Whether you’ve been tracking in mud or your dog has left paw prints all over your clean floors, you know it can be tough to get tar off of shoes. However, you don’t need expensive cleaners or hazardous chemicals to get the job done.
With a bit of elbow grease and some common household items, you can get your shoes clean. Read on for tips on how to get tar off of shoes using items you already have at home.
Summary: To get tar off of shoes, you can try freezing the tar, scraping it off, or wiping it off with a cloth. Chemical cleaners may also be used in some cases. For tougher spots, try the baking soda and sugar, an alcohol and water solution, metal polish and toothpaste paste, white vinegar solution, baking soda paste again, denture cleaner paste, a plastic bag & hairspray, hot water/salt solution, or laundry detergent.
Why It’s Important to Get Tar Off of Shoes?
Getting tar off of shoes is important for a few reasons. First of all, it can be difficult to walk in shoes covered in tar, so getting it off will make them more comfortable. Secondly, tar can be difficult to clean and leave a residue behind, which can be dangerous if you’re walking on wet surfaces. Finally, tar can be a breeding ground for bacteria, so it’s important to clean it off and eliminate any potentially harmful germs.
Things You’ll Need
- Old toothbrush
- Petroleum jelly
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
- Water
A Stepwise Guide on How to Get Tar Off of Shoes
Step 1: Freezing the Tar
The first step in how to get tar off of shoes is to freeze the tar. This can be done by putting the shoes in a plastic bag and then placing them in the freezer for a few hours.
Step 2: Scraping the Tar
If the tar is still wet, you can use a blunt knife or a credit card to scrape it off. If the tar is dry and hardened, you’ll need to use a stiff-bristled brush to loosen it before scraping. Be sure to work in small sections, so the tar doesn’t have a chance to harden again.
Step 3: Wiping Off the Tar
Once you’ve loosened the tar, you can begin wiping it off your shoes. Start by gently using a paper towel or cloth to dab at the affected areas. If the tar is still proving to be stubborn, you can use a mild soap and water solution to help break it down further. Finish by wiping away any soap residue with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Step 4: Use of Chemical Cleaners
If the tar is particularly stubborn, a chemical cleaner may be needed. A variety of commercial products are available for this purpose. Choose a product that is appropriate for the type of surface being cleaned. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Please do not use too much of the product, or it may damage the surface. Test the cleaner in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it will not damage the finish.
Some common household cleaners can also be used to remove tar. For example, WD-40 can be effective at removing tar from many surfaces. However, it is important to use caution when using any cleaner on shoe material, as some cleaners can damage it. Try a small amount of cleaner on an inconspicuous area of the shoe first to ensure it will not damage it.
Once the tar is loosened, it can be removed with a cloth or scrub brush. Be sure to rinse the area well with clean water after using any chemical cleaner.
Step 5: Use of Baking Soda and Sugar
Another method you can remove tar from shoes is a mixture of baking soda and sugar. This will help break down the tar and make it easier to remove. Combine two tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of sugar and mix. Then, using a brush or your fingers, apply the mixture to the tar on your shoes.
Step 6: Alcohol & Water Solution
Dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol, then place it over the tar. Allow the alcohol to soak in for a few minutes. Dampen another cloth with water and place it over the alcohol-soaked cloth. Rub the shoes together to help loosen the tar. Pour one part of alcohol (such as vodka or isopropyl alcohol) into two parts of water in a bowl. Soak the shoes for about 15 minutes, then scrub with a brush.
If the solution doesn’t work, try using shampoo or dish soap instead of alcohol. These will help to loosen the tar without damaging the shoes. Then, repeat the process until all of the tar has been removed from your shoes.
Step 7: Metal Polish & Toothpaste Paste
If you’ve already tried the above home remedies and haven’t had any success, you can also try using a metal polish or toothpaste paste. Apply either of these to the tar spot on your shoe and scrub with a toothbrush. Rinse well afterward.
Step 8: White Vinegar Solution
You can also use a white vinegar solution to get tar off of shoes. First, create a 1:1 mixture of white vinegar and water. Then, use an old toothbrush to scrub the mixture into the sticky spot on your shoe. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before wiping it away with a clean cloth. You may need to repeat this process a few times for tough spots.
If you don’t have white vinegar on hand, you can also try using lemon juice or rubbing alcohol. These solutions may take a little longer to work, but they will eventually loosen the tar so you can wipe it away.
Step 9: Baking Soda Paste Again
If the tar is still not coming off your shoes, mix some baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply this paste to the tar and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a brush or rag to scrub at the tar until it comes off. Be sure to rinse your shoes thoroughly after this step.
Step 10: Denture Cleaner Paste
This is a more recent discovery of how to get tar off of shoes. It’s also a lot cheaper and can be found at most pharmacies. Take some denture cleaner paste and put it on the tarred area. Let it sit for a minute or two, then scrub with a toothbrush. The paste will help loosen the tar and make it easier to remove. Rinse well and repeat as necessary.
Step 11: Plastic Bag & Hairspray
If the acetone/nail polish remover and scrubbing method didn’t work, you could try this method. First, cover the sticky tar with a layer of plastic wrap or a plastic bag. Then, spray the area with hairspray. The alcohol in hairspray will help break down the tar, making it easier to remove. Let the area sit for a few minutes, then wipe it clean with a paper towel or cloth.
Step 12: Hot Water/Salt Solution
Boil a pot of water and add 1/2 cup of salt. Allow the salt to dissolve. Pour the solution over the shoes. The heat will help to loosen the tar. Let the shoes soak for 30 minutes.
Step 13: Laundry Detergent:
Tar is a stubborn stain and can be difficult to remove. If all of the above methods have failed, you can try using laundry detergent. Add a small amount to a bucket of warm water and soak the shoes for 30 minutes. Rub the shoes together to help loosen the tar, then rinse with cold water. Let them air dry.
Some Other Easiest Way to Remove Tar from your Shoe
If the tar is still fresh, you can use cooking oil to remove it. First, pour a small amount of oil onto the tar and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a cloth or paper towel to wipe the tar away.
Here are some other tips:
Scrape Off the Big Tar Gunk Off the Shoe Bottom
You can use a dull knife, a wooden paint scraper, or your fingers to scrape off the big chunks of tar. If the tar is still gummy, rub some cooking oil into it and let it sit for a minute before scraping it off. This will help lift the tar off the shoe bottom.
Cleansing out The Dirty Tar
Tar is an extremely stubborn and dirty substance that can be difficult to remove from shoes. However, it can be cleaned up relatively easily with the right tools and methods. Here are a few tips on how to get tar off of shoes:
Use Solvents to Remove Stubborn Tar Stains from Shoe Soles
If the tar is fresh, you can remove it by gently scraping it off with a blunt knife. If the tar has been on the shoe for a while and is stubborn, you can use petroleum jelly or cooking oil to loosen it. Apply either of these liberally to the tear-stained area, wait a few minutes, and then wipe away with a clean cloth. Finally, wash the shoes with soap and water to remove residual oil or jelly.
Shoe Cleaner for The Final Touch
If the shoes are not very dirty, you can clean them with a shoe cleaner. Apply the cleaner to a cloth and wipe the shoes clean. If the shoes are very dirty, you can remove the tar with a solvent. Again, apply the solvent to a cloth and wipe the shoes clean.
Some Diy Methods to Get Tar Off by Your Shoe
Freeze Your Shoes to Remove Pine Tar
If you’re a fan of baseball, then you know how messy pine tar can be. It makes your hands and clothes dirty, but it can also get on your shoes. While there are various ways to remove pine tar from your hands and clothes, removing it from your shoes can be more difficult. One way to remove pine tar from your shoes is to freeze them.
Place your shoes in the freezer overnight, and the tar should become brittle and easy to remove in the morning. You can then use a paper towel or a soft cloth to wipe away the tar.
If you don’t have a freezer or freezing your shoes isn’t an option, you can try using Goo Gone. Apply a small Goo Gone to a paper towel or a soft cloth and rub it into the tar. Let the solution sit for a few minutes before wiping it away.
Baby Oil/Vegetable Oil for Beach Tar Removal
Beach tar can be removed with any oil, including baby oil or vegetable oil. Just apply a generous amount to the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a rag. You may need to repeat this process a few times to get all of the tar off.
Tar Solvents for Leather Boots
There are a few ways to remove tar from your leather boots, depending on what materials you have on hand. One way is to use a solvent such as WD-40 or acetone nail polish remover. Apply some of the solvents to a clean cloth and rub it onto the tar spot on your boot. The tar should come right off. If you don’t have any solvents on hand, you can also try using olive oil or Vaseline. Again, apply a small amount to a clean cloth and rub it into the tar spot. The oil or Vaseline will loosen the tar so that you can wipe it away easily.
If the above methods don’t work, you can also try using a pumice stone or sandpaper to scrub the tar off. Be sure not to use too much pressure, as you don’t want to damage the leather once you’ve removed the tar; clean and condition your boots to restore them to their original condition.
Restore Suede Shoes from Asphalt with Home Supplies
Suede shoes are easily stained with asphalt and tar. To remove the stubborn black spots, mix a solution of one part white vinegar with two parts water. Dip a soft-bristled brush into the mixture and scrub the stains until they disappear. Allow the shoes to air dry. If any marks remain, use a pencil eraser to remove them.
How to Get Tar Off White Canvas Shoes?
If you’re anything like me, you love a good pair of canvas shoes. They’re comfortable, stylish, and go with just about everything. But, unfortunately, they can also be quite difficult to keep clean – especially if you step in a puddle of tar.
Luckily, you can follow a few simple steps to get tar off of your white canvas shoes.
- Start by scraping as much of the tar off the shoes as possible using a dull object like a spoon or a butter knife.
- Next, soak the shoes in warm water for about 15 minutes.
- Finally, use a toothbrush to scrub away any remaining tar.
- If you follow these steps, you should be able to get the tar off of your shoes without any problem.
How to Remove Tar From Leather Shoes?
If you have ever had the unfortunate experience of stepping in tar, you know how difficult removing it can be. The sticky substance is difficult to get off of your skin, but it can also be difficult to remove from leather shoes. To remove tar from your leather shoes, you will need:
- Petroleum Jelly
- A Clean Cloth
- Isopropyl Alcohol
Begin by applying a small amount of petroleum jelly to the tar stain. Then, gently rub the petroleum jelly into the tar using a clean cloth. The jelly will help break down the tar and make it easier to remove. Once you have rubbed the petroleum jelly into the tar, use a clean cloth to wipe away the excess.
Next, pour a small amount of isopropyl alcohol onto the tar stain. Again, gently rub the alcohol into the tar using a clean cloth. The alcohol will help further break down the tar and make it easier to remove. Once you have rubbed the alcohol into the tar, use a clean cloth to wipe away the excess.
Finally, allow the shoes to air dry. The tar should be completely removed by then. If not, repeat the steps until the tar is gone.
Can I Use Any Shoe Polish to Get Tar Off My Shoes, or Should I Stick with The Brand that Comes in Cans?
There are a few different ways to get tar off your shoes. You can use a shoe polish designed to remove tar, or you can use a household cleaner. If you have the brand of shoe polish that comes in a can, it is likely designed to remove tar. However, if you do not have that specific type of shoe polish, any shoe polish will work to remove tar.
Apply the shoe polish to a clean cloth and rub it onto the affected areas of your shoes. Let the shoe polish sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a clean cloth. You may need to repeat this process a few times to remove all the tar.
If you are using a household cleaner, apply the cleaner to a clean cloth and rub it onto the affected areas of your shoes. Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a clean cloth. You may need to repeat this process a few times to remove all the tar.
Tips to Keep Your Shoes Clean
Shoes are an important part of our everyday lives. They protect our feet from the ground and keep us looking stylish. However, they can also get dirty quickly if we’re not careful. Here are a few tips to help keep your shoes clean:
- If your shoes get dirty, try to clean them as soon as possible.
- If you get tar on your shoes, use a Magic Eraser to remove it.
- To clean the rest of your shoes, use a damp rag and some soap.
- Make sure they are completely dry before you put them away.
- If you have leather shoes, use a leather cleaner to remove any dirt or stains.
- Use a shoe brush to clean the soles of your shoes.
- If your shoes are white, use bleach to remove any stains.
- Store your shoes in a dry place.
Frequently Asked Question
Does Shoe Polish Work for Getting Tar Off of Shoes?
Not really. Tar is oil-based, not water-soluble, and sticky to the touch. Getting tar off of shoes often involves using an industrial solvent like mineral turpentine, then latex gloves and Vaseline for drying after the solvent has evaporated. People who work with tar use a suspended platform (which looks like scaffolding) covered in tarpaulin to avoid contact with the substance.
Is There a Difference Between Tar Remover and Shoe Polish?
There is a difference between tar remover and shoe polish. Tar remover is specifically designed to remove tar, while shoe polish is designed to protect and enhance the appearance of shoes.
Does Vinegar Remove Tar?
Some people say that vinegar will remove tar from shoes, while others claim it does not work. If you are looking to try this method, start mixing one part vinegar with three parts water. Next, soak a rag in the mixture and place the rag on top of the tar. Allow the mixture to soak in for a few minutes before scrubbing at the tar with the rag. You may need to repeat this process a few times before the tar comes off.
You Can Check it Out to Break in Dansko Shoes
Conclusion
Tar is a common and pesky problem, but you can remove it quickly and easily with a few simple tricks. Have you tried any of these methods for removing tar from shoes? If not, give them a try the next time you encounter this stubborn substance. Thanks for reading our post about how to get tar off of shoes.
