How To Clean Tree Sap From a Car

For those of us that live on wooded lots, park near pine trees or have had the privilege of hauling Christmas trees home in the trunk or on the roof of our car, we know how hard it can be to get tree sap off or our vehicle's exterior.  Once you know these few simple tricks that involve ingredients that you probably have in your household you will no longer consider this to be a hard feat.

• Use creamy peanut butter - As crazy as this may seem the oil and chemical makeup of creamy peanut butter will get the tree sap right off.  Cover the tree sap with peanut butter and let it sit for approximately five minutes and wipe off with a clean rag.


• Use mayonnaise - While this requires a little more elbow grease than the peanut butter it functions the same way.  Cover the offending spot or spots of sap with the mayo and let it sit for approximately five to ten minutes and wiping in a circular motion; with a little elbow grease it should come off. 


• Use mineral oil - An ample application of mineral oil to the affected area will soften the sap and allow it to be wiped away with a soft cloth.  If the sap has been on the vehicle for an extended period of time you may have to let the oil sit for a while to get it soft.


• Use hand sanitizer - Covering the offending sap with hand sanitizer is also an effective way of removing it without damaging your paint.  The alcohol in the hand sanitizer will assist in softening and removing the sap.  Cover the sap with sanitizer and let it sit for a few minutes and wipe it off.


• Use finger nail polish remover - This could possibly damage your clear coat and should be tested on a inconspicuous spot first.  Apply the polish remover to a paper towel or piece of cloth and rub the offending spot working in a circular motion. Immediately wash the area with soap and water to remove the residue left behind by the finger nail polish.