How to Get Pine Sap out of Clothing with Branch Basics

Getting outdoors and into the sun is proven to boost your immune health and protect your heart, among many other great benefits.

If you’re the outdoorsy type, you may fall victim to the sticky, ooey, gooey, and stubborn pine sap stains that can quickly cling to your favorite outdoor clothing.

And what’s worse, is that sticky goop can quickly attract extra dirt, dust, and grime, making stain removal a bit of a challenge – but it doesn’t have to be!

Before you toss out your favorite shirt or jeans, we have a few tips and tricks up our stain-removing sleeves, including Branch Basics, natural laundry detergent, ice, and (believe it or not) peanut butter!

So, if you’re in a…sticky situation…read on to learn how to get pine sap out of clothing without rubbing alcohol.

How to Get Pine Sap Stains out Using Our Concentrate

Branch Basics is an all-in-one cleaning system that can be used for any cleaning job, including laundry and stain removal.

To remove pine sap from clothing, we recommend starting with our Concentrate, especially if the stain is super gooey and sticky, or if it has had time to set into the fabric.  

Here’s how to get pine sap out of clothing using Branch Basics:

1. Scrape off as much sap as possible using a dull knife or spoon.
   
2. Freeze the stain (more on why below). You can go about this one of two ways:
   
• If the garment is small enough, put it in the freezer for 15 to 30 minutes, or until the stain is completely frozen. Or…
• Fill a plastic bag with ice and place it over the pine sap stain. Leave until the sap is completely frozen.
  
3. Using a dull knife, scrape off as much of the frozen pine sap as possible.
   
4. Apply a few drops of Branch Basics Concentrate directly to the stain. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, work the Concentrate into the pine sap.
   
• Alternatively, spray the stain directly with Branch Basics All-Purpose, let sit, and agitate with a soft-bristled toothbrush until the stain disappears.
• For really tough, dried, or set-in pine sap stains, we recommend adding Oxygen Boost on top of Concentrate or All-Purpose to make a stain-removal solution. Spray with All-Purpose then agitate and let sit for a few minutes, or overnight, before laundering. *Remember to test the Oxygen Boost on an inconspicuous area first to see if it is compatible with the fabric.
  
5. Let sit for about 5 to 10 minutes, then launder with a natural laundry detergent and hot water, if the garment will allow.
   
6. Before drying, check that the stain has disappeared. If gone, dry as usual. If the stain remains, repeat the process above.

For more stain removal tips and tricks using Branch Basics, check out How to Get Stains Out of Everything With Branch Basics [Complete Guide].

Other DIY Options (That Aren’t Rubbing Alcohol) 

Although a quick online search may suggest using rubbing alcohol to get pine sap out of clothing, we usually don’t recommend it for stain removal. This is because of its germ-killing, superbug-spreading capabilities.

Instead, opt for one of these natural DIY options.

Peanut Butter

It may sound surprising, but peanut butter is one of the most effective ways to remove pine sap stains from clothing.

The natural oils found in peanut butter break down and disintegrate the pine sap, making it easy to scrape right off. 

But, use caution! Peanut butter should only be used as a last resort for removing pine sap, as it may leave an oily stain (a double whammy!). If this happens, check out our article, The Top 7+ Natural & Reliable Laundry Stain Removers, for solutions.

To Use:

1. Using a dull knife, scrape as much pine sap off as possible.
2. Apply a small dollop of peanut butter to the sap and work it in with your fingers. Let sit for about 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Rinse under cool running water to remove the peanut butter.
4. Pre-treat the stain with Concentrate and/or Oxygen Boost, then launder as usual.
5. Before drying, check the garment for any remaining stains. Treat again if necessary.

Freeze it

Freezing is the easiest, least invasive way of treating and removing a pine sap stain on clothing. The sap hardens, making it a cinch to scrape residue away.

There are two ways of freezing a pine sap stain:

1. Put the garment in the freezer for 15 to 30 minutes, or until the stain is completely frozen.
2. Rest a bag of ice on the stain until frozen.

Once frozen, use your fingers to break off the sap. Then, scrape the rest away with a dull knife.

If the entire stain lifts, great! Launder as usual.

If a dark stain remains, pre-treat with straight Concentrate and/or Oxygen Boost. Gently agitate the stain with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Let sit for a few minutes, or overnight, then launder as usual.

Natural Laundry Detergent 

Natural laundry detergent, like Branch Basics Laundry Detergent powder, is convenient and simple to use for treating and removing pine sap stains.

Our natural Laundry Detergent is a human-safe, fragrance-free, plant- and mineral-based, concentrated, water-free formula that effectively lifts stains and removes odors with just one scoop.

Here’s how to get pine sap out of clothing using natural laundry detergent:

1. Using a dull knife, scrape as much pine sap off as possible.
2. Mix a few teaspoons of natural laundry detergent with hot water. Pre-treat the stains by agitating the mixture into the fabric with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
3. Let sit for a few minutes, then launder as usual.
4. Before drying, check to make sure the stain has lifted. If it has, throw it in the dryer. If the stain remains, repeat the process.

Tips for Removing Pine Sap

Removing pine sap from clothing can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be! 

Here are a few tips to help you get rid of sticky sap fast and without damaging your garment.

Test on an Inconspicuous Area

*Always pretest! If you haven’t used any of these stain removers on a particular garment before, test it on a seam or hidden area first to ensure it won’t affect the fabric’s color or finish.

Once you know the fabric is colorfast, this step is not necessary.

Treat Fresh Sap as Soon as Possible

With any stain, the key is to act quickly.

For fresh pine sap stains, scrape away any loose or excess sap with a dull knife or spoon. For most sticky and gooey stains, removal may be easier after the stain has been frozen.

Fresh stains are much easier to remove than those set into the fabric.

Have Questions? We’ve Got Answers

Does Vinegar Remove Pine Sap? 

Yes, it absolutely does!

But before you apply white vinegar, it’s important to freeze the stain first. Use the directions outlined above, then use a dull knife to scrape away any loosened sap residue.

Next, dip a microfiber cloth or soft-bristled toothbrush in white vinegar and gently agitate the stain. Continue agitating, applying more vinegar as needed, until the stain lifts.

Rinse under warm running water, then launder as usual.

What Breaks up Pine Sap?

To break up pine sap, you have two options: freeze the sap or apply peanut butter directly to the stain.

Of the two, we recommend freezing the sap first and then using one of the stain remover options listed above.

But if freezing isn’t an option, peanut butter will do the trick! Its natural oils magically break down the sticky sap effectively. Just be sure to check for any oily residue left behind by the peanut butter.

If you notice any oily stains, see How to Get Stains Out of Everything With Branch Basics [Complete Guide].

Toss the Toxins with Branch Basics

We hope this article has shown you just how simple it can be to get pine sap out of clothing.

Now you can enjoy tree climbing and long hikes through the woods without worrying about tough sap stains ruining your favorite clothes.

With Branch Basics Concentrate or other everyday household items, you can tackle almost any clothing stain.

For a natural, human-safe stain-removing solution, try our Branch Basics all-in-one cleaning system, paired with our Branch Basics Stainmaster Guide for effectively treating and removing various stains (including pine sap) using our Premium Starter Kits.

Available in refillable plastic or glass spray bottles, our Branch Basics Starter Kits have everything you need (Concentrate, refillable bottles, and Oxygen Boost) to remove any type of stain on clothing, carpets, and more, clean your entire home, wash your clothes, and more!

All Branch Basics products are made with ultra-gentle, human-safe, plant- and mineral-based ingredients. They are EWG-Verified, Made Safe Certified, and third-party tested as non-skin and eye irritants, making them safe for even the most sensitive individuals.

Learn more about how our cleaning system works in How To Get Started With Your Branch Basics Kit.

For more human-safe stain-removing tips and tricks, check out How to Get Marker Out of Clothes: 10 Natural Tips and How to Remove Sweat Stains from Clothes Naturally.