Tree sap on your favorite Christmas sweater is almost a rite of passage for anyone who dares wrestle a pine tree into their home. After all, Christmas trees don’t stroll in gracefully; they’re dragged, shoved, and headlocked up flights of stairs while they retaliate with sap-covered piney arms. So, the question isn’t, “How did you get sap on your sweater?” but rather, “How did you expect NOT to?”

Once the inevitable happens, here’s your guide to saving your clothes—and your dignity.

Step One: Contain the Sap

First things first, isolate the offending item. Sap spreads faster than gossip at a family gathering, so take the sappy garment off immediately and keep it quarantined in a plastic bag or container until you’re ready to tackle the mess. This ensures the sap doesn’t sneak onto your other clothes, turning your laundry basket into a sticky disaster zone.

Step Two: Sap-Busting Techniques

Now, let’s fight that sap like the holiday hero you are. Remember: No machine washing until the sap is completely removed. Heat will only cement the sap into your fabric, and nobody wants a sweater with a permanent sticky patch.

• Rubbing Alcohol:

  • Your first weapon of choice. Dab rubbing alcohol directly onto the sap with a cloth or cotton ball. It dissolves the sticky residue, allowing you to rinse it away with warm water. Repeat as needed until the sap is gone.

• Dish Soap:

  • Dish soap isn’t just for plates—it’s great for breaking down organic stains like sap. Apply it directly to the sap, work it in gently with your fingers, and rinse with warm water. For stubborn spots, let the soap sit for 30 minutes before rinsing.

• White Vinegar Solution:

  • Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, soak a cloth in the solution, and dab it onto the sap. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, then scrub gently with a toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly to remove both sap and vinegar smell.

• Hand Sanitizer (Yes, Really):

  • If you’re on the go and can’t bust out a full cleaning arsenal, hand sanitizer can work in a pinch. Squeeze it onto the sap, rub gently, and rinse with cool water. Repeat as necessary.