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Tips on Getting Tar Stains out of Your Chinos

Tar stains can make your chinos look unsightly and are tricky to remove. The good news is, there are some easy ways to tackle tar stains without having to replace your favorite chinos.

Updated 23 Jun 2023

By Isabelle Trottier

Whether it’s from road construction, roofing work, or a careless ash tray – tar stains can be difficult to get out of your clothing. Luckily, there are some tried-and-tested methods for getting tar stains out of your chinos.

Step 1: Apply Ice or Petroleum Jelly

One of first things you should do when cleaning a tar stain is to apply a cold pack (or an ice cube) directly to the stain. Leave the cold pack in place for a few minutes to freeze the tar. This will help to break bond between the tar and material so that it can be lifted away easier.

Alternatively, you can use petroleum jelly or another type of grease-cutting cleaner to help break down the tar stain. Apply a generous amount of the product to the stained area and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes. This should help to break down the tar.

Step 2: Scrape Away Excess Tar

Once you have applied the cold pack or petroleum jelly, it’s time to get to work. Using a dull knife, gently scrape away any excess tar that has been softened by the cold pack or petroleum jelly. Be careful not to press too hard as this may force the tar further into the material.

Step 3: Soak Garment

Once you have scraped away as much of the excess tar as possible, it’s time to soak the garment in a warm mixture of water and detergent. Allow the garment to sit in the solution for at least 30 minutes before removing and washing as usual.

Step 4: Repeat if Necessary

If the stain is still visible after the first attempt, it may be necessary to repeat the process. Simply repeat steps one through three until the stain is gone.

Conclusion

Tar can be a tricky stain to remove, but with the right steps it is possible to get your chinos looking as good as new again. With patience and a little bit of elbow grease, you can make quick work of stubborn tar stains.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long should I leave garment in the cleaning solution?

The garment should be soaked in the cleaning solution for at least 30 minutes before removing and washing.

Can I use other types of grease-cutting cleaners instead of petroleum jelly?

Yes, you can use other types of grease-cutting cleaners, such as dish soap or shampoo.

What if the stain doesn’t come out after the first attempt?

If the stain is still visible after the first attempt, it may be necessary to repeat the process until the stain is gone.

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