The sap of any tree is one of the most annoying substances to remove from the skin. It seems that she gets stuck for good and doesn't go out for anything in this world - not even with soap and water! But don't worry: you just need to have the right materials and resources to solve the problem in no time.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using a Hand Sanitizer
Step 1. Read the label and see if the sanitizer contains alcohol
Ideally, the product should contain at least 60% ethanol, isopropyl alcohol or propane.
The sanitizer must contain alcohol, as it dissolves the sap
Step 2. Rub the sanitizer into your hands
Apply some of the product on the palms of your hands and rub it hard in all areas where there is sap.
- Also apply the sanitizer to other areas that have sap, such as your feet or arms. Just don't let the product come into contact with areas of your skin that have open cuts or are sensitive, as it can cause a burning sensation.
- Alcohol hand sanitizers dry out the skin. Be careful if you are sensitive.
Step 3. Apply sanitizer to your tools if they are also sticky
If you've used tools to cut or prune a tree, apply some sanitizer to a sheet of paper towels and rub them before storing.
Do not store tools without cleaning the sap. Otherwise, they run the risk of sticking together and going blind
Method 2 of 3: Using Common Ingredients
Step 1. Use cooking oil or margarine
Rub a little oil (vegetable or canola or even olive oil) on the spots on your hands that are smeared with sap for 30 to 60 seconds. When you're done, wash them with warm water and dish detergent.
Sprinkle a little baking soda on the spots where there is a lot of accumulated sap and rub in the oil normally
Step 2. Apply a spoonful of peanut butter to your hands
The oils in peanut butter have many practical uses, such as removing the sap from your hands. Rub the product lightly on the dirty areas for a while. Then wash your skin with warm soapy water and dry.
Don't have peanut butter? Use mayonnaise
Step 3. Use toothpaste
Apply a generous amount of toothpaste to hands and rub. The abrasive ingredients in it will remove the sap within a minute or two. Finally, wash your skin with warm soapy water and rinse.
Step 4. Use isopropyl alcohol or a nail polish remover if your skin is very dirty
These two liquids dry out the skin, but they are quite effective. Apply a little to a cloth or sponge and then wipe on the spot. Wait a while and finally wash your hands with soap and water.
You can use alcohol wipes from those in first aid kits
Step 5. Use a degreaser
Squirt some WD-40 or other degreaser on your hands and use it like any other liquid soap. Rub for a while and once again wash your skin with warm water and soap immediately afterwards.
Step 6. Prepare a solution of warm water, salt and honey
Fill 2/3 of a large bowl with warm water, add 2 tablespoons of salt and lots of honey and mix. Then soak your hands for three to five minutes and rub every now and then. Finally, wait for your skin to dry naturally and do one last wash with soap and water.
Step 7. Rub soil into the sap if you have no other option
Cover the fresh sap with earth and wait for the beans to dry. Then wash your skin normally with soap and water.
Method 3 of 3: Removing Sap from Floors, Carpets, Rugs, and Clothing
Step 1. Always test the cleaning solution on a smaller part of the surface you want to clean
Do not spray degreasers and the like on any fabric! You need to make sure they don't ruin the material. To do this, drop a drop of the product in a more discreet part, rub and wait 20 minutes. Finally, see if there was any negative reaction.
Step 2. Use isopropyl alcohol on fabrics
Dip cotton swabs in isopropyl alcohol (if possible, with a concentration equal to 90%) and rub in the dirty area in a circular motion. This is for clothes, carpets, rugs and curtains. Try to remove the sap before washing and drying the parts, or the product may end up hardening.
Step 3. Apply mineral oil on harder surfaces
Mineral oils are ideal for removing sap from hard surfaces such as the car, the floor and more. Scrub the product, but clean the spot right away.
Step 4. Use an insect repellent spray
It sounds silly, but a few sprays of spray repellent can work miracles on fabrics, floors, and car roofs. Apply the product, wait a few minutes and remove everything.
Tips
- You can remove sap from your hair using vegetable oil or isopropyl alcohol, but apply conditioner right away so it doesn't tangle.
- The sap looks harmless enough, but it ends up making such a mess if it stays on your skin too long - even more so if you try to wipe your hands on your clothes.
- The more agile you are, the easier it will be to remove the sap.