How to Get Tar Out of Carpet: 2 Ways That Actually Work
Tar on carpet is one of those stains that looks permanent but usually is not. I’ve tried a few different methods and the key is knowing whether the tar is soft or hardened before you start.
Check the Tar First
Before you reach for any cleaner, feel the tar stain. Is it still soft and sticky, or has it dried hard?
If it is soft, do not try to scrape it right away. You will just push it deeper into the fibers. Instead, grab a bag of ice or a can of compressed air and hold it over the stain for a few minutes to stiffen it up.
If the tar is already hard, move straight to the next step.
Dish Soap Method
This is my go-to method. It works well on most tar stains and you probably already have everything you need.
Step 1: Scrape the Tar
Use a dull edge, like the back of a butter knife or a plastic scraper, to lift off as much tar as you can. Work gently so you do not push any residue further into the pile.
Step 2: Vacuum the Area
Once the loose pieces are gone, vacuum the spot to pick up any remaining particles. This makes the cleaning solution more effective.
Step 3: Mix a Cleaning Solution
In a small bowl, mix one cup of warm water with one teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Stir it gently until it is combined. Nothing fancy, just a basic soap solution.
Step 4: Apply and Work the Stain
Pour or dab the solution directly onto the tar stain. Start at the outer edge of the stain and work your way toward the center. Moving inward keeps the stain from spreading outward onto clean carpet fibers.
If you want to make your own cleaning solution for future jobs, check out these homemade carpet cleaning solution recipes that use simple household ingredients.
Step 5: Rinse and Repeat
Rinse the spot with cold water. Keep applying the soap solution and rinsing until the stain is gone. Do not rush this part. Some tar stains need two or three rounds before they fully lift.
Step 6: Dry the Area
Blot the wet area with paper towels or use a shop vac to pull out the moisture. Press firmly but do not rub, as rubbing can fray the fibers.
Alternative Method: Hydrogen Peroxide or Rubbing Alcohol
If the dish soap method is not cutting it, try this instead.
Dampen the stained area with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol. Let it sit for about one minute so it can break down the tar. Then blot with a clean paper towel to absorb the residue.
For stubborn stains, lay a few paper towels flat on the area and place something heavy on top. Leave it overnight. The weight helps pull any remaining stain out of the fibers and into the paper towels.
This method works especially well on older or set-in tar stains. Hydrogen peroxide can lighten some carpet colors, so if you have a darker carpet, test it on a hidden spot first.
Tips to Get Better Results
A few things that make the process go smoother:
- Never use hot water. Cold or warm water only. Hot water can set the stain.
- Blot, do not scrub. Scrubbing spreads the stain and damages fibers.
- Work in small sections. Do not flood the area with solution all at once.
- Be patient. Tar is thick and oily. It may take several passes.
For tougher jobs, a carpet stain remover with a degreasing formula can speed things up significantly.
What If the Stain Is Still There?
If you have gone through both methods and the stain is still visible, you have a couple of options.
A carpet cleaning machine can get deeper into the fibers than manual scrubbing. For thick pile or textured carpet, this is often the better move for stubborn spots.
If the tar has been sitting for a long time and the stain is set deep, a professional cleaning service may be the most practical solution. At that point, DIY methods may only lighten it rather than remove it completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does WD-40 remove tar from carpet?
Some people use WD-40 on tar because it is an oil-based solvent that can break down the tar’s sticky texture. Apply a small amount, let it sit for a minute, then blot and follow up with the dish soap method to remove the oily residue. It can work in a pinch, but the dish soap follow-up step is essential.
Can rubbing alcohol damage carpet?
In most cases, no. Rubbing alcohol is generally safe on synthetic carpet fibers and will not bleach or discolor them. It can sometimes affect natural fiber carpets like wool, so always test in a hidden spot first.
How do you get dried tar out of carpet?
Hardened tar is actually easier to remove than soft tar. Use ice or compressed air to make it brittle if it is not already stiff, then scrape and vacuum before applying your cleaning solution. The stiffening step is what makes scraping clean and easy.
How do I prevent tar from spreading while cleaning?
Always work from the outside edge of the stain toward the center. Use blotting motions, not wiping. Apply solution in small amounts rather than soaking the area all at once. These three habits are what keep a small stain from turning into a bigger one.
