Sap removal

[gator67]

I'm putting this on the Alpine forum because Alpine owners most familiar with the Alpine coach exterior.

We parked under some trees that dropped tiny yellow thingies on our roof and side of the coach. When you brush them off, they leave a sticky residue, much like a sap. There's a LOT of it on the roof. What have folks used successfully on the roof and on the sides of the coach to remove sap residue? I fear using anything too caustic, or rubbing too hard, as I don't want to damage the surface. Can I use mineral spirits on the roof? WD-40?

[dgerstel]

Jerry,

I would try a goof off type product, although I don't know why mineral spirits would be a problem. I would be concerned about residue with WD-40.

On word of caution, do NOT use ANY detergent type of cleaner on the slide toppers. I had a customer who, after telling her that, used Woolite thinking is was "mild," on her vinyl spa cover. The cover failed in just over a year. The wrong cleaner on slide toppers is what causes premature yellowing, cracking and peeling. I only use vinyl cleaner on any soft vinyl/plastic products.

[Alpine Road Warrior]

My wife attended a siminar at The Rally Albuquerque last month about cleaning your coach. One of the things discussed was taking sap off. They said to use creamy peanut butter. Let it set on the sap for 45-60 minutes then wipe off and wash. Although it sounds like you may need a case of peanut butter.

[MAC&ANNE]

I've heard of some women using divorce as an effective sap remover!

[gator67]

It looks like 1 part Goo-Gone to 25 parts elbow grease is doing the trick. It's slow going but I'm attacking it like I'd eat an elephant... one bite at a time.