How To Get Tree Sap Out Of Clothes

How to Get Tree Sap Out of Clothes | Bye-Bye Tree Hugging Mess

Tree sap is the sticky fluid that flows through a tree’s vascular system. It is produced in the tree’s buds and helps to nourish the tree and protect it from disease. Unfortunately, tree sap can also cause a mess, especially when it gets onto clothes. Fortunately, there are ways to get tree sap off of clothes quickly and easily. 

How to Remove Tree Sap from Clothes

  1. Step 1: Start by scraping off as much of the tree sap as possible with a dull knife or spoon. Do not use sharp objects as this may cut the fabric or snag it. Be sure not to rub the sap into the fabric as this will make it harder to remove.
  2. Step 2: Once you have removed as much of the sap as possible, apply a pre-treatment solution that is specifically designed to dissolve tree sap stains. Allow the solution to sit on the stain for a few minutes before laundering.
  3. Step 3: Wash the clothing item according to the instructions on the care label using cold water. Once the item has been washed, check to see if any traces of tree sap remain. If they do, repeat steps 1 and 2 until all traces are gone.

In general, it is best to avoid wearing light-colored clothes when working with trees or plants that produce sap, as it is more difficult to remove sap stains from light-colored fabrics.

How to Get Pine Tree Sap Off Your Clothes

Girl Hugging Tree

To get pine tree sap out of clothes, you can follow the same steps as above but use a pre-treatment solution specifically designed for pine tree sap stains.

How to get Christmas Tree Sap Out of Clothes: To remove Christmas tree sap from clothes, follow the same steps as above but use a pre-treatment solution specifically designed for Christmas tree sap stains.

If you have already washed the clothing item but still find traces of tree sap remaining, don’t worry! You can still remove it by following steps 1 and 2 again.

How to Get Dried Tree Sap Off 

Dried tree sap, however, can be quite a bit more difficult to remove from clothing and may leave longer-lasting stains. 

  1. Use a solvent to first dissolve the sap. Rubbing alcohol, mineral spirits, and goo gone are all good options. Be sure to spot-test the solvent on an inconspicuous area of the garment first to ensure it does not cause any damage.
  2. Use heat to soften the sap. You can use a hair dryer or iron to gently heat the sap until it becomes soft and pliable. Be sure to use the lowest heat setting possible to avoid damaging the fabric.
  3. Use soap and water to loosen the sap like the earlier steps, and repeat as needed until the sap is removed.

How to Get Tree Sap Off of Wool

  1. Freeze the sap. Place the woolen garment in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer for several hours or overnight. The sap should become brittle and easier to remove once it is frozen.
  2. Use a spoon to gently scrape off the sap. Be careful not to damage the woolen fabric.
  3. Rub the sap with a bar of soap. Use mild soap, such as glycerin soap, to help loosen the sap from the fabric. Rub the soap into the sap, then rinse the garment with cold water.
  4. Use a dry-cleaning solvent. You can find these at a dry-cleaning shop or a store that sells cleaning supplies. Follow the instructions on the product for the best results.
  5. Take the garment to a professional dry cleaner. If you are unable to remove the sap yourself, a professional dry cleaner may be able to help. Be sure to let them know that the stain is tree sap so they can use the appropriate cleaning methods.

Remember to be gentle when attempting to remove tree sap from woolen clothes, as wool is a delicate fabric and can be easily damaged. It may take some time and effort to completely remove the sap, but with the right techniques, it is possible to get your woolen garment clean again.

Wool Clothes

How Can I Make My Own DIY Cleaning Solution for Tree Sap Removal

Solution 1: Rubbing Alcohol – Rubbing alcohol is a great option for removing stubborn tree sap stains as it evaporates quickly and does not leave any residue behind. To use rubbing alcohol for sap removal, simply dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol and rub it onto the affected area until all traces of sap have been removed.

Solution 2: Cooking Oil – Cooking oil can also be used to remove stubborn tree sap stains from clothing items. Simply pour some cooking oil onto a cloth and rub it onto the affected area until all traces of sap have been removed. Once done, launder as normal according to care label instructions.

Solution 3: White Vinegar – White vinegar is another great option for removing tree sap stains from clothes. To use white vinegar for this purpose, simply mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bowl or container and apply directly onto the affected area with a cloth or brush. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before laundering as normal according to care label instructions.

Man Washes Shirt To Get Tree Sap Off

What is the Purpose of Tree Sap? 

Tree sap is a sticky, syrupy substance that is produced by trees for the purpose of nourishing them and protecting them from disease. It’s made up of water, sugars, hormones, minerals, and other metabolites. These components allow the tree to transport nutrients from the leaves to the roots and also aid in the protection of the tree from damage caused by pests or diseases.

What Does Tree Sap Look Like? 

Tree sap can vary in color depending on the type of tree and species, but generally, it is a clear or yellowish-brown liquid. It can also be thick and sticky or thin and runny.

Is Tree Sap Bad for Our Health? 

In small amounts, tree sap is not likely to pose any health risks. However, it can cause skin irritation if it comes in contact with the skin for prolonged periods of time.

Is Tree Sap Bad for Our Clothes? 

Tree sap can be difficult to remove from clothing as it can stain fabrics and harden over time. If left untreated, it can permanently damage fabric fibers and ruin clothing items.

How Does Tree Sap Get on Our Clothes

Most gardening aficionados and outdoor enthusiasts know how easy it is to get tree sap on your clothes in hikes, gardening and more. It’s especially during the holiday season, that anyone with a Christmas tree at home should be particularly wary. Here are some ways you can get tree sap on your clothes and how to avoid them.

  • For any plant that produces sap, it is possible for the sap to get on your clothes if you come into contact with it. For example, you might get sap on your clothes if you touch a tree with sap-covered hands or if you brush against a tree with sap-covered branches.
  • Wearing clothes while decorating a Christmas tree. If you are decorating a Christmas tree and come into contact with the sap on the tree or its branches, it is possible for the sap to transfer to your clothes. This can happen if you touch the sap or if your clothes rub against the tree or branches.
  • Sitting or leaning on a tree or plant that produces sap. If you sit or lean against a tree or plant that produces sap, it is possible for the sap to transfer to your clothes.
  • Using a tree or plant as a prop in a photo. If you use a tree or plant as a prop in a photo and come into contact with the sap, it is possible for the sap to transfer to your clothes.

FAQs

How Can I Avoid Getting Tree Sap on Me

  • Wear gloves when working with trees or plants that produce sap. This will protect your hands and help to prevent the sap from transferring to your clothes.
  • Avoid wearing light-colored clothes when working with trees or plants that produce sap. Darker colors are less likely to show sap stains, so it is best to wear darker-colored clothing when working with these types of trees or plants.
  • Avoid direct contact with sap-producing trees and plants. If possible, try to avoid touching or brushing against trees or plants that produce sap.
  • Use caution when decorating a Christmas tree. Be careful not to touch the sap on the tree or its branches, and try to avoid leaning or sitting against the tree.
  • Use a drop cloth or old sheet when working with trees or plants that produce sap. This will protect your clothes and make it easier to clean up any sap that does get on your clothing.
Woman And Tree

How Can I Get Tree Sap Off Outdoor Furniture

If you’re surrounded by a lot of nature and a variety of trees, the likelihood of getting tree sap on your other belongings is quite high! You can read our guide on how to remove tree sap off your car here (can link to another article), and find some steps below on how to remove it off of outdoor furniture. 

  1. Apply a small amount of oil, such as coconut oil or olive oil, to the sap. Let it sit for a few minutes to soften the sap.
  2. Use a soft cloth to gently rub the oil into the sap. The oil should help to loosen and lift the sap from the surface of the furniture.
  3. Wipe the area clean with a dry cloth to remove the oil and sap. Repeat as needed until the sap is completely removed.
  4. Use a commercial cleaner or soap and water to remove any remaining oil from the furniture.
  5. If the sap is still not coming off, you can try using fine-grit sandpaper to gently sand it away. Be careful not to sand too hard, as you don’t want to damage the surface of the furniture.