Getting Rid of That Pesky Tar Stain on Your Shirt: An Easy Guide
It happens to us all. From car cravings to a nasty barbeque splatter, tar can leave your clothes with hard-to-remove stains. Here's a handy guide that will help you reduce the strain of getting rid of that pesky tar stain.
Updated 24 Jun 2023
By Jacobim Mugabe
Step 1: Scrape Away Excess Tar
Take a butter knife or metal spoon and gently scrape away the excess tar from the fabric. Be sure to scrape in one direction only to avoid tearing the fabric. Take a damp cloth and wipe away any tar residue.
Step 2: Pre-treat Stain
Apply a pre-wash stain remover spray or liquid detergent directly to the stain. Let it set for 10-15 minutes before laundering. For best results, put the shirt in the washing machine and let water run over the spot before adding soap.
Step 3: Launder the Shirt
Set the washing machine to its hottest temperature setting and wash your shirt with chlorine bleach, if safe for fabric. If not, use color-safe bleach. Let wash cycle finish and then check shirt for remaining stain. If any remains, repeat steps 2 and 3.
Step 4: Double Check
Once the shirt is dry, double check for any remaining stain. If there is still a faint tar spot, rub a little liquid dishwashing detergent onto the area and then launder again. Let the shirt air dry. The stain should be gone now, but if it persists, move on to step 5.
Step 5: Make a DIY Cleaner
Mix one-part white vinegar and one-part rubbing alcohol into a container. Saturate a clean cloth with the mixture and dab it onto the tar stain. Continue to dab until the stain is gone. Once finished, rinse with cold water and launder again.
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