Tar Removal.

**SoldierSpike** · 13th July 07, 09:50 PM

I've been cleaning bits and pieces of gear for a while now for their imminent turn-in, and ran across some fabric that had tar ground into it. So I figured I would pose the question here: apart from using aviation fuel (Avgas) how does one remove tar without discoloring the fabric?

thanks in advance

Marc

**Archangel** · 13th July 07, 10:57 PM

My first thought would be wd-40 but then I thought of the industrial freeze spray that they use for gum in carpets. Makes the stuff brittle but not the fabric so it crumbles out.

**mkmound** · 14th July 07, 12:53 PM

There's also a product (or maybe more than one) whose label says it's for "grafitti removal" -- I think the name is "Goof-off" or something like that. It's solvent-based, so might work on tar. There are also some automotive cleaning products that might work.

**Big Paul** · 15th July 07, 05:10 AM

I second the Goof Off!

Just be sure to try it on the inner apron first, just to make sure what it will do o the fabric!

**Rusty** · 15th July 07, 07:30 AM

Try concrete/driveway cleaner from Castrol (in the purple jug) Walmart auto dept. Works like a charm as a pre-wash treatment for grease and tar on clothing and so far I haven't seen any fading.

**Erisianmonkey** · 15th July 07, 02:52 PM

Naphtha. Good ol' Ronsonol is the best thing I know of for tar, and evaporates out of clothing in about 24-36 hours.

**SoldierSpike** · 15th July 07, 08:53 PM

Originally Posted by Big Paul

I second the Goof Off!

Just be sure to try it on the inner apron first, just to make sure what it will do o the fabric!

Unfortunately there is no inner apron to test it on, fortunately it wasn't a kilt that got tar ground in, unfortunately it was my body armor (yes I will be removing the ballistic materiel before I clean it)

And thanks for the advice!

Marc

**Big Paul** · 16th July 07, 06:54 AM

Originally Posted by SoldierSpike

Unfortunately there is no inner apron to test it on, fortunately it wasn't a kilt that got tar ground in, unfortunately it was my body armor (yes I will be removing the ballistic materiel before I clean it)

And thanks for the advice!

Marc

Oops! I would help if I slowed down a read it..

**Phil** · 17th July 07, 02:06 AM

An old wives tale - butter. My mother used it when we got tar on our clothes off the roads in summer. Yes it does sometimes get hot here.

Raptor · 17th July 07, 05:55 PM

In Australia we have a product called "Big Kev's Goo Remover" which is the ultimate for that kind of thing. It is some sort of citrus based oil (orange) Similar products should be available in the US