We love trees. And at this time of the year, they are starting to spring back into life, ready to give us their summer display and do their job of helping to clear the air. As they’ve been asleep all winter, they’ve been storing water, sometimes as a sugar, which is now being pumped all around the tree to feed its branches and new leaves. Unfortunately, if there are any wounds on the surface of the tree, this compound will leak out and fall onto whatever is sitting below – usually your car.
Tree sap is pretty harmless to your paintwork initially, although if you leave it for any length of time, it can begin to damage the outer surface of your paint, leaving ugly discoloured blotches. That’s why, despite it being a bit of a tough customer, it’s better to tackle it sooner rather than later.
It’s a job you may not be looking forward to, but we’ve rounded up a selection of products to help you tackle the tree sap, get rid of it without too much fuss and bother and prevent any damage to your paintwork.
Best car tree sap remover at a glance:
Editor’s choice: Meguiars G191700EU Smooth Surface Clay Kit – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best quick fix: Autoglym Bird Dropping Wipes – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best for stubborn stains: Gtechniq W7 Tar and Glue Remover – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best car tree sap remover
Editor’s choice
Pros
- A small piece of clay goes a long way
- Kit comes with everything you need
Cons
- You should polish your car afterwards
Best tree sap remover quick fix
Rrp: £9.99
Rrp: £9.99
Pros
- Quick and easy
- No mess
Cons
- Not the perfect solution for tree sap
Best tree sap remover spray
Rrp: £9.49
Rrp: £9.49
Pros
- Doesn’t leave any residue
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Good for stain removal, but the shine doesn’t last as long as expected
Best tree sap remover for stubborn stains
Pros
- Not much is needed to remove tree sap
- Works quickly
Cons
- Not suitable for use on PPF, smart repairs, wrapped vehicles and any form of plastic
Best dedicated tree sap remover
Pros
- Designed specifically to tackle tree sap
- A gentler approach than some others
Cons
- Instructions are in German
Best multi-purpose tree sap spray
Rrp: £6.95
Rrp: £6.95
Pros
- Flexible use, suitable for household cleaning
- Safe on many surfaces
Cons
- Can require multiple applications
Best pre-wash for tree sap
Pros
- pH neutral
- Suitable for multiple surfaces
Cons
- Needs to be sprayed liberally
What are some of the best ways of removing tree sap?
Removing tree sap from car paint can be challenging, but there are several effective methods you can try. Here are some of the best DIY methods:
Rubbing Alcohol: Soak a cloth or sponge in rubbing alcohol and gently rub the sap-covered area. The alcohol will help dissolve the sap, making it easier to remove. Once the sap is gone, wash and rinse the area thoroughly.
WD-40: Apply a small amount of WD-40 directly to the sap and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a clean cloth to wipe away the sap. Afterwards, wash the area with soap and water to remove any residue.
Cooking Oil: Dab a cloth with a small amount of cooking oil (such as olive oil or vegetable oil) and gently rub it onto the sap. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the oil to break down the sap, and then wipe it away with a clean cloth.
Tar and Sap Remover: Purchase a specialized tar and sap remover from an automotive store. Follow the instructions on the product carefully, as different brands may have slightly different application methods. Generally, you’ll apply the remover to a cloth or sponge and gently rub the sap until it dissolves. Thoroughly wash the area afterwards.
Remember to test any product or method on a small, inconspicuous area of the car paint before applying it to the sap-covered area to ensure it doesn’t cause damage or discolouration.
After removing the tree sap, it’s advisable to wash and rinse the paintwork thoroughly to remove any remaining residue and protect your car’s paint. Additionally, it’s worth considering waxing or applying a protective coating to the area to restore shine and provide an extra layer of defence against future sap or contaminants.
Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer for Parkers, specialising in power tools and pressure washers. In his spare time, he enjoys DIY, travel, gardening and music.
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