How to Remove Tar Stains From Clothes

Laying down pavement or roof tar is hot, sweaty, and messy work.

Scrub the stain lightly with a soft-bristled brush and rinse in hot water.

Next,wash as usualin the hottestwateradvised by the garment’s care label.

The Spruce / Madelyn Goodnight

Recommendeddetergentbrands include Tide or Persil.

If you get tar on your hands during cleaning, apply a baking soda paste or exfoliant.

Disinfect and bandage any raw areas on your skin.

Materials and tools to clean tar from clothes

The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

Ice cubes in plastic bag pressed onto jeans with tar stains

The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

Soft-bristled brush scrubbing stain remover into jean leg with tar stain

The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

Heavy duty detergent scrubbed into jean leg with tar stain for washing

The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

Jeans with tar stain soaked in plastic bucket with oxygen-based bleach for discoloration

The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo