Removing Tree Pitch from Your Car

Written by Lee Wyatt (last updated September 12, 2022)

Finding tree pitch on your car can seem like a minor irritant, that is until you try to take it off the wrong way, when it becomes a major irritant. For some reason, tree pitch, also known as sap, has a tendency to ruin or damage a car's paint job if left alone for too long. That naturally makes correctly removing tree pitch from your car a very valuable skill to learn. Just use one of these methods, and you will find just how easy it is to get your car nice and clean again.

  • Commercial products. There are several commercially available products that have been specifically designed to remove tree pitch from a car. While they all work with varying levels of success, they do share one common problem—the price. These products tend to be a bit more expensive than other methods listed, so keep that in mind before you rush out and purchase anything. If you do go with one of these products, make sure that you follow the directions carefully before you start using them.
  • Petroleum products. There are a couple of petroleum-based products that can be used to help remove tree pitch from your car. For example, you can place a bit of lighter fluid or WD-40 directly onto the pitch and let it sit there. These two items will dissolve most, if not all, of the tree sap, leaving you only a little bit left to clean off.
  • Nail polish remover. Acetone can be a very powerful tool on removing things like tree pitch. However, you will also want to be careful when you use this type of a product. Your best bet would be to use nail polish remover since it is a weaker version of acetone than what you could get at most home improvement stores. Simply pour a bit of the nail polish remover onto a cotton ball, and gently wipe away at the tree pitch.

Keep in mind that while all of these methods will remove the tree pitch, some of them could potentially cause a bit of damage to your vehicle. As with any type of cleaning method, make sure that you do a simple safety test first. Test the method that you want to use on an inconspicuous location of your car, and keep an eye out for any potential problems. If you notice the paint fading, then you know you really don't want to use that particular method on a large scale.

Author Bio

Lee Wyatt

Contributor of numerous Tips.Net articles, Lee Wyatt is quickly becoming a regular "Jack of all trades." He is currently an independent contractor specializing in writing and editing. Contact him today for all of your writing and editing needs! Click here to contact. ...

MORE FROM LEE

Properly Using a Paint Tray

Whenever you begin any painting project there are a whole bunch of tools you can use. One of the more common that you can ...

Discover More

Pecan Pies

If you ask any group of people what there favorite type of pie is, there is a very good chance that at least one person ...

Discover More

Beef Enchiladas

If you and your family enjoy having Mexican food, then you really can't go wrong with beef enchiladas. There is a trick ...

Discover More

Tough Tools for Tough Cleaning Jobs O-Cel-O sponges and Scotch Brite scrubbers are truly a fashion-meets-function success story. The highly absorbent and durable sponges in this handy six-pack make quick work of tough cleaning problems in any kitchen, bathroom, or garage. Check out Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponges today!

More Cleaning Tips

Get your Engine Clean

Engines get dirty. It's in their nature. The dirtier they get, the worse they run. Conversely, the cleaner your engine, ...

Discover More

Cleaning Car Seats without Water

For whatever reason, there may be a time when you need to clean a car seat without the aid of any water. While it may ...

Discover More

Auto Cleaning

How often do you clean your vehicle? If your car is due for a cleaning, make sure you have the right tools to do the job.

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 7 + 0?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.