As spring comes, trees come back to life and grow leaves again. While it’s a beautiful time of year, it means they produce tree sap, which can be a sticky issue that may leave you trying to remove tree sap from your vehicle.
If you park your car under pine trees and you come out to find sap stains on the window, you need a reliable way to remove them. This guide goes over exactly how to remove tree sap from your car windshield.
Don’t fret about the mess, as you can easily remove tree sap with products likely found around your home! While you can buy specific cleaners to combat tree sap in auto parts stores, certain household items work just fine. Keep reading to learn tricks for getting the stains off!
Wash the Car Before You Remove Tree Sap from Surfaces
Address the problem as soon as possible. The longer the tree sap is on your car, the stickier and more challenging it will be to take off.
Before trying the methods laid out below, give your car a good wash first to pre-treat it. An initial wash with soap and water will help get off any initial residue, making it easier for you to then scrub with one of the recommended products.
Rewash the vehicle after doing the sap treatment to ensure that there are no chemicals left that could cloud the glass or create a glare while driving.
Ways to Remove Tree Sap from a Vehicle Windshield
There are many different ways to get the sap from a pine tree off your windshield. Take a look around your house for some of the items below, and then grab a micro-fiber cloth or cotton balls and start scrubbing! If the sap is extra sticky, throw the cloth in the washing machine on hot for a few minutes before using it.
Isopropyl Alcohol
You can use isopropyl alcohol (also known as rubbing alcohol) to remove the tree sap from the windshield. Wet a cotton ball with it, press it on the area for five to 10 minutes to allow the alcohol to soak into the sap, and then wipe it away.
Nail Polish Remover
Acetone, the main ingredient in nail polish remover, can help remove tree sap. Dip a cotton ball in the chemical and wipe the windshield. When finished, clean off the area with baking soda and hot water.
White Vinegar
White vinegar also works on tree sap. Spray it on the sticky areas of the windshield, let the solution sit for about seven minutes, and then wipe it away.
Hand Sanitizer
This is a good option if you do not have isopropyl alcohol or nail polish remover. Opt for a hand sanitizer with a high alcohol content, then dab some on a cotton ball and start rubbing the sappy spots.
Knife or Box Cutter
If the sap is dry and cakey, you may be able to pry it off using a knife or box cutter. Be gentle to avoid scratching your windshield or hurting yourself.
If you’re interested in learning more ways to remove tree sap from your car’s windshield, call our arborists at (706) 607-5801. The experts here at Empire Tree are happy to help you!
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If you find yourself in need of having professionals trim or remove a tree from your property, you can rely on the team at Empire Tree to get the job done right. Reach out to us today for a quote on your tree-related project.