This is the season in which we can encounter the absolute worst stains on our clothing and many hard surfaces. As we go about our winter chores we will almost certainly encounter pine resin. Either from that beautiful Christmas Tree we have just enjoyed or from cutting firewood for those cozy warm fires we love this time of the year. The problem with tree saps are that they are so sticky and will adhere to everything it comes into contact with especially our skin and unfortunately our clothing! There are some methods to help you get rid of this clingy substance. This blog will address these methods and hopefully help you save your clothing items!
Thing’s You’ll Need | Raleigh Laundromat
- Cleanser (Choose One):
- Goof Off
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Peanut Butter
- Hand Sanitizer
- WD-40
- Cooking Oil
- Nail Polish Remover (non-acetone)
- Soft Cloth
- Laundry Detergent of Choice
Removing the Sap | Raleigh Laundromat
As noted above you will need to select a cleaner. Take into consideration the type and the color of your clothing when making this choice. If it is a colored piece you will want to avoid the nail polish remover even if using non-acetone. It could affect the dye used and ruin the garment. Always test a hidden area on the item first to be sure that what you are using will not harm the fabric. This will also ensure that the cleaning product will also be safe for the entire garment.
Once you make the proper selection begin by putting a small amount of your chosen cleaner onto a soft clean cloth and begin blotting at the tree sap or resin. If your sap is extra thick or the area affected is much larger you can pour the cleaner directly on the area and work it into the fabric with your fingers.
As you have it worked in really well you may then launder the garment with your regular detergent and warm water on the usual settings. Once it is laundered BEFORE you place it in the dryer make sure that all of the sap or resin has been removed from the clothing. If any of the sap remains heating from drying the item will melt the sap and can transfer onto the dryer and other clothing. If it is not totally removed you should repeat all of the above steps until the sap is removed.
Removing Sap From Fabrics and More
For car upholstery, hair, skin, and animals baby oil, lotions, butter and coconut oil can all be used to rid you of the dreaded tree sap. Just follow the same type steps. Rub the area really good with whatever cleaner you choose, then rinse. Repeat until all the residue is gone!
Of course this sticky, clingy stuff known as tree sap is difficult and annoying but just keep in mind that many of your common household products can help you get a handle on the problem.
If you are running yourself ragged after all the extra laundry the holiday season brings, be sure to check out our Raleigh Laundromat! Laundry Express offers state of the art machines for washing and drying. We also offer you laundry services that include dry cleaning, wash-dry-fold, and stain removal! Don’t get behind and stressed over your laundry when we are here to help! Visit us soon!
