Removing Pine Sap From Rugs

Sap Is Thick and Sticky

• While pine sap is composed mostly of water, it also contains other properties that contribute toward its sticky and thick consistency. Sugar compounds in the pine sap comprise carbohydrates that nourish the tree and cause the sap to be sticky. Because the pine tree needs the water found in the sap for hydration, by the time the sap makes its way out of the rough bark, it's made up of mostly minerals, the sugar compound and a small bit of water, resulting in a thick and sticky substance.

Consider Your Rug Material

• Rugs can be made with a variety of materials, from synthetic fibers to natural fibers, such as wool, cotton or silk. While you need to observe the needs of the material with which the rug is made so you can choose the appropriate cleaning products, it's also important that you use them in the right amount. Generally, stain removal from a rug is different from the same process with clothing. Both natural and synthetic fibers can be damaged by excessive moisture. Likewise, hard scrubbing can ruin the rug material and damage its nap or texture. When preparing to remove sap from your rug, it's important to consider the strength of the material, it's ability to withstand the cleaning process and how careful you must be while cleaning it.

Necessary Cleaning Supplies

• When dealing with a pine sap stain on your rug it's important to use supplies that will help break down the stickiness so the substance can be thoroughly removed. Rubbing alcohol applied to a clean cloth can achieve this and, in the case of hard-to-remove pine sap stains, you can substitute turpentine. Once the majority of the pine sap stain is gone, a mixture made from 1 tablespoon of dish-washing detergent and 2 cups of cool water can be used to remove the remainder and clean the rug's surface. When the pine sap is completely removed, the cleaning agents can be extracted by blotting the rug with a damp cloth.

Sap Removal Techniques

• Successful removal of pine sap from your rug starts with scraping off as much of the substance as possible before the washing process even begins. The edge of a spoon is effective for gently removing excess substance without damaging the rug material. Once you've scraped off as much sap as possible, you should blot the rug with the rubbing-alcohol-dampened cloth. Avoid scrubbing as this can permanently damage the rug material. Use the same sponging and blotting techniques with the dish-washing detergent and while rinsing the rug. When the pine sap is gone, press dry cloths into the rug to remove excess moisture before allowing the rug to air-dry on both sides.