How to Get Tar Stains Out
No widely-documented safe home treatment — professional cleaning recommended.
Quick answer
Fresh Tar on Cotton
Before you startAlways test any treatment in an inconspicuous area first, and check the garment's care label before you begin.
- Test in an inconspicuous area first.
- Blot — never rub — with a clean white cloth dampened with cool water.
- Check the care label; use only what it allows.
- If the stain persists, or the item is delicate or valuable, take it to a professional cleaner.
Don’t do this
- When no safe home treatment is documented, a professional cleaner is the right call.
Tip: No safe home treatment is documented for tar — take the item to a professional cleaner rather than risking harsh solvents.
Sources: Consumer Reports; Michigan State University Extension (PDF); King University stain removal guide (PDF)
For dried stains or other materials, use the lookup tool below.
Look up Tar on your material
How old is the stain?
Pick a stain and material above, then press “Show treatment”.
Tar on specific materials
Tar on CottonFresh & dried steps
Tar on LinenFresh & dried steps
Tar on PolyesterFresh & dried steps
Tar on NylonFresh & dried steps
Tar on SilkFresh & dried steps
Tar on WoolFresh & dried steps
Tar on DenimFresh & dried steps
Tar on LeatherFresh & dried steps
Tar on SuedeFresh & dried steps
Tar on Upholstery fabricFresh & dried steps
Tar on Carpet/rugFresh & dried steps
Tar on WoodFresh & dried steps
Tar on Stainless steelFresh & dried steps
Tar on Stone/marbleFresh & dried steps
Tar on Plastic/laminateFresh & dried steps
Frequently asked questions
Can I remove tar at home?
There is no conservative, widely-documented home method. Take the item to a professional cleaner rather than risking harsh solvents.
What should I tell the cleaner?
That it's tar, and exactly what you've already tried — that helps them choose the right solvent.
Safety rules for every treatment
- Test every treatment in an inconspicuous area first — some treatments can fade dyes or damage finishes.
- Blot a wet stain; never rub it. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into fibers.
- Check the garment's care label and follow it — skip any step the label prohibits.
- Never put the item in the dryer until the stain is completely gone; heat sets most stains.
- Never mix ammonia with chlorine bleach — the fumes are toxic and dangerous.
- Never use chlorine bleach on rust — it can intensify the stain.
- Rubbing alcohol is flammable and can fade some dyes; spot-test first and ventilate the area.
- Acetone dissolves acetate, triacetate, and modacrylic fabrics — check the fabric label first.
- Use cold water first on blood and other protein stains; hot water sets them.
- When in doubt — a valuable, vintage, or delicate item — take it to a professional cleaner instead.