What supplies do I need to clean tree sap stains from denim?

You will need a sponge or cloth, laundry detergent, rubbing alcohol, vinegar, olive oil, and a soft brush.

How do I remove tree sap from denim?

Wipe off excess sap, soak the denim in a mixture of laundry detergent, vinegar, and water, dab rubbing alcohol onto the stain, and try olive oil. Finally, wash and dry the denim according to its care instructions.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Tree sap > Denim

How to Get Tree Sap Stains Out of Denim Easily

Tree sap is sticky and can be a hassle to get out of clothing, but with a few simple steps, you can easily remove it from your denim.

Updated 10 Mar 2023

By Isabelle Trottier

Tree sap can cause an unsightly stain on beloved clothes, especially denim. It's bane of any outdoor enthusiast who's ever got too close to trees. Fortunately, with some simple cleaning solutions and a bit of effort, it's easy to get the stubborn tree sap off of your denim and leave it looking like new. Here’s how you can do it.

Gather Your Supplies

Before you start cleaning, you'll need a few items for the job:

A sponge or cloth
Laundry detergent
Rubbing alcohol
Vinegar
Olive oil
Soft brush

Step 1: Wipe Off Excess Sap

The first step is to blot away as much of sap as possible. To avoid spreading the stain, make sure to start at the edges and work your way inward.

Step 2: Soak the Denim

Create a solution of one teaspoon of laundry detergent, two tablespoons of white vinegar, and a cup of warm water. Use the sponge to soak the affected area in the mixture and let it stand for 10 minutes. Rinse it off with cold water.

Step 3: Apply Rubbing Alcohol

If you still see a residue from the sap, try using rubbing alcohol as your cleaning agent. Soak a cloth or sponge in rubbing alcohol and apply it directly to stain. Rub the area very gently and then rinse with cold water.

Step 4: Apply Olive Oil

If you still have a stain, use olive oil to break down the remaining tree sap. Pour a small amount of olive oil onto a cloth and rub area where the sap has left a mark. Use a soft brush to scrub area and then rinse it off with cold water.

Step 5: Wash and Dry

Finally, wash the denim according to its care instructions and dry as usual. If you have done all of the above steps and still see a stain, repeat the process until the sap is gone.

Conclusion

Tree sap stains are not fun to clean up, but it doesn't have to be an impossible task. With the right supplies and bit of elbow greasing, you can soon have your denim looking like new.

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