How to Clean Tree Sap Dropped on a Car Parked Under a Tree?
2 Answers
First, rinse the area with tree sap using water to prevent paint scratches from sand particles during wiping; Place a towel over the sap-covered area, and once the sap melts, it can be wiped off; Apply white vinegar, soapy water, or an alcohol solvent to a cloth and wipe the sap-covered area. The sap will decompose quickly and can then be easily removed. You can purchase a bottle of "tar remover" from an automotive store. Regardless of the brand, just a few drops will quickly remove the tree sap.
My car used to be parked under trees as well, and the sap that fell from the trees made the entire body sticky. The cleaning method is actually not difficult to handle. First, don’t rush to scrub hard—rinse the car body with warm water, then spray on a neutral car wash soap or dish detergent and gently wipe for a few minutes. Once the sap softens, most of the residue can be washed away. If the sap has dried and hardened, you can buy a specialized tree sap remover from an auto parts store, spray it on, wait five minutes, and then wipe it off with a soft cloth. Remember, never use a blade or hard objects to scrape it off, as this could scratch the paint and make things worse. After washing, it’s best to apply a coat of car wax for protection to prevent the sap from seeping in and damaging the paint next time. I’ve developed a habit of checking the trees before parking to avoid those with heavy sap secretion—it saves a lot of hassle.
