How to Remove Tree Sap Stains From Clothes

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 5 - 10 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr, 25 mins - 1 hr, 30 mins
  • Estimated Cost: $0

Removing sap, pitch, or tree resin is not difficult and does not require special cleaners, but it may need a few steps and some soaking before it's completely gone. Sap is particularly problematic because it's so sticky.

How to Remove Tree Sap Stains From Clothes

The Spruce / Madelyn Goodnight

As soon as you get a smear of it on your pants or jacket, it begins picking up and attracting dirt, turning into a darker stain that seems to grow on its own. However, never dry this stain unless it's completely gone. Heat can set the stain making it more difficult to remove. Read on to learn how to tackle this stain once and for good.

Stain Type Tannin-based and gum-based
Detergent Type Heavy-duty laundry detergent
Wash Temperature Hot or warm

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Soft-bristled brush

Materials

  • Enzyme-based stain remover
  • Heavy-duty laundry detergent

Instructions

materials for removing sap stains from clothing

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

How to Remove Sap From Clothes

  1. Pretreat the Stain

    Start by treating the sticky component of the stain with an enzyme-based stain remover. If you do not have a stain remover, use a heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent that contains enough enzymes to break down the stain. Tide or Persil are two leading brands with sufficient cleaning power and enzymes to break apart the sap from the fabric fibers.

    pretreating a tree sap stain

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  2. Apply Stain Remover

    Work the stain remover into the tree sap stain using a soft-bristled brush (or an old toothbrush) and allow the product to work for at least 15 minutes.

    rubbing the stain with a soft brush

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  3. Rinse the Stain

    Rinse the stained area with hot water. If you still see the stain, treat it again. You may need to work through multiple layers of dried tree sap or pitch.

    rinsing the sap stain off of a sweater

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  4. Wash in Hot

    Wash the fabric at the hottest water temperature recommended on the garment's care label. Double-check the area to ensure the stain is gone before tossing the item in a clothes dryer. You might even need to let the fabric air dry to be sure. It can sometimes be difficult to tell if a stain is fully gone from a wet, dark fabric. If the stain remains, repeat the stain removal treatment steps. 

    Warning

    A high heat dryer can fuse the sap or pitch with the fibers and make removing it even more difficult to get out.

    laundering the item as usual

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

How to Remove Sap Stains With Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a good solvent to use in a pinch to prevent the stain from setting. But before applying it to a material, test for colorfastness by applying a drop to a hidden part of the fabric. Rinse it, then blot dry. If the color doesn't change, continue to use alcohol as a step to prevent the tree residue from leaving a stain. However, stick to laundry detergent, liquid dish soap, or color-safe stain removers if the color changes.

Tip

If you're not at home to wash a garment but have some clear hand sanitizer on hand, apply it to the stain (only if the fabric is colorfast). The alcohol in the sanitizer will help dissolve the sap. Blot with a rag or paper towel to remove the bulk of the stain.

Additional Tips for Removing Tree Sap

If the stain persists, you should repeat the above steps until the stain disappears. DIYers report some success with other home remedies.

  • Suncreen: Spray or dab a small amount of sunscreen on the stained area and gently rub the fabric together, then launder as usual.
  • Ice and Vinegar: Another DIY method is the combination of an ice cube plus vinegar. Using an ice cube, freeze the sap stain, scraping off the residue. Next, dip a cloth in vinegar and gently rub the stain until it’s no longer visible. Rinse the stain under running water, then launder it as usual.

When to Call a Professional

Dry cleaning solvent is another strong cleaner that can remove sap, pitch, and resin. If you don't have this cleaner or would rather leave your fabric items in the hands of professionals, take your clothing to the dry cleaners to remove the stain.

If you have a stain on silk or vintage upholstery, consult a professional furniture cleaner, especially if you need more stain removal tips. Also, do not use these cleaning steps on suede clothing. Suede has different cleaning procedures.

FAQ
  • How do you get sap stains out of jeans or black clothes?

    Try the enzyme-based stain remover and laundry detergent method on jeans or black clothes to remove sap before trying a solvent like rubbing alcohol. When using rubbing alcohol, test for colorfastness on colored or dark clothes by applying a drop to a hidden part of the fabric, rinse, and blot dry. If the color doesn’t change, proceed to treat the sap stain by gently blotting it with a rubbing alcohol-soaked cotton ball to dissolve the residue. Rinse, then wash the item with heavy-duty laundry detergent with the hottest water the fabric can tolerate. Check to see if the stain is removed before drying.

  • Does hydrogen peroxide remove sap stains from clothes?

    Hydrogen peroxide’s bleaching properties can tackle the brownish discoloration that can result from sap stains. Gently blot sap stain with a hydrogen peroxide-soaked cotton ball. Allow hydrogen peroxide to sit on the fabric for 10 minutes before washing as usual. Always do a colorfast test on colored clothes before using hydrogen peroxide to treat a stain.

  • Does liquid dish soap remove sap stains from clothes?

    In lieu of pre-treating sap stains with an enzyme-based stain remover, you can dab liquid dish soap like Dawn onto the stain. Apply the liquid dish soap to the sap stain, work into the stain using a soft-bristled brush, and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Rinse, then wash the item with heavy-duty laundry detergent with the hottest water the fabric can stand, and see if the stain is removed before drying.

  • How do you get a dried sap stain out of clothing?

    If the sap stains are dried or old and a heavier hand is required, try using rubbing alcohol to treat the sap stain. When using rubbing alcohol, test for colorfastness on colored clothes before proceeding to treat the sap stain.