What materials do I need to remove tar stains?

First, assess the damage and identify the fabric. Gather a mild detergent specifically formulated for the affected fabric, as well as a blunt instrument such as a spoon or dull knife.

How do I clean the tar stain?

Start by removing as much excess tar as possible with a spoon or dull knife. Pre-treat the stain with a small amount of detergent, then rinse and wash the clothing in the washing machine. Hang up the article of clothing to air-dry and check to make sure the stain is gone.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Tar > Business attire

"Make Business Attire Like New Again: How to Remove Tar Stains from Your Clothes"

Tar stains on business attire can be a daunting challenge. If you've ever had to deal with this issue, you know how tricky it can be to remove tar without damaging the fabric. Thankfully, there are a few simple steps you can take to get your suit or other formal clothing looking like new again.

Updated 23 Jun 2023

By Matej Kramberger

Assess the Damage

The first step in cleaning a tar stain is assessing the damage. Take note of the severity of the stain and the fabric that has been affected. This will help you determine what kind of cleaning agents and techniques will work best.

Work on Spot

To start, try to remove as much of the excess tar with a blunt instrument such as a spoon or dull knife. Scrape off the remaining tar that has collected in the fabric.

Identify the Stain and Gather Materials

Once you have removed as much excess tar as possible, identify the stain and gather the materials you'll need for cleaning. For example, if the fabric is wool, use a delicate detergent formulated for wool. If the fabric is polyester, use a mild detergent.

Pre-treat Stain

Once you have identified the fabric and gathered the appropriate cleaning materials, pre-treat the stain. Apply a small amount of the detergent directly on stain and let it sit for five minutes. This will help loosen the remaining tar.

Rinse and Wash

After pre-treating the stain, rinse the fabric with cold water to remove the detergent and any remaining tar. Then, throw your stained article of clothing in the washing machine with the rest of your laundry. Wash on a delicate cycle with cold water and a mild detergent.

Air-Dry

Once your wash is finished, hang the item up to air dry so the fabric won't shrink. Inspect the clothing once it is dry to ensure the stain is completely gone.

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