How to Remove Tree Sap from Boots

Old Boots image by R J Photography from Fotolia.com

Tree sap, or pitch, is quite sticky and can be difficult to remove from your camping gear. During a long hike, sap can get thoroughly worked into your boots. If you don't remove it, it can get on your tent, your clothes and your other possessions, making a sticky, practically indelible mess. Fortunately, you can remove sap from your boots using nothing but items you're likely to already have along on a hiking trip.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Boots
Cloths
Water
Peanut butter or margarine
Spoon
Soap

Step 1

Scrape any mud, twigs and other debris from the area of the boot that is covered with sap. If it is really dirty, wash it with a wet cloth to remove the debris so nothing is left but sap.

Step 2

Spread creamy peanut butter on the sap and work it into the sap with your fingers. If you don't have peanut butter, use margarine.

Step 3

Scrape the sap and peanut butter off with your fingernails, a spoon or another dull scraping tool.

Step 4

Wipe a cloth over the area you were cleaning to remove remnants of the peanut butter.

Step 5

Wash the area using a clean cloth with water and mild soap to remove the oils from the peanut butter or margarine.

Tips & Warnings

If you have trouble getting the sap off your boots, try placeing them in the freezer for 2-3 hours and scraping the frozen sap off.

Article Written By Isaiah David

Isaiah David is a freelance writer and musician living in Portland, Ore. He has over five years experience as a professional writer and has been published on various online outlets. He holds a degree in creative writing from the University of Michigan.

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