Stain Removal: Tar & Asphalt

Do NOT throw away that expensive garment

Sometimes you do not know exactly how it happened, but there it is, tar or asphalt stains on something you really wanted to keep and wear again. This happens often during the summer when roads and driveways are being paved.

Save your clothing and money by doing the following:

Scrape away as much as possible with a dull knife. Pre-treat with a laundry pre-soak (spot stain remover) then wash with a quality laundry product, rinse in warm water.

If this is not successful on washable materials, rub Vaseline or lard into the stain. Leave for half an hour, then wash in hot soapy water.

For unwashable materials the stain will be very difficult. Sponge repeatedly with dry cleaning fluid. If the mark still persists, rub with Vaseline, leave for half an hour, then dip in dry cleaning fluid. If possible, finish by sponging with a solution made from a good quality laundry liquid, starting well to the outside of the stain.