Do you have tar or bitumen stains on your clothes? If it is possible to wash your garment in the washing machine, you can choose at your discretion the cleaning techniques described in this article to remove marks, stains, fragments or particles of these materials.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Preparations for Cleaning
Step 1. Scrape off as much tar as possible before starting treatment
You can use a blunt knife to gently scrape the substance off the fabric. While it is easier to get rid of hardened tar, the sooner you get rid of it, the easier it will be to get rid of the stain.
If you have a lot of trouble getting the residue off, try scrubbing it with some petroleum jelly and wait a few minutes before scraping it off
Step 2. Test your chosen cleaning method on a hidden corner of the fabric or on just one piece of clothing
Some types of fabric can become discolored, stained, weakened or change texture, grain or fiber arrangement due to these cleaning methods
Step 3. Do not dry the dress with heat
Method 2 of 4: Remove a Large Piece / Drop of Tar (Freeze Method)
Step 1. Fill a plastic bag with ice cubes or pieces and rub it over the tar if it is glued to the fabric
Step 2. Wait for the frozen and hardened tar to become brittle
Step 3. Remove the pieces of material with your fingernails or scrape them with a blunt knife (such as a butter knife or a folding knife), a spoon or an ice cream stick; proceed only when the tar has hardened
Method 3 of 4: Remove Small Stains (Oil Method)
Step 1. Cover the tar stain until it is completely wet with one of the following oily products or solvents:
- Hot (not boiling) lard, melted bacon fat or fatty chicken stocks;
- Vaseline, balsamic ointment (such as Vicks Vaporub) or mineral oil;
- Cleaner for removing bugs or tar from the car;
- Vegetable cooking oil (e.g. seed or olive oil);
- Hand cleaner specific for those who work in the mechanical sector.
Step 2. Alternatively, take the item of clothing outdoors and spray the tar stain with a low viscosity oil such as WD40
In this case take care that Not there are open flames or lit cigarettes nearby.
Step 3. Similarly, you can take the garment outside and dab stubborn stains with a small amount of white kerosene, paint thinner, white spirit, turpentine, alcohol, or white petroleum (not gasoline)
To do this, use a clean cloth or a sheet of white kitchen paper. Remember that Not there must be open flames or lit cigarettes nearby.
Step 4. Consider using nail polish remover as a solvent, but not in the presence of fire and cigarettes
Step 5. Remove loose, greased and greased tar by wiping the surface with kitchen paper or a rag
Step 6. Repeat this kind of oil-based treatments before washing
If the grease and oil weren't enough, try different types of solvents (volatile substances such as kerosene). You can choose the product from those listed above.
Method 4 of 4: Use Cleaners
Step 1. You can switch to this method after trying one of the above or practice it yourself
Step 2. Treat the tar with a pre-wash stain remover
This product is sold in the form of a spray, stick or gel.
- First do a test on a hidden corner of the dress to make sure it doesn't damage the fabric or colors.
- Apply the stain remover directly to the stain. If you have a stick product available, rub it thoroughly on the dirty fabric. If you purchased a spray stain remover, spray it until the tar is completely saturated. Finally, if you have opted for a gel, apply it liberally on the dirty fabric until it covers the entire surface to be treated.
- Wait for the product to work for a certain period of time. You can find this information in the instructions for use on the package.
Step 3. Apply liquid laundry soap that contains enzymes directly to the stain
Tar and bitumen leave oily stains, so you need an enzymatic product to remove them.
- Pour the soap right over the stained fabric.
- Use a cloth or kitchen paper to blot the stain by applying firm pressure, then lift the cloth.
- Press the rag on the stain several times, making sure to always use a clean portion.
Step 4. Wash the dress on a program at the highest possible temperature for the type of fabric
Read the label on the garment to figure out the maximum temperature it can handle. Wash it using an enzymatic soap.
Step 5. Lay out the garment to dry
Let it air dry to prevent any residual halos from setting on the fibers before they are completely eliminated.
If the stain is not gone, repeat the process using a dry cleaning solvent instead of the pre-wash stain remover
Advice
- See a doctor and get help if certain chemicals (solvents and detergents) come into contact with your eyes.
- Separate the tar-stained fabrics from the rest of the laundry.
- Protect your hands with rubber or vinyl gloves.
- Protect your eyes, hair and skin from chemicals. Rinse any area that comes into contact with these substances using plenty of water.
Warnings
- Kerosene and similar products leave an unpleasant odor that is rather difficult to remove even after washing.
- Warning: do not expose the tar to high temperatures (food fat or very hot water).
- For items in leather, suede, fur or imitation leather, rely on a professional cleaning service.
- If in doubt, avoid further damage and wash the fabrics following the instructions on the detergents and on the clothing label regarding temperatures and types of treatments.
- Stains found on fabrics that are "dry clean only" should only be treated by a professional.
- Do not expose the fabric to heat (dry clothes only in fresh air) until the stains are completely gone.
- Do not inhale the fumes of volatile and flammable detergents; Not use these products near open flames (such as a stove pilot flame) and lit cigarettes.
