What to use to clean the many spots left under a tree where the car was parked?
2 Answers
Spots left under a tree where the car was parked are tree sap, which contains a certain level of acidity. If not cleaned in time, prolonged attachment to the car can damage the paint. The cleaning methods for tree sap are as follows: 1. Hot water and a towel: Tree sap is usually difficult to remove with cold water, but hot water can soften the sap, making it easier to clean than with cold water. 2. Car wash clay: Car wash clay not only has strong cleaning power but also a certain polishing effect. However, this method is generally suitable for small-scale cleaning, as large-scale cleaning can be more labor-intensive. 3. Tree sap cleaner: Tree sap cleaner has stronger cleaning power but can cause slight damage to the car paint. After use, it's best to wax and polish the paint surface to better protect it.
My car often parks under trees too, always covered in sticky sap spots that are a real pain to clean. I've tried several methods myself: first soak the stains with warm water mixed with regular car wash soap or mild dish soap for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a soft sponge – avoid hard scrubbing to prevent paint scratches. Dried sap becomes more stubborn, so early treatment is crucial. If water alone doesn't work, try alcohol wipes or commercially available automotive sap removers. Always rinse thoroughly and dry completely to prevent residue damage. For long-term tree parking, I recommend using a car cover for the roof section and choosing less tree-dense parking spots to prevent spot buildup – prevention saves effort.
