Tree Sap on awning

[T Jenkins]

We love to park where there are trees and shade. The downside is that, while in the Smokies, we got sap on the awning. It's the cloth-like surface and I don't want to make it worse.
Any ideas or experience in this matter?

Tnx,
Tommy Jenins

[T Jenkins]

We love to park where there are trees and shade. The downside is that, while in the Smokies, we got sap on the awning. It's the cloth-like surface and I don't want to make it worse.
Any ideas or experience in this matter?

Tnx,
Tommy Jenins

[Ski Me Baby]

You could try using Peanut Butter or butter and a tooth brush (gently) I would not use WD 40 on a cloth awning as it could damage the cloth in the long run.
Hope this helps

[Gary RVRoamer]

Isopropyl alcohol is the solvent for pine tree sap and most other tree saps as well. Works great on a vinyl awning or rubber roof or fiberglass, but an acrylic fabric awning is a pain for any kind of dirt. The stuff really gets down in the weave and does not want to come out. You can use the alcohol to soften the sap and then blot it up with a soft cloth, but it's a laborious process. Scrubbing with a soft brush may help (e.g. a soft tooth brush).

If your cleaning efforts results in a small leak from removing the waterproofing ( acrylic is treated with a water proofing chemical, just like a canvas tent), you can easily re-waterproof it with a modern waterproofing compound that includes acrylic and other synthetic fabrics on its label. Most sporting goods and army/navy type stores carry them.

[T Jenkins]

Thanx Guys,
I tried a turpentine (same chem base as the sap) on a small test site. I didn't think it would work--and it didn't. It also left an oil residue.
Peanut butter worked some but also left a residue.
Years ago I had used it to get gum out of my child's hair. Handy stuff and good for you too.
The alcohol did the trick. It also got the residue from the other spots.
I'll keep some around from now on.
I learned from my printing business that most things will clean if you use something of the same basic chemical base (turpentine/sap) but that doesn't always work. Alcohol works across the oil/water spectrum. We used it a lot in the presses.

thanx again,
Tommy

[Max Hubrich]

I agree with T Jenkins- Alcohol is a marvolous choice. It is used in the aircraft refurbishing industry for all forms of interior clean up issues.
Max H