How Can I Get Pine Pitch Off My Car?

Pine trees offer year-round shade, a wonderful smell and big glops of pitch on your car. Sticking to nearly everything it touches, pine pitch can be a real nuisance, especially if you don't have a garage or carport. Fortunately, pine pitch is easily removable if you have the right tools. Several household ingredients are able to remove pine pitch from delicate car paint.

Things You'll Need

  • Washcloth
  • Rubbing alcohol, paint thinner, lighter fluid, or nail polish remover
  • 2 tsp. baking soda
  • Cup of warm water
  • Car wax
  • Dampen the washcloth with one of the following: rubbing alcohol, paint thinner, lighter fluid or nail polish remover. Any of these products will chemically break down the sticky properties of pine pitch.

  • Rub the washcloth on a spot of pitch in a circular motion, applying light pressure. Increase pressure until the pitch comes away on the washcloth.

  • Wash the newly cleaned area with the baking powder/water solution to counteract any corrosion in the car paint.

  • Repeat Steps 2 and 3 for all pitch spots on the car. When finished, wax the car as usual to restore its shine.