The Forecast Report

Stay connected through our community initiatives, sustainability updates, styling tips, and exciting partnerships!

How to Get Tar off Shoes: A Comprehensive Guide

Have you ever found yourself walking on a newly constructed road and, when you look at your favorite shoes again, they are stuck with something? Tar, with its strong clinging ability, is not long-lasting and can be very annoying. But if you are caught between a rock and a hard place, don’t despair. Our guide will explain how to remove tar from shoes so that they remain clean for future trips.

Have you ever stepped into tar and wish you could wash it off not only because of the unsightly stain but also the weight it adds to your shoe? At Vessi, we know the annoyance that results from stepping tar with your favorite shoes while enjoying your outdoor sessions.  Well, Vessi shoes are not only waterproof but also lightweight to keep your feet dry and keep you comfortable even with the added weight that comes with stepping on tar. For instance, the Stormburst High Top shoes are lightweight, waterproof and stylish with a cloud like comfort that ensures your feet don't get irritated even while stepping on tarred surfaces.

Now, it is high time to describe the methods and tricks that may assist you in eradicating the nasty tar stains from your shoes. These solutions will come in handy whether you are dealing with Vessi shoes or any other beautiful pair you cherish. Therefore, you can step up knowing that your shoes are clean.

Preparation

Preparation before you remove tar from shoes

Image Source: delaware-surf-fishing.com

Proper preparation should be made before trying to eliminate tar on your shoes. The following steps should be followed closely to ensure that you are prepared to take on the challenge.

A. Gather necessary materials

Before you begin, gather the following materials to aid in the tar removal process:

  • Plastic or metal scraper: This will help remove excess tar from your shoes.

  • Clean cloth: You'll need a cloth to apply solvents or natural remedies and to wipe off the tar stain.

  • Solvent or natural remedy: For your cleaning needs, select a proper solvent, such as rubbing alcohol, WD-40, or nail polish remover. However, if you can't access these products, consider raw foods with a similar texture, such as peanuts, butter, or cooking oil.

  • Mild soap or detergent: After removing the tar, you'll need this to wash the sneakers or shoes.

  • Water: Have water readily available for rinsing.

B. Choose an appropriate work area

Choose a location where no one will distract you and cause an accident or create a lot of clutter. The area chosen for carrying out the work should also be well-illuminated and well-ventilated since some of the solvents may emit rather pungent smells. Make sure that the working area is clean at all times and has no possible dangers around.

C. Put on protective gloves (If needed)

When using the solvent or the natural remedy, there are instances when one should wear gloves to avoid skin reactions or contact with chemicals. Each product may come with different instructions or safety precautions; refer to it and wear gloves as required.

How to Get Tar off Shoes

Tar is difficult to remove from shoes; however, it is possible to get rid of the sticky substance given proper procedures and processes. Here are 11 methods you can try to remove tar from your shoes:

Method 1: Scrape off excess tar

  1. Wait for it the tar to harden by placing the shoe in a cool area or putting ice cubes in a cloth to hasten the process.

  2. You can use a plastic or metal scraper, such as a credit card, a plastic knife, a putty knife, etc., to scrape as much tar as possible.

  3. Do not apply much pressure on the scraper to avoid tearing the shoe material's covering.

Method 2: Rubbing alcohol

  1. Use rubbing alcohol on a small, hidden part of the shoe to check if it stains or bleeds on the material.

  2. Moisten a clean microfiber cloth with some rubbing alcohol and then apply it circularly to the area with the tar stain.

  3. Keep massaging it until the tar softens, and you can transfer it to the cloth.

  4. If the tar is not removed, a fresh section of cloth must be used, and the process must be repeated.

Method 3: WD-40

Removing tar using WD-40

Image Source: inthewash.co.uk

  1. Apply WD-40 on the affected area in a circular motion by spraying it on the tar stain or applying it on a clean cloth, which is rubbed on the stain.

  2. Wipe the shoe surface with the cloth in a circular motion, avoiding applying too much pressure, especially if the area is tarred.

  3. Proceed rubbing until the tar starts to soften and peel off.

  4. Removal of any remaining residue may be done using a clean microfiber cloth or a paper towel.

  5. Rinse the shoe with clean water and use a mild soap to wash off any remaining WD-40.

Method 4: Nail polish remover

  1. Applying nail polish remover to a small, hidden part of the shoe will confirm the material's compatibility with this product.

  2. Using a nail polish remover with acetone, wet a clean cloth and gently rub on the tar stain.

  3. Circulate the stained part slightly with your fingers while applying slight pressure.

  4. Continue to blot and rub until you wash off and eliminate the tar from the shoe.

  5. Finally, use a clean cloth or paper to wipe off any residue that remains on the surface.

Method 5: Petroleum jelly

  1. Rub the tar stain with a bar of soap, then evenly spread petroleum jelly or baby oil on the affected area.

  2. Allow the petroleum jelly to stay on the tar for a few minutes to help dissolve the tar.

  3. You should use a very clean microfiber cloth or paper that allows you to rub the tar lightly in a circular motion.

  4. As you rub, the tar should begin peeling from the shoe surface.

  5. Scrape or wipe any remaining tar with a fresh cloth or a spatula.

Method 6: Peanut butter

  1. Spread a thin layer of peanut butter (not chunky) on the tar-stained area.

  2. Give the butter adequate time to melt at the tar stain to enhance the penetration of the tar.

  3. To remove the tar, use a clean cloth and gently apply pressure while rubbing circularly.

  4. When you are massaging, the oils within the peanut butter will cause the tar to loosen.

  5. You can flush it out with hot water and then wipe off the peanut butter and tar residue with a clean cloth.

Method 7: Cooking oil

  1. Apply a little cooking oil, like vegetable or olive oil, on a clean piece of cloth.

  2. Using the oil-soaked cloth, rub the tar stain softly in circular movements.

  3. Olive or vegetable oil will help dissolve the tar, making it easier to wipe it out.

  4. If the tar doesn't come off, use a new piece of cloth and rub until the tar is gone.

  5. To remove oil, gently wash the shoe with mild soap and warm water.

Method 8: Hand sanitizer:

  1. First, try it on a small and inconspicuous part of the shoe material to determine how the shoe would react to hand sanitizers.

  2. Scrub the affected area with a small amount of hand sanitizer, which contains alcohol in it.

  3. Apply the sanitizer on the stained area using a clean microfiber cloth or sponge in circular motions.

  4. The friction you make while rubbing decreases the tar, and the alcohol in the hand sanitizer helps.

  5. Rub it until you remove the tar and raise it off the shoe.

  6. Scrap the remaining tar and use another clean cloth to remove the debris.

Method 9: Dish soap and warm water

Remove tar with Dish Soap and Warm Water

Image Source: shoescast.com

  1. Mix some fresh, warm water into a basin or sink with a few drops of mild dish soap.

  2. Place the shoe with the tar stain in soapy water and allow it to soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Another method is to place cotton balls dipped in fresh water over the stained area.

  3. Use a soft-bristle brush to wash the rest of the tar stains still clinging to the surface.

  4. Finally, wash the shoe with plain water to wash away the soap solution used in cleaning the shoe.

  5. Let the shoe dry independently without interference from other sources, such as a heater.

Method 10: Baking soda paste

  1. Create a simple paste by combining baking soda with limited water.

  2. Using this baking soda paste, apply it directly on the tar stain.

  3. After that, let the paste stand on the stain for 15-20 minutes to allow it to penetrate the tar.

  4. Deal with the stain using a soft brush or the bristles of a toothbrush.

  5. Wash the shoe with water and use a cloth to wipe off any dirt on the shoe.

Method 11: Commercial tar remover

  1. Have a commercial tar remover that can be obtained from hardware stores or automotive shops.

  2. For application, please adhere to the guidelines provided by the specific product manufacturer.

  3. In general, you will rub the tar remover on the spot where this material has stained and let it stay for a certain amount of time.

  4. Use a spotless microfiber cloth or sponge to gently rub and clean the tar. Use another piece of cloth or a paper towel to remove any traces of tar.

Considerations When Removing Tar Stains

Considerations When Removing Tar Stains

Image Sources: shoescast.com

1. Consider professional cleaning or repair services

If the tar stain remains after the above procedures, it would be advisable to seek the services of a professional cleaner or repairer. Shoe repair shops or professional cleaning companies are the best because they have the tools and experience to deal with stubborn stains. They offer personalized recommendations on how best to clean tar stains that have proven to be quite resistant.

2. Seek specialized products

Occasionally, even normal liquids like water and detergents may not help with those super tough tar stains or natural homemade products. Seek out formulated products that are intended to neutralize stubborn marks on shoes.

This includes products formulated to contain even more potent compounds or formulations that will adequately address the tar stains. For optimum results, ensure that you adhere to all the critical directions that the manufacturer has provided.

3. Pretest on inconspicuous areas

When using any specific product or cleaner, you should first test a patch on a hidden part of the shoes you are cleaning. This step will help you avoid having your product cause discoloration or physical harm to the shoe material.

Slightly apply a portion of this product to your fingertip and try rubbing it discretely onto the inner part of the shoe tongue or a portion of the shoe sole that is not frequently seen by other people. After some minutes, look for any side effects regarding pain and other related complications.

4. Repeat the process

Some tar stains can be hard to clean and may need several treatments to remove all the tar. Repeat the process with the specialized product or cleaner if the initial application does not produce satisfactory results. Given that the tar stain is long-standing, several rounds of treatment may be necessary to remove it.

5. Conditioning and rejuvenating

Carrying the shoes may involve conditioning and rejuvenating them once the tar stains have been dealt with. Shine the shoe's surface with a shoe conditioner or leather moisturizer to replenish the moisture and extend the shoe's longevity. Read the instructions for production to know the proper application method.

Conclusion on How to Get Tar off Shoes

That is all for this extensive guide on removing that stubborn tar from your favorite shoes. We have provided detailed information about various methods, including solvents and natural remedies, to assist you in removing those annoying tar stains. As you wear Vessi shoes or any other brand, it is important to know that tar stains can be inevitable at times, but they do not have to be a permanent issue.

To protect the shoe material, it’s mandatory to take time and use more gentle force throughout the process. If the stain remains after that, do not be shy about seeking professional cleaning or repair services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Removing Tar Stain

1. How do you remove dried tar?

To remove dried tar, let it dry out longer so the sticky substance becomes more rigid. If the tar has hardened after about fifteen to twenty minutes, it should be carefully scrapped off using a plastic or metal scraper. Next, pour a solvent such as rubbing alcohol, WD-40, or nail polish remover on another clean side of the microfiber fabric and wipe the affected area. Repeat the process, and then clean the shoe as needed.

2. What removes asphalt tar from the bottom of the shoe?

To clean the bottom of a shoe with asphalt tar, the first thing that should be done is to let the tar dry up. When the tar is fully hardened, one must remove as much of the tar as possible using a scraper that could be either made of plastic or metal. Next, use rubbing alcohol, WD-40, or the right kind of solvent to clean a piece of cloth before wiping the car's surface affected by the tar. Repeat the process if necessary, and then wipe the shoe clean.

3. How do you remove beach tar?

First, let the tar dry by leaving it open to air or applying ice cubes to cool it down. Then, it is useful to remove as much of the hardened tar as possible using a plastic or metal scraper. Next, degrease the affected area with a solvent such as rubbing alcohol, WD 40, or a tarring solvent, depending on your region. If necessary, repeat the same process and wash the shoe afterward.

Seek Adventure.
Innovate.
Live Your Best Life.

Sign up for our newsletters to follow The Forecast, our new arrivals, and exclusive promotions.

Your Cart

Filling Cart