How to Remove Tar and Asphalt from Clothing: Easy Ways

Getting tar or asphalt on your clothing can be frustrating. These sticky substances can quickly ruin fabric if not treated properly. The good news is that there are effective methods for removing tar and asphalt from clothing without causing damage to the fabric.

In this blog post, we’ll explore multiple ways to remove tar and asphalt, using both household items and specialized products, so you can save your clothes from a permanent stain.

Understanding Tar and Asphalt Stains

What Are Tar and Asphalt?

Tar: Tar is a sticky, black substance made from organic material, often used in road construction, roofing, and waterproofing.
Asphalt: Asphalt is a mixture of tar and other materials used in paving roads and driveways. It’s also thick, sticky, and adheres strongly to surfaces, including fabric.

Why Are They So Difficult to Remove?

Sticky Nature: Both tar and asphalt adhere strongly to fibers, making it challenging to lift them off the fabric.
Oily Composition: The oil-based nature of tar and asphalt can cause the stain to spread if not treated correctly.

Tools and Materials You Will Need

Essential Supplies

Butter or Vegetable Oil: Helps break down the sticky nature of tar.
Rubbing Alcohol or Mineral Spirits: Effective for dissolving tar residues.
Liquid Dish Soap: Helps to lift oily substances from the fabric.
Plastic Scraper: To remove excess tar without damaging the fabric.
Old Toothbrush: For scrubbing the stain gently.
Baking Soda or Cornstarch: Absorbs excess oil from the fabric.
Laundry Detergent: For washing the clothing after treatment.

Optional Supplies

Commercial Tar Remover: Specially formulated products designed to remove tar from fabrics.
WD-40: Can help to loosen tar stains on tough fabrics.
Freezer or Ice Pack: To harden the tar for easier removal.

How to Remove Tar and Asphalt from Clothes: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Remove Excess Tar

Freezing the Tar

Use Ice Cubes or a Freezer: Place ice cubes in a plastic bag and hold them against the tar to harden it. Alternatively, place the garment in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
Scrape Off Hardened Tar: Use a plastic scraper or an old credit card to gently lift off as much tar as possible.

Avoid Smearing

Work Carefully: Avoid smearing the tar deeper into the fabric fibers as you scrape. Always work from the outside of the stain toward the center.

Step 2: Pre-Treatment Methods

Using Butter or Vegetable Oil

Apply a Small Amount: Rub a small amount of butter or vegetable oil directly onto the tar stain. The oil helps to break down the stickiness.
Blot with a Paper Towel: Blot the area with a paper towel to lift the tar from the fabric.
Rinse with Cold Water: Rinse the garment under cold water to remove any remaining residue.

Rubbing Alcohol or Mineral Spirits

Dab with a Cloth: Soak a cloth in rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits and dab it onto the stained area. Avoid rubbing as it may spread the stain.
Let It Sit: Allow the alcohol or spirits to sit on the stain for a few minutes to dissolve the tar.
Blot Away the Residue: Use a clean cloth to blot away the dissolved tar from the fabric.

Step 3: Washing the Garment

Using Liquid Dish Soap

Apply Dish Soap Directly: Apply a few drops of liquid dish soap directly onto the stain.
Scrub Gently: Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the dish soap into the fabric, working in circular motions.
Rinse with Warm Water: Rinse the soap and loosened tar away with warm water.

Step 4: Final Wash

Using Laundry Detergent

Machine Wash: Wash the garment in the washing machine on a cold or warm cycle with regular laundry detergent.
Check for Stains: Before drying, check to see if the stain is completely gone. If any tar remains, repeat the treatment process.
Air Dry: Air dry the garment rather than using a dryer, as heat can set any remaining stains.

Alternative Methods to Remove Tar and Asphalt from Clothing

Method 1: Using WD-40

Spray WD-40 on the Stain: Spray a small amount of WD-40 directly onto the tar stain.
Let It Sit: Allow the WD-40 to penetrate the fabric for about 10 minutes.
Blot the Area: Blot the stained area with a clean cloth to lift away the tar.
Wash as Usual: Wash the garment in the washing machine to remove any residual WD-40.

Method 2: Using Commercial Tar Removers

Apply the Product: Follow the instructions on the tar remover label and apply it directly to the stain.
Wait for Activation: Let the product sit for the recommended amount of time to break down the tar.
Scrub Gently: Use an old toothbrush to scrub the stain if needed.
Wash the Garment: Wash the fabric as you normally would, using a good detergent.

Method 3: Baking Soda or Cornstarch Paste

Make a Paste: Mix baking soda or cornstarch with a small amount of water to form a thick paste.
Apply to the Stain: Apply the paste directly onto the tar stain and let it sit for about 30 minutes.
Brush Off: Gently brush off the paste with a clean cloth.
Wash in Cold Water: Wash the fabric in cold water with laundry detergent.

Tips for Successfully Removing Tar and Asphalt

Dos and Don’ts

Do Test First: Test any cleaning solution on a small, hidden area of the fabric to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration.
Don’t Use Heat: Avoid using a dryer or hot water until you are sure the stain is gone, as heat can set the stain.
Do Be Patient: Some tar stains may require several treatments to be completely removed.

Protecting the Fabric

Blot, Don’t Rub: Blotting helps to lift the stain without pushing it deeper into the fibers.
Use Gentle Products: Avoid using harsh chemicals on delicate fabrics to prevent damage.

When to Seek Professional Help

Stubborn Stains

If you have tried several methods and the tar or asphalt stain persists, it might be time to seek professional cleaning services. Professionals have specialized tools and chemicals that can handle even the most stubborn stains.

Delicate Fabrics

For delicate or expensive fabrics, such as silk or wool, it’s best to consult a professional cleaner before attempting to remove the stain yourself.

Preventing Tar and Asphalt Stains in the Future

Protective Measures

Wear Protective Clothing: When working around tar or asphalt, wear old clothing or protective gear to avoid stains.
Quick Action: Treat stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting into the fabric.

Safe Cleaning Practices

Use Cold Water: Always start with cold water when treating tar stains, as warm water can make the stain worse.
Avoid Harsh Scrubbing: Scrubbing can damage the fabric fibers, making it more difficult to remove the stain.

Conclusion

Removing tar and asphalt from clothing may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it’s entirely manageable. Whether you’re using household items like vegetable oil and baking soda or specialized products like WD-40 and commercial tar removers, there’s a method for every type of fabric and stain severity.

Remember, quick action is key to preventing the stain from setting, and patience is essential to achieve the best results. Follow these steps to save your clothes from permanent damage and keep them looking as good as new!