How to clean off tree sap from your car

Tree sap can be particularly difficult to remove from cars as there’s the risk of irreversible damage to the  body, paint or windscreen.

In this article you’ll find some suggestions, things to do and things to absolutely avoid when trying to clean off tree sap.

Things to avoid

The first obvious suggestion is, especially in spring, avoid parking your vehicle outside or under trees.

If that can’t be avoided and you notice the presence of sap on the car, it’s important to act immediately, in order to prevent the sticky substance from hardening and settling.

The solutions to be applied vary according to the surface on which the resin is deposited but never use generic detergents, multipurpose sponges or hard and pointed tools as they might irreparably damage the bodywork and windshield.

This can be avoided using the right products.

The solutions to remove the resin

The first invaluable tool is definitely a chamois cloth which is perfect for removing sap as, unlike traditional cloths, leaves no traces and prevents scratches.

Before proceeding with the removal treatment, it is recommended to start dabbing the stains with a chamois cloth moistened with warm water.

You can then proceed with the use of specialised products or, if you prefer a full-DIY solution, when treating the bodywork, you can use a chamois soaked in petrol.

If you need to clean off sap from the windscreen instead, you should be using an alcohol-based product instead of the petrol.

Both solutions are safe to use, avoiding any damage to the paintwork or glass but, once the traces of resin have been eliminated, it is recommended to proceed with a full external wash of vehicle, in order to get rid of the products used for cleaning.