Homemade Tar & Asphalt Remover

Technique

• Before applying a tar or asphalt remover, blot up as much of the tar or asphalt as you can with a paper towel. Don’t rub the stain because you’ll just spread it around. After you’re done blotting, use a kitchen knife or a putty knife to scrape up as much of the excess as you can. Start at the outside of the stain, and work toward the center. Holding an ice cube against a thick spot of tar or asphalt until it becomes brittle makes it easier to remove it with a knife.

Softeners

• Use lard or mineral oil to soften tar or asphalt stains prior to treating with a solvent. Don’t use unsaturated fats like olive oil to treat because they will stain if not completely removed. If the softener works and the tar or asphalt is completely removed, you can finish by washing the area with soap and water. If the tar or asphalt is gone but there is still a stain, don’t wash the area. Instead, apply a solvent.

Solvents

• Dab at the stain with a rag soaked in turpentine or rubbing alcohol. You can also use nail polish remover or paint thinner. Use the minimum amount necessary to do the job. You may have to repeat several times. Following treatment, wash well with soap and water to remove the solvent and the softener. Be careful working with solvents because they are flammable.

Carpets

• Rubbing alcohol or citrus solvent can be used to clean tar or asphalt from a carpet after carefully blotting up the excess product. Rinse with water, being careful not to soak the carpet. If a stain remains, mix 1 teaspoon of liquid dish detergent with 2 cups of warm water, and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for five minutes before blotting it up. Rinse and blot. If a stain continues to remain, apply a mixture of 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and 3 tablespoons of warm water. Cover the stain with a thick towel to keep out the light, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Rinse and blot. For additional stains, apply 1/4 cup of clear ammonia mixed with 1 cup of warm water. Blot and follow with 1/4 cup of white vinegar mixed with 1 cup of warm water. Rinse and blot.

Tips

• Tar and asphalt stains should be removed before you wash clothing. After washing and drying, tar is almost impossible to remove. Don’t put tar-stained clothes in a dryer or expose them to an iron. Ensure that items being treated are colorfast. In addition, synthetic turpentine can be used to remove tar or asphalt from vinyl upholstery.