5 Effortless Ways To Get Tar Out Of Clothing

Tar on clothing

Tar is a sticky, black substance that can be difficult to remove from clothing. It can be caused by a variety of things, such as working with asphalt, roofing materials, or even just walking through a parking lot on a hot day. If you get tar on your clothes, don’t panic. There are a few simple steps you can take to remove it. First, try using a butter knife or credit card to scrape off as much of the tar as possible. Be careful not to damage the fabric. Once you’ve removed as much of the tar as you can, apply a small amount of dish soap to the stain and rub it in gently. Rinse the area with cold water and repeat until the stain is gone.

If the tar stain is still visible, you can try using a commercial tar remover. Follow the instructions on the product label carefully. Be sure to test the product in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t damage the fabric. Once you’ve applied the tar remover, rinse the area with cold water and repeat until the stain is gone. If the stain is still visible, you can try using a solvent such as acetone or mineral spirits. Apply the solvent to a clean cloth and blot the stain. Rinse the area with cold water and repeat until the stain is gone.

Once you’ve removed the tar stain, be sure to wash the clothing in hot water to remove any residual tar or solvent. If the stain is still visible, you can try repeating the cleaning process. With a little patience, you should be able to remove even the most stubborn tar stains from your clothing.

Identifying the Fabric Type

Natural vs. Synthetic Fibers

The first step in removing tar from clothing is to identify the fabric type. Natural fibers like cotton, silk, and wool are more absorbent and susceptible to stains than synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and spandex. Natural fibers may require more delicate cleaning methods, while synthetic fibers can withstand harsher treatments.

Delicate vs. Durable Fabrics

Next, consider the durability of the fabric. Delicate fabrics like lace, silk, and satin require gentle handling to avoid damaging the fibers. Durable fabrics like denim and canvas can tolerate more aggressive cleaning methods.

The following table summarizes the different fabric types and their recommended cleaning methods:

Fabric Type	Cleaning Method
Natural Fibers (cotton, silk, wool)	Delicate cleaning, avoid bleach
Synthetic Fibers (polyester, nylon, spandex)	Harsher cleaning methods, can withstand bleach
Delicate Fabrics (lace, silk, satin)	Gentle handling, avoid rubbing
Durable Fabrics (denim, canvas)	Aggressive cleaning methods, can withstand scrubbing

Understanding the fabric type will help you choose the appropriate cleaning method to safely and effectively remove tar stains without damaging your clothing.

Using Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a powerful solvent that can effectively dissolve tar and remove it from clothing. The key to success with this method is to use a high-concentration rubbing alcohol (90% or higher) and to apply it directly to the tar stain. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Lay the stained garment on a flat surface, ensuring the tar stain is facing up.
Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a clean white cloth or paper towel.
Gently dab the cloth or paper towel onto the tar stain, working in small circular motions.
Continue dabbing until the tar stain is completely dissolved or significantly reduced.
If the stain is still visible, apply more rubbing alcohol to the cloth or paper towel and repeat the dabbing process.
Once the stain is removed, rinse the area with cold water to remove any residual rubbing alcohol and prevent fading.
Allow the garment to air dry or use a hair dryer on a low setting to speed up the drying process.

It’s essential to test the rubbing alcohol on an inconspicuous area of the garment first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric. Additionally, be cautious when working with rubbing alcohol, as it can be flammable and should be kept away from open flames.

Here is a summary of the steps in a table format:

Step	Action
1	Lay garment on flat surface
2	Apply rubbing alcohol to cloth or paper
3	Dab tar stain with cloth or paper
4	Rinse area with cold water
5	Air dry or use hair dryer

Applying Hairspray

If you have a fresh tar stain on your clothing, act quickly and apply hairspray to the affected area. The alcohol in hairspray acts as a solvent that can help break down the tar and lift it from the fabric. Follow these steps to effectively remove tar stains using hairspray:

Apply liberally: Spray a generous amount of hairspray onto the tar stain, ensuring that it is soaked through.
Let it sit: Allow the hairspray to sit on the stain for 5-10 minutes, allowing it to absorb and work its way into the tar.
Blot and brush: Use a clean cloth or soft brush to gently blot and brush away the tar that has loosened up. Do not rub or scrub, as this may spread the stain.
Rinse and repeat: Rinse the affected area with cold water to remove the hairspray and any remaining tar residue. If the stain is still visible, repeat steps 1-3 as necessary.
Wash and dry: Once the stain is removed, launder the garment according to the care instructions on the label. Set the fabric to the highest heat setting allowed for the garment to help kill any remaining tar or hairspray residue.

Tips:

Tip	Description
Use clear hairspray	Colored hairspray may leave a tint on the fabric.
Test on an inconspicuous area first	Some fabrics may be sensitive to hairspray.
Work in a well-ventilated area	Hairspray can release fumes that can be irritating.

Washing with Dish Soap

Dish soap is a powerful degreaser, making it effective for removing tar from clothing. To use dish soap, follow these steps:

Apply a small amount of dish soap directly to the tar stain.
Use a soft-bristled brush or cloth to gently work the dish soap into the fabric. Avoid rubbing the stain too hard, as this can spread the tar.
Allow the dish soap to sit on the stain for at least 30 minutes. This will give the dish soap time to break down the tar.
Rinse the stain thoroughly with warm water. Repeat this step until all of the tar has been removed.

Tips for Washing Tar Out of Clothing with Dish Soap

Test the dish soap on an inconspicuous area of the garment first to make sure it does not damage the fabric.
If the tar stain is large or stubborn, you may need to repeat the process several times.
Do not put the garment in the dryer until the tar stain has been completely removed.

Fabric	Dish Soap Brand	Water Temperature
Cotton	Dawn	Warm
Synthetic	Palmolive	Cold
Wool	Castile Soap	Cold

Using Butter or Baking Soda

Butter

Butter is a natural solvent that can help to remove tar from clothing. To use butter, simply rub a small amount of butter onto the tar stain and allow it to sit for several hours or overnight. After the butter has had time to work, scrape away the excess butter and wash the garment as usual. You may need to repeat this process several times to completely remove the tar stain.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is another effective way to remove tar from clothing. To use baking soda, make a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water. Apply the paste to the tar stain and allow it to sit for several hours. After the baking soda paste has had time to work, brush away the excess baking soda and wash the garment as usual. You may need to repeat this process several times to completely remove the tar stain.

Vinegar

Vinegar is a weak acid that can help to break down tar. To use vinegar, apply white vinegar directly to the tar stain and allow it to sit for several hours. After the vinegar has had time to work, wash the garment as usual. You may need to repeat this process several times to completely remove the tar stain.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a strong solvent that can help to dissolve tar. To use rubbing alcohol, apply rubbing alcohol directly to the tar stain and allow it to sit for several hours. After the rubbing alcohol has had time to work, wash the garment as usual. You may need to repeat this process several times to completely remove the tar stain.

Other Tips for Removing Tar from Clothing

In addition to the methods listed above, there are a few other things you can do to help remove tar from clothing:

Try using a commercial tar remover. These products are specifically designed to remove tar from clothing and can be found at most hardware stores.
If the tar stain is on a delicate fabric, test the cleaning method on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it does not damage the fabric.
Be patient. It may take several tries to completely remove the tar stain.

Method	How to Use
Butter	Rub a small amount of butter onto the tar stain and allow it to sit for several hours or overnight. Scrape away the excess butter and wash the garment as usual.
Baking Soda	Make a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water. Apply the paste to the tar stain and allow it to sit for several hours. Brush away the excess baking soda and wash the garment as usual.
Vinegar	Apply white vinegar directly to the tar stain and allow it to sit for several hours. Wash the garment as usual.
Rubbing Alcohol	Apply rubbing alcohol directly to the tar stain and allow it to sit for several hours. Wash the garment as usual.

Extracting with Acetone

Acetone is a powerful solvent that can dissolve tar, making it an effective way to remove it from clothing.

Materials you’ll need:

Material
Acetone
Cotton balls or white cloth
Clean cloths or paper towels

Instructions:

Test the acetone on an inconspicuous area of the clothing to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric.
Place the clothing on a flat surface and apply a small amount of acetone to the tar stain.
Gently dab the acetone onto the stain with a cotton ball or white cloth, avoiding rubbing or scrubbing. The acetone should start to dissolve the tar.
As the tar dissolves, it will transfer to the cotton ball or cloth. Replace the cotton balls or cloths as needed.
Continue applying acetone and dabbing until the stain is completely gone.
Rinse the area with cold water to remove any remaining acetone.
Gently blot the area dry with clean cloths or paper towels.
If the stain is still visible, repeat the process as needed.

Dry Cleaning Option

Dry cleaning is a professional method of cleaning that uses solvents instead of water. This method is particularly effective for removing tar stains from clothing, as solvents are able to break down the tar and lift it away from the fabric.

Steps:

Gently scrape off any excess tar from the garment using a dull knife or spoon.
Place a clean, absorbent cloth over the stain and apply gentle pressure to absorb as much tar as possible.
Take the garment to a professional dry cleaner and inform them of the tar stain.
The dry cleaner will likely use a solvent-based cleaning agent to dissolve the tar.
Once the stain is removed, the garment will be rinsed and pressed.
Dry cleaning is typically the most effective method for removing tar stains from clothing, but it can be expensive.
If the tar stain is large or has been on the garment for a long time, it may be necessary to repeat the dry cleaning process multiple times to completely remove the stain.

Pros	Cons
Effective	Can be expensive
Professional	May require multiple treatments for large or old stains

Applying WD-40

WD-40 is a water-displacing lubricant that can be effective in removing tar from clothing. However, it is important to test it on an inconspicuous area first to ensure that it does not damage the fabric.

To use WD-40 on tar stains:

Apply a small amount of WD-40 to a clean cloth or paper towel.
Gently dab the cloth on the tar stain, working from the outside towards the center.
Allow the WD-40 to sit on the stain for 5-10 minutes.
Blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb the WD-40 and tar.
Repeat steps 2-4 until the stain is removed.
Rinse the stained area with cold water.
Wash the garment according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If the tar stain is particularly stubborn, you may need to soak the garment in WD-40 overnight before washing it.

Note: WD-40 is a flammable liquid, so it is important to keep it away from heat and sources of ignition.

Here is a table summarizing the steps for removing tar from clothing using WD-40:

Step	Description
1	Apply WD-40 to a clean cloth or paper towel.
2	Gently dab the cloth on the tar stain, working from the outside towards the center.
3	Allow the WD-40 to sit on the stain for 5-10 minutes.
4	Blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel.
5	Repeat steps 2-4 until the stain is removed.
6	Rinse the stained area with cold water.
7	Wash the garment according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
8	If the tar stain is particularly stubborn, you may need to soak the garment in WD-40 overnight before washing it.

Using Harsh Chemicals (Caution!)

Turpentine (oil of turpentine) is a powerful solvent that can dissolve tar. However, it is also highly flammable and toxic, so it is important to use it in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves. Apply a small amount of turpentine to a cotton ball or cloth and rub it into the tar. Rinse the area thoroughly with water after the tar is dissolved.

Mineral spirits is another solvent that can be used to remove tar. It is less toxic than turpentine, but it is still important to use it in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves. Apply a small amount of mineral spirits to a cotton ball or cloth and rub it into the tar. Rinse the area thoroughly with water after the tar is dissolved.

Acetone is a strong solvent that can also be used to remove tar. However, it is important to test it on a small area of fabric first, as it can damage some fabrics. Apply a small amount of acetone to a cotton ball or cloth and rub it into the tar. Rinse the area thoroughly with water after the tar is dissolved.

Denatured alcohol is a solvent that can be used to remove tar. It is less toxic than acetone, but it is still important to use it in a well-ventilated area. Apply a small amount of denatured alcohol to a cotton ball or cloth and rub it into the tar. Rinse the area thoroughly with water after the tar is dissolved.

WD-40 is a lubricant that can also be used to remove tar. It is important to test it on a small area of fabric first, as it can stain some fabrics. Apply a small amount of WD-40 to a cotton ball or cloth and rub it into the tar. Rinse the area thoroughly with water and soap after the tar is dissolved.

Chemical Cleaning (Professional)

If you are not comfortable using harsh chemicals, you can take the garment to a professional cleaner. They will be able to remove the tar using specialized solvents and equipment.

Note: It is important to test any solvent on a small area of fabric first to make sure it does not damage the fabric.

Solvent	Toxicity	Flammable
Turpentine	High	Yes
Mineral spirits	Moderate	Yes
Acetone	Moderate	Yes
Denatured alcohol	Low	Yes
WD-40	Low	Yes

Preventing Future Stains

Here are some tips to prevent tar stains from happening in the future:

1. Treat Newly Spilled Tar Immediately

The longer tar stays on your clothes, the harder it will be to remove. Try to treat the stain as soon as possible to increase the chances of successful removal.

2. Test Tar Removal Methods on an Unnoticeable Area

Before applying any tar removal methods to the stained area, test it on an inconspicuous part of the garment to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric or color.

3. Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals

Harsh chemicals like bleach can damage the fabric and set the stain. Opt for gentler cleaning agents like dish soap or laundry detergent.

4. Use Cold Water

Hot water can set the stain, making it more difficult to remove. Always use cold water when cleaning tar stains.

5. Don’t Dry the Garment with Heat

Heat can also set the stain, so avoid using a dryer or ironing the stained area until the tar is completely removed.

6. Blot, Don’t Rub

Rubbing the stain can spread the tar and make it worse. Instead, gently blot the stained area with a clean cloth or paper towel.

7. Use a Pre-Treatment Solution

Apply a pre-treatment solution specifically designed for tar or oil stains before washing the garment.

8. Wash the Garment Separately

To prevent the tar from transferring to other clothes, wash the stained garment separately from the rest of your laundry.

9. Use a Heavy-Duty Detergent

For tough tar stains, use a heavy-duty detergent that contains enzymes to break down the tar.

10. Be Patient and Persistent

Removing tar stains may require multiple attempts and different cleaning methods. Be patient and keep trying until the stain is completely removed. If the stain is particularly stubborn, you may need to consult a professional dry cleaner for assistance.

How To Get Tar Out Of Clothing

Tar is a sticky, black substance that can be difficult to remove from clothing. However, there are a few simple steps you can take to get tar out of clothing without damaging the fabric.

Scrape off any excess tar. Use a butter knife or a credit card to gently scrape off any excess tar from the fabric. Be careful not to damage the fabric.
Apply a solvent. Apply a solvent to the tar stain. You can use rubbing alcohol, acetone, or turpentine. Apply the solvent to a cotton ball or a clean cloth and blot the stain until it is removed.
Wash the garment. Once the stain has been removed, wash the garment in hot water with a detergent. Dry the garment on high heat to set the solvent and prevent the stain from reappearing.