What do I need to remove a tar stain?

You will need laundry detergent, white vinegar, cotton swab or soft cloth and odorless mineral spirits.

How do I remove a tar stain?

Begin by scraping away any excess tar. Then spot clean with a mix of laundry detergent and water. Soak the area in white vinegar for at least 15 minutes, and if necessary use odorless mineral spirits to remove the remaining stain. Rinse with cold water and launder as usual.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Tar > Underwear

Get Tar Out of Your Underwear Easily with These Pro Tips!

Few things are more frustrating than finding a tar stain on your brand-new underwear. Tar is an incredibly tough substance, difficult to get out without the right strategies. We’ll show you how to remove tar stains quickly and easily.

Updated 23 Jun 2023

By Cyryl Wozniak

What You Need

Laundry detergent
White vinegar
Cotton swabs or a soft cloth
Odorless mineral spirits

Step 1: Act Quickly

Tar stains become increasingly difficult to remove the longer they stay on fabric, so it’s important to act as soon as you notice the stain. When you find the spot, scrape away as much of the tar as possible with a spoon or dull knife. Don’t rub the stain, as tar can easily smear. Instead, use a soft cloth, paper towel or cotton swab to blot up any remaining residue.

Step 2: Spot Clean

Once you’ve scraped off the tar, create a spot cleaning solution by mixing one tablespoon of laundry detergent with two cups of warm water. Dip a soft cloth or cotton swab in the mixture and use it to aggressively dab the remaining stain. Do this for several minutes until the stain is no longer visible. Don’t soak the spot as this may cause the tar stain to spread.

Step 3: Soak with Vinegar

To ensure the stain is completely gone, you need to soak the area in white vinegar for at least 15 minutes. Once the time is up, rinse the stained area with cold water, and then launder the garment as usual. If the stain persists, move onto Step 4.

Step 4: Try Mineral Spirits

If the stain still remains, use odorless mineral spirits. Take a clean cloth and dampen it with mineral spirits. Wring cloth to remove excess liquid, and then gently blot the affected area. Be sure to avoid rubbing or scrubbing, as this can make the stain worse. Once you've finished, rinse area with cold water and launder the garment as normal.

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