The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Tar Stains From Coats
Tar is one of the toughest stains to remove from fabrics. While some fabric protection products contain tar and oil repellent, the sticky nature of tar often leads it to settle deep into fabrics, making it tricky to remove. But with the right guidance and supplies, you can learn how to clean tar stains from coats and restore them to their original beauty.
Updated 23 Jun 2023
By Nishat Asif
What You Will Need
- Laundry detergent
- White vinegar
- Olive oil
- Dish soap
- Old toothbrush
- Soft cloths
- Baking soda
- Lemon juice
- Rubbing alcohol
Step 1: Test a Hidden Area of the Coat for Colorfastness
Before attempting to remove any tar stains, always test a small, hidden area of the coat first. This will ensure that the cleaning agent won’t damage the fabric color. Dip a cloth in warm, sudsy water and rub it against the test area. If the fabric color fades, don't use this method to clean the stains.
Step 2: Pretreat Tar Stains on the Coat
To pretreat the tar stains, first mix together 1 part white vinegar and 1 part laundry detergent in a bowl. Dip a cloth into the mixture, and then rub the mixture into tar stain. Allow mixture to sit on the stain for 5 minutes before rinsing it off with cool water.
Step 3: Use Oil to Dissolve the Toughest Tar Stains
If the tar stain still won’t budge, try applying a few drops of olive oil directly onto it. Use a soft cloth to rub the oil into the stain in circular motions. Again, let the oil sit on the stain for 5 minutes before rinsing it off with cool water.
Step 4: Remove Grease and Grime Stains
If the tar stain is accompanied by grease and grime stains, try using a combination of dish soap and old toothbrush to scrub away at the mess. Gently scrub stains with the toothbrush and a mixture of liquid dishwashing soap and water. Rinse the scrubbed area with cool water to remove soap residue.
Step 5: Treat Stubborn Tar Stains with Baking Soda
For tar stains that are especially stubborn, try using baking soda as a more abrasive way to break them up. Mix together 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to form a paste. Apply the paste over tar stain and use a soft cloth to gently scrub in circular motions. Let the paste sit for 10 minutes and then rinse off with cool water.
Step 6: Sanitize the Coat with Rubbing Alcohol
Finally, use rubbing alcohol to sanitize the stained area and prevent any bacteria or germs from growing. Dilute 1 part rubbing alcohol with 1 part water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the area and allow it to air dry.
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