Buzz
Insects, tree sap, and tar can stick to your car's surface, clinging to the paint and leaving behind unsightly marks that can impair visibility. Fortunately, you can clean all these stains without spending a fortune. Follow step 1 and the sections below to learn how to remove stubborn residues from your car, restoring its shine to look as good as new.
Steps
Removing Insect Residue
Avoid delays. The "juice" from insects can dry on your car's paint, and if left unwashed for too long, it becomes much harder to remove without damaging the paint.
Wash your car regularly to remove accumulated insect residue. If you travel by car or drive on rural roads where insects frequently hit your vehicle, make sure to wash it within a day or two after returning home.
Apply WD-40 to the car's surface. This lubricant helps loosen insect residue, making it easier to remove. Use a cloth to dab the oil onto the car or spray it directly, then let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- Avoid using WD-40 on windshields and windows, as it can be difficult to clean off.
- Don’t have WD-40? Try other bug and tar remover products available at auto parts stores, which are specifically designed to clean insect residue.
- These products also work well for removing tar.
Wipe or scrub off the insect residue. After allowing the WD-40 to soak in, use a clean cloth to wipe the residue off with circular motions. If necessary, use a soft cloth to scrub gently, being careful not to damage the paint.
- Avoid using abrasive sponges or steel wool, as these can scratch the paint.
- If the residue is fresh, a single wipe may suffice. For dried-on residue, you may need to wash the car, reapply WD-40, let it soak, and wipe again.
Clean the windshield and windows. A different solution is needed to remove insect residue from glass surfaces. A mixture of water and dish soap usually works, but for tougher stains, you can purchase specialized glass cleaner from auto parts stores.
- Spray the soapy solution onto the windshield and windows, letting it sit for about 10 minutes.
- Scrub off the residue using a sponge for stubborn spots.
Wash the car thoroughly. After removing the insect residue, give your car a proper wash to eliminate any remaining cleaning product residues.
Cleaning Tree Sap
Clean tree sap every few weeks. Tree sap can harden into a thick, stubborn layer if not cleaned regularly. If your car often gets covered in sap, schedule a cleaning every two weeks—more frequently during summer when sap is stickier and more concentrated. This routine will save you from tougher cleaning sessions later.
Soak a cloth in rubbing alcohol and apply it to the sap stains. While commercial tree sap removers are available at auto parts stores, rubbing alcohol works just as well. Place the alcohol-soaked cloth on the sap for at least 10 minutes to break down and soften the hardened residue.
Scrub the area to remove the sap. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away the softened sap. If the sap remains stubborn, let the alcohol soak for an additional 10-20 minutes. Reapply and scrub until the sap is completely gone.
- For tougher spots, WD-40 can help loosen the sap, but avoid using it on glass surfaces.
- Do not use abrasive sponges or rough materials, as they can damage the car's paint.
Scrape the most stubborn sap from the windshield and windows. If dried sap on the glass refuses to budge, carefully use a razor blade to scrape it off. Avoid using this method on other parts of the car to prevent damage.
Wash the car. After removing the tree sap, give your car a thorough wash to eliminate any remaining residue. Small bits of sap left behind can dry elsewhere on the car, forcing you to deal with the issue again.
Cleaning Tar
Apply a tar-loosening product to the tar stains. Among the three common sticky substances that can dry on your car—insects, tree sap, and tar—tar is the easiest to remove. You can use various household products to soften tar. Apply one of the following to the tar stain for about a minute to loosen it:
- WD-40 (avoid using on windshields and windows)
- Goo Gone
- Peanut butter
- Commercial tar removers
Wipe off the tar. Use a soft cloth to clean the softened tar. If the stain persists, reapply the cleaning product and wait a few minutes before trying again. Continue applying and wiping until all tar is removed from the car's surface.
Wash the car. Once the tar is gone, wash the car to remove any leftover cleaning product residues.
Tips
- Soft cotton flannel works best. Remove as much lint as possible by shaking the cloth multiple times.
- Take your time. Avoid using excessive force. Be patient—this method will work.
- WD-40 is also effective for removing tar.
- Avoid applying denatured alcohol to areas with exposed primer or metal due to peeling paint, as it can cause further damage.
- Wax your car after cleaning to restore its shine.
- For large, dried tree sap deposits, this method is more effective than harsh chemicals. Simply let the solution soak longer until the sap softens like melted hard candy, then clean it off.
- Do not cover the car before treatment, or you’ll spend hours cleaning.
- Use pure alcohol in emergencies, but avoid isopropyl alcohol (sold in pharmacies).
- Kerosene can remove tar from your car. Apply it with a cloth and scrub the tar. It will dissolve within seconds. Once removed, wash and wax the car.
Warnings
- Test denatured alcohol on a small, hidden area to ensure it doesn’t damage the paint, though damage is rare unless left on for too long (over 5 minutes).
- Avoid using denatured alcohol near open flames or while smoking.
- Use denatured alcohol in a well-ventilated area, as the fumes can be strong.
What You’ll Need
- WD-40
- Soft cloth
- Soapy water
- Rubbing alcohol
