Tree sap stains can be difficult to remove from cotton canvas, but with right tools and cleaning solution, it’s possible to get your fabric looking like new. Read on to learn 7 easy ways to clean tree sap stains.
Updated 11 Mar 2023
By Isabelle Trottier
The first step to removing tree sap from cotton canvas is to remove as much of the excess sap as possible. To do this, use a butter knife or spoon to lightly scrape away any hardened sap. Be sure to avoid putting too much pressure on the canvas so you don’t cause any further damage.
Once you’ve scraped away any hardened sap, take a clean cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol and dab the stain. The alcohol will help to break down and lift the remaining sap. Do not rub the stain as this can cause further damage.
Create a mixture of dish soap and warm water and pour it into a bowl. Dip a clean cloth into the soap and water mixture and gently blot the stain until the remaining sap is removed. Once sap is gone, use a separate, dry cloth to blot away the excess moisture.
If the sap is still visible after blotting with soap and water, try using a mixture of white vinegar and warm water. Dip a clean cloth in the solution and lightly blot the stain until the sap is removed. Blot with a dry cloth to thoroughly dry the fabric afterward.
If the stain persists, try applying a small amount of WD-40 to the sap. Let it sit for a few minutes and then scrape away sap with a spoon or knife. Once the sap is gone, launder fabric as usual.
If none of the previous methods worked, try using an oil-based cleaner such as Goo Gone or Goof Off. Simply apply the cleaner to the sap stain, allow it to sit for a few minutes, and then blot the area with a clean cloth. Once the sap has been removed, wash the fabric as usual.
Finally, to ensure that all traces of the sap have been removed, spray area with a pre-treat stain remover and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Follow the instructions on bottle to ensure that the product is safe for cotton fabrics. Once the stain remover has been applied, launder the fabric as usual.
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