Getting tar on your carpet or upholstery can be a nuisance, but with the right techniques and products, these stains can often be removed. Here are some tips on how to get tar stains out of carpet and upholstery.

What Causes Tar Stains

Tar stains generally occur due to:

Road construction or resurfacing where liquid asphalt/tar is used
Walking through newly paved driveways or parking lots where the tar/asphalt has not fully dried
Automobile oil leaks that leave residues similar to tar
Old adhesive residues deep in carpeting that get revealed over time
Tar-based sealants and coatings used in home improvement projects

Tar is an oil-based product that can quickly stain fibers as it penetrates deep into carpet or upholstery. The black or dark brown color stands out prominently against light-colored materials.

How to Remove Fresh Tar Stains

For fresh tar stains that have just occurred, quick action is key to lift out as much of the tar as possible before it dries and adheres firmly. Here are some initial clean-up tips:

Step 1: Scrape Off Excess Tar

Use a dull knife or plastic scraper to gently lift off any thick tar deposits from the surface. Avoid vigorous scraping which can damage fibers.
For small spots, tweezers can help pick off pieces of tar.
Take care not to spread the stain further.

Step 2: Freeze Tar To Harden

Small tar spots or residues can be hardened by freezing to make them easier to lift off.
Place ice cubes in a sealable plastic bag and press on the stain for 5-10 minutes.
Once hardened, gently pick off tar fragments with tweezers.

Step 3: Apply a Lubricant

Light lubricants like coconut oil, olive oil or vegetable oil can help dissolve tar and loosen it from fibers.
Apply a small amount and let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
Use tweezers to pick off loosened tar residues.

Step 4: Blot with Paper Towels

Once excess tar is removed, blot the stain repeatedly with paper towels or rags to absorb any remaining tar on the surface.
Press down and lift straight up without rubbing to avoid spreading the stain.
Replace towels frequently to remove all traces of tar.

Step 5: Pick Up With Duct Tape

Wrapping duct tape around your hand sticky-side out can help pick up tar from the surface. Simply dab at the stain repeatedly.
The tar will adhere to the tape instead of the carpet or upholstery.
Use fresh pieces of tape as needed until no more tar transfers.

How to Remove Set-In Tar Stains

For older, dried-on tar stains that have set into the fibers, a deep cleaning process is required to thoroughly eliminate the stain. Here are the steps to remove set-in tar stains:

Step 1: Soften with Alcohol or Acetone

Cotton swabs soaked in rubbing alcohol or acetone can help soften old tar stains and dissolve any remaining residues.
Lightly scrub the stain and let the alcohol or acetone sit for 5 minutes before blotting.
Take care not to damage delicate upholstery fabrics with excessive rubbing. Test on an inconspicuous spot first.

Step 2: Apply Tar Remover Spray

Specialty tar remover sprays available at hardware and auto parts stores can break down stubborn tar stains.
Spray liberally on the stain according to product directions. Let it soak in for 5-10 minutes.
Blot stained area with clean towels, turning frequently to absorb dissolved tar.

Step 3: Scrub With a Stiff Brush

Use a stiff-bristle scrub brush to work the tar remover deeper into the fibers.
Scrub gently in circular motions avoiding extensive friction which could damage the carpet or fabric.
Once scrubbed, blot area with towels to extract lifted staining.

Step 4: Rinse With Warm Water

After tar remover application, rinse the area thoroughly with warm water to flush out all solvent residues.
Blot repeatedly with dry towels until no more moisture transfers.
Avoid over-wetting the carpet or upholstery which can cause secondary staining.

Step 5: Repeat as Needed

Multiple applications of tar remover and scrubbing may be needed for stubborn stains that resist single treatments.
Allow the area to fully dry before reapplying stain remover and scrubbing again.
With persistence, even old tar stains can often be eliminated.

Homemade Tar Remover Options

Commercial tar remover sprays can be pricey, and some contain harsh solvents. For a more economical and natural option, these DIY stain removers using household ingredients can help tackle tar:

Vinegar Solution

Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Spray or sponge onto stain and allow to soak for 15 minutes before blotting.
Vinegar helps dissolve tar and the acetic acid cuts through grease.

Baking Soda Paste

Make a spreadable paste with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part warm water. Apply paste to tar and let sit for 20 minutes before wiping.
The alkaline baking soda dissolves residues while the grit helps scrub them away.

Dish Soap Solution

Mix a few drops of liquid dish soap with warm water in a spray bottle. Lightly spritz stain and let soak before blotting.
Detergents like dish soap help emulsify and lift out oily tar.

Laundry Pre-Treater

Look for heavy-duty pre-treaters made for greasy stains in the laundry aisle. Follow instructions to apply, let dwell, then blot.
Laundry pre-treaters are designed to break down oil-based stains.

Tips for Removing Tar Stains

Follow these tips to boost your chances of tar stain removal success:

Act quickly as soon as tar gets on carpet or upholstery to prevent it from penetrating or drying out.
Always blot, never rub, as rubbing forces tar deeper into fibers.
Lift straight up when blotting instead of sliding towels across the stain.
Work from stain edges inward to prevent spreading and enlargement.
Pre-test any commercial product on an inconspicuous area first to check for damage or discoloration.
Avoid excessive moisture and let areas dry fully between treatments to prevent secondary staining.
Be patient and persistent, reapplying stain removers as needed until no more tar can be lifted.

When to Call a Professional

If significant tar staining covers large areas of carpet or upholstery, professional cleaning may ultimately be needed. Call for professional assistance for:

Tar tracked extensively through a large area of carpeting.
Stains that remain visible after multiple removal attempts.
Delicate antique carpets or heirloom upholstery pieces requiring expert care.
Valuable Oriental rugs with stubborn tar staining.

With powerful suction and strong solvents, professional cleaners have the best chance of lifting all traces of tar from vulnerable fibers and backing. For special rugs or fabrics, specialized cleaning methods may be needed that are safest left to the professionals.

Preventing Future Tar Stains

Once you have tackled tar stains, take steps to avoid repeating the problem in the future:

Stay off newly sealed or resurfaced driveways and parking lots until tars have fully cured.
Clean vehicle leaks promptly to avoid oily drips leading to tar-like stains.
Cover flooring with protective dropsheets when using tar-containing products like roofing or waterproofing sealants.
Clean feet and shoes thoroughly after walking on tarred surfaces before re-entering the home.

With some care and quick response, even the most troublesome tar stains can often be successfully removed from carpets, rugs and upholstery. Follow these removal tips and with some persistence, you can win the battle against tar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about removing tar stains from carpets and upholstery:

What is the fastest way to get tar out of carpet?

Acting quickly is key. As soon as tar lands on carpet, start by scraping off any thick globs gently with a dull knife or plastic scraper. Then blot the area repeatedly with paper towels or rags to soak up as much of the stain as possible while it is still fresh.

What household products remove tar?

Common household products that can dissolve and remove tar include rubbing alcohol, acetone nail polish remover, vinegar, baking soda, dish soap, laundry pre-treaters, tar remover spray and lemon juice. Always spot test.

How do you get old tar stains out of carpet?

For stubborn tar stains that have dried and set into carpet fibers, use a tar stain remover spray or homemade vinegar or baking soda paste. Let it soak in for 10-15 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush and blot to lift out the loosened staining. Repeat as needed.

How do you get tar off upholstery?

Use a lighter touch when removing tar from upholstery to avoid damaging delicate fabrics. Rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab can help dissolve tar. Laundry pre-treaters or dish soap mixed with water and applied with a sponge also helps lift tar from fabric. Blot gently.

What removes tar from skin?

To remove fresh tar from skin, use baby oil, coconut oil or petroleum jelly to dissolve the tar, then wash with soap and warm water. For dried tar, scrub gently with baking soda or sugar to slough it off before washing. Avoid harsh solvents that can burn skin.

Does WD-40 remove tar?

Yes, WD-40 can help dissolve tar staining and residue. Spray liberally on tar, let it soak in for 5-10 minutes, then blot stain repeatedly with clean rags or paper towels. Test on an inconspicuous spot first, and reapply if needed.

How do you prevent tar stains on carpet?

Avoid tracking tar into the home by removing shoes after walking on newly paved surfaces. Clean vehicle leaks promptly to prevent oily drips. Cover floors when using tar-based products. And act quickly to blot fresh tar stains on carpet before they penetrate or dry out.

Can you get tar out of clothes?

Apply a laundry pre-treater, WD-40 or lighter fluid (outside only!) to tar on clothing. Let it soak in 5 minutes, then launder as usual with detergent on the hottest setting safe for the fabric. Repeated washings may be needed for thick tar deposits.

Does salt remove tar?

Yes, salt can help draw out and absorb tar stain residues. Apply a thick layer of table salt directly on the tarred area of carpet. Let it sit for 30 minutes up to a few hours, then vacuum up the salt which will pull out much of the staining.

Conclusion

Tar stains can be notoriously difficult to remove. But with persistence and the proper stain removal products and techniques, you can successfully eliminate tar from carpeting, upholstery and other surfaces. Act quickly when tar spills happen to prevent permanent damage. And take preventative steps, like staying off freshly paved surfaces, to avoid tracking sticky tar into your home in the first place. With some elbow grease and stain-fighting know-how, your chances of tar stain removal success greatly improve.

How to Remove Tar Stains From Carpet and Upholstery