How to Remove Tree Sap

If you think gum is fun to remove from things, wait until you have to deal with tree sap.

One place you'll find it, is on your car if you have overhanging trees at home, or around the parking lot at work. However, many times what you see is not actually tree sap, but a substance referred to as "honeydew", the waste product of aphids in the tree leaves. This is more often seen as fine splatters like a spray, where tree sap tends to come in globs big and small, due to its gooey nature and the way it would drip.

The biggest worry will be damaging your car's finish. If you do park under or near trees, and have a new car, particularly one that is has the modern clear coats to protect their finish, you might want to check with them, before trying any of the tips below.

A common method to remove tree sap, is by using rubbing or denatured alcohol. Once the sap is gone, wash the area and re-wax it. It can also be lifted by using common bacon grease, or bath oil. The two substances work by dissolving (alcohol) or softening (oil), and the key to success, is giving them a minute to work before attempting to scrub at the sap.

It can be a pretty sticky business, depending on the trees involved, and the time of year, which can affect how sap runs. If you're working at it with your bare hands, you may find you end up with more of it there, than is left on your car. No problem! Get a handful of mayonnaise and work it in well, then wash your hands before polishing the car.

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