Tar may not be first thing you think of when you hear “lace fabric”, but unfortunately, the two can sometimes cross paths. If your lace is spotted with tar or other residues, don’t despair – you can get it out with a few simple cleaning steps.
Updated 23 Jun 2023
By Noemi Denker
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, carefully brush off any pieces of tar or other debris that are stuck to the fabric. Don’t press too hard to avoid damaging the material – if stain is very stubborn, you may need to apply a solvent.
Fill a bathtub with warm water and add one cup of vinegar. Fully submerge lace fabric in this solution and let it soak for 15-20 minutes. The vinegar helps to soften the tar residue, making it easier to remove.
Once the fabric has been soaked in vinegar, use a cleaning solvent to remove the residue. Apply the solvent directly to the stained area and scrub gently with the toothbrush. Rinse it with warm water and repeat until the stain is gone.
Once the stain has been removed, you can wash the lace fabric as normal. Use a mild laundry detergent and cold water to clean the fabric, then hang it up to dry. If any residual grease remains on the fabric, try applying lemon juice and spreading it over the soiled area. Leave it on for ten minutes before washing as usual.
Tar stains may seem difficult to remove, but with the right combination of vinegar, cleaning solvents, and laundry detergent, they can easily be removed from lace fabrics. Just follow the four steps outlined above and your lace clothing will be looking as good as new in no time.
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