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? With its strong clinging ability, Tar is not long lasting and can be very annoying. At times like these, investing in reliable waterproof shoes is especially valuable.

At Vessi, we fully appreciate the annoyance that results from tar stains on your favorite shoes. Have you ever had an occasion to step into tar and wish you could just wash it off? Well, Vessi waterproof shoes do not just keep your feet dry particularly during rainy weather, but they also handle tar scenarios. These innovative designs of Vessi make sure that your feet are dry and comfortable, so you can enjoy walking through all sorts of wet horrors now.

But if you are caught in between a rock and a hard place, well, don’t despair. Our guide will explain how one can remove tar from the shoes so that they remain clean for the next trips.

Now it is high time to describe the methods and tricks which 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 that you cherish, therefore, you can step up knowing that your shoes are clean.

Preparation

Image Source: delaware-surf-fishing.com

Proper preparation should be made before trying to eliminate tar on your shoes. Here are the following steps that you should follow closely to make sure 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: Select a proper solvent such as rubbing alcohol, WD-40 or nail polish remover for your cleaning needs. However, if one is unable to access these products, then they can consider going for raw foods with a similar texture such as peanut butter or cooking oil.

• Mild soap or detergent: You'll need this to wash the sneakers or shoes after removing the tar.

• Water: Have water readily available for rinsing.

B. Choose an appropriate work area

Choose a location where one will not be in the way while working and cause an accident or make a lot of clutter. It is also advised that the area chosen for carrying out the work should 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 in order to avoid skin reactions or contact with chemicals. Each product may come with different sets of instructions or safety precautions; refer to it and wear gloves as per the requirement.

How to Get Tar off Shoes

Tar is a difficult substance 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. After applying the tar, wait for it 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, which can include a credit card, a plastic knife, putty knife, etc., to scrape as much tar as possible.

3. Do not apply much pressure on the scraper to avoid causing a tear on the covering of the shoe material.

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 in a circular motion to the area that has the tar stain.

3. Keep massaging it until the tar begins to soften and you can transfer it to the cloth.

4. If the tar is not removed, then it is necessary to use a fresh section of the cloth and repeat the process.

Method 3: 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 foreign material with the cloth in a circular motion making sure you do not apply 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 a small, hidden part of the shoe with nail polish remover will confirm the compatibility of the material with this product.
2. Using nail polish remover that has 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 a paper to wipe of any residue that might be remaining on the surface.

Method 5: Petroleum jelly

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

2. Allow the mineral oil to stay on the tar for a few minutes to help dissolve the tar.

3. It is recommended you use a very clean micro fiber cloth or a paper that would enable you rub the tar in circular motion lightly.

4. As you proceed to rub, the tar should begin to peel from the shoe surface.

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

Method 6: Peanut butter

1. Spread a thin layer of peanut butter (not the chunky kind) 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, one should instead use a clean piece of cloth and gently apply pressure while rubbing in circular manner.

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. The olive or vegetable oil will aid in dissolving the tar and thus it will be easier to wipe it out.
4. If the tar becomes ineffective either use a new piece of the cloth and rub until tar is gone.
5. To remove oil, gently wash the shoe with harmless 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 respond to hand sanitizers.

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

3. In circular motions, apply the sanitizer on the stained area using a clean microfiber cloth or sponge.

4. With the friction you make while rubbing the two, the alcohol in the hand sanitizer aids in decreasing the tar.

5. Keep on rubbing until you remove the tar and raise it off the shoe.

6. Scrape off the remaining tar and use another clean piece of cloth to remove the debris.

Method 9: Dish soap and warm water

Image Source: shoescast.com

1. Pour some fresh warm water into a basin or sink and then mix it with a few drops of mild dish soap.

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

3. For the rest of the tar stains still clinging to the surface, use a soft-bristle brush for washing.

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

5. Let the shoe dry on its own with no interference from other sources such as a heater.

Method 10: Baking soda paste

1. Create a simple paste by combining baking soda with a limited amount of 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 about 15-20 minutes to give it enough time to get through the tar.
4. Deal with the stain using a soft brush or even the bristles of a toothbrush.
5. Wash the shoe with water and use a cloth to wipe off any dirt that may remain 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 manufacturer of the specific product.
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. Ensure you use a very clean microfiber cloth or sponge so that you can gently rub and clean the tar.
5. Lastly, use another piece of cloth or a paper towel to remove any traces of tar.

Considerations When Removing Tar Stains

Image Sources: shoescast.com

1. Consider professional cleaning or repair services

If the tar stain still 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 right tools and experience to deal with stubborn stains. They offer you personalized recommendations on how best to clean tar stain that has proven to be quite resistant.

2. Seek specialized products

Occasionally, even normal liquids like water, detergents may not help to deal 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 that are 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 put down.

3. Pretest on inconspicuous areas

When using any specific product or cleaner, it is advisable to first do a patch test 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 actual shoe material.

Slight a portion of your finger tip of this product 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 in terms of pain and other related complications.

4. Repeat the process

Some of the tar stains can be quite hard to clean and may need a number of treatments to remove all the tar off. If the initial application does not produce satisfactory results, repeat the process with the specialized product or cleaner. Given that the tar stain is very long-standing, several rounds of treatment may be necessary to rid it completely.

5. Conditioning and rejuvenating

Once the tar stains have been successfully dealt with, caring for the shoes may involve conditioning and rejuvenating it. Shine the surface of the shoe with a shoe conditioner or leather moisturizer to replenish the moisture and extend the longevity of the shoe. Read the instructions printed on the product label to know the right method of application.

Conclusion on How to Get Tar off Shoes

And that is all for this so very extensive guide on how to remove that stubborn tar from your favourite shoes. So, the detailed information about various methods including solvents and natural remedies have been provided to your assistance 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. And if the stain remains after that, do not be shy to seek professional cleaning or repair services.

Well then, put your skills into action and bid farewell to the tar stains with minimal hassle. For my shoes, they will be happy for being used and for my feet, I will be all set for the next adventure with good-looking footwear.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Removing Tar Stain

1. How do you remove dried tar?

To remove dried tar, first let it continue drying out longer so that 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, nail polish remover on another clean side of a microfiber fabric and wipe the affected area. If necessary, repeat the process, and then clean the shoe as it would be 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 is then required to 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 surface of the car 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 up by leaving it open to air or applying the ice cubes to cool the tar down. It is then useful to remove as much as the hardened tar as possible using a plastic or a 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.