the liquid is absorbed by the sap. Use a rag to remove the sap from the car.
- Rub the tree sap using hand sanitizer. Put some hand sanitizer on the sap and let it sit for a few minutes. Rub the remaining sap with a clean cloth.
Step 3. Finally, wash and polish your car as usual
Washing the car will help remove any residual sap or cleaner used. Liquids that can damage the car paint will also be washed away by the water. Also try to re-polish the car to give it a new protective layer.
Tips
- The most important thing to remember is to use as little rubbing and pressure as possible when cleaning. The goal is to remove the sap without damaging your car's paint.
- Goo-gone is another homemade product that you can use to remove sap from your car. Be careful when using household products that are not made for cleaning painted surfaces. Make sure you've tested it on an invisible area of paint before trying to clean the affected area.
- Try to use a cotton swab when using the above cleaning products. A cotton swab can be used to apply the product exactly where the sap is affected and reduce the chance of damage to the unaffected area. In addition, you can also save the product for later use.
