What Dissolves Tree Resin?

Nail Polish Remover and Baking Soda

• To remove tree sap from a vehicle surface, place nail polish remover on a cotton ball. Rub the remover over the sap until it comes off the car. Wash the spot using baking soda. Add enough water to the soda to form a paste. After washing the spot, wax the spot. To prevent tree sap from getting onto your vehicle, park away from trees.

Dry Cleaning Solvent and Liquid Laundry Detergent

• If tree resin gets on clothing or other fabric, it can stain. Use a clean sponge to clean the area with dry-cleaning solvent. Let the spot dry and then let it soak in one cup of liquid laundry detergent mixed with two to three drops of ammonia. Do not mix chlorine bleach and ammonia, as this combination can create dangerous fumes. Soak for at least a half an hour in the detergent and then run the clothing through its regular laundry cycle.

Rubbing Alcohol

• Tree resin stains on upholstery or carpet can be treated with rubbing alcohol. Place rubbing alcohol on a cloth and place it on the stain, ensuring enough alcohol is released to cover the resin stain completely. Compress the stain with the cloth and remove. Use a dry cloth to blot up the liquid.

Turpentine and Hand Dish Washing Detergent

• Turpentine and hand dish washing detergent may be effective if rubbing alcohol does not remove a tree resin stain from carpet or upholstery. Sponge the spot with turpentine and then with a detergent solution made from one tablespoon of detergent to two cups of warm water. Use a dry cloth to soak up excess liquid. Alternate repeatedly between turpentine and detergent solution until the resin is no longer visible. Use a fresh cloth to rinse the spot by sponging it with cold water and blotting dry.

Bacon Grease, Mayonnaise and Mineral Spirits

• Other remedies for tree sap include bacon grease or lard rubbed on the affected area, including a car surface. Rub the lard on the sap spot on the vehicle and remove it with a wet cloth. Mineral spirits on a wash cloth will also remove tree sap from a vehicle; after using spirits, wash the spot and wax it. If resin or sap is on hands, rub mayonnaise over the affected area and wash your hands normally.