How to Get Tar Out of Carpet: The Best Products and Methods

Tar is an extremely sticky substance that will leave behind a viscous and gluey residue that binds to carpet fibers, proving difficult to remove. Overtime, that sticky residue accumulates dirt and grime, creating a tough stain that requires professional attention and special products to treat.

What Is Tar and How Does It Get onto Carpet?

In addition to being a highly sticky substance, tar is also extremely resistant to just about everything, including both chemicals and physical, forced removal. It’s used in the construction of roads to seal cracks, increase imperviousness, and extend the lifetime of infrastructure. Its resilience is also why it can be a pain to remove from carpet. If it’s tracked indoors on the underside of boots, carts, or on work gear, it can stain and potentially damage carpet if not treated quickly and properly.

To have the best chance at removing tar from carpet, it should be cleaned as soon as it’s noticed. Here, we’ll list a couple of methods on how to remove tar from carpet, including products that can help you get the job done.

Do Homemade Remedies Work on Tar Stains?

While homemade remedies and solutions can help treat a tar spill or carpet stain, household products generally aren’t strong enough to completely remove stubborn and sticky tar that’s worked its way deep into the carpet fibers. Some products, like rubbing alcohol, may do more harm than good if not used correctly.

The experts at Jon-Don always recommend using products designed specifically for tar removal. In a pinch, and if caught early enough, the following methods may be used to remove small or very superficial tar spots from carpet. 

Rubbing Alcohol

Please note that rubbing alcohol is a dry solvent, and if too much is used to try to clean a tar carpet stain, it could soak through the carpet fiber, making the stain worse and potentially damaging the latex backing on the carpet.

1. Lightly dampen a clean white cloth or paper towel with undiluted rubbing alcohol. Do not pour directly onto the carpet.
2. Gently blot the affected area of the carpet with the cloth. Do not rub.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until the stain comes out.
4. Clean the affected area with water to remove any remaining tar and excess rubbing alcohol.

Dishwashing Detergent

1. Combine a 1:1 solution of water and dishwashing detergent (not dish soap) in a small bowl.
2. Soak a clean white cloth or paper towel in the solution and blot the stain. Do not rub.
3. If the carpet stain comes out, blot the area again with clean water to remove any remaining tar and excess detergent.

Professional Procedures and Products for Removing Tar from Carpet

The first step to removing tar from carpet is always to physically remove as much as possible before applying any chemicals. Use a bone spatula to scrape or pry off any dried bits of tar, followed by a thorough vacuuming. This will significantly enhance the performance of your cleaning product to dissolve and remove the sticky tar residue from the carpet.

Basic Method: Option 1

1. Using a bone spatula, apply generous pressure and scrape the affected area to clear away any excess tar.
2. Apply Matrix® Orange Power Gel undiluted to a spotting towel and use a tamping brush to blot it against the tar spot. Do not over-apply, as this may cause delamination.
3. Apply Matrix® Break Down P.O.G. undiluted to a spotting towel and use a tamping brush to blot it against the tar spot. Do not apply directly to the carpet, as it may cause delamination.
4. Using an extraction machine, rinse thoroughly.

Basic Method: Option 2

1. Using a bone spatula, apply generous pressure and scrape the affected area to clear away any excess tar.
2. Apply Matrix®Citrus Force ASD undiluted to a spotting towel and use a tamping brush to blot it against the tar spot. Do not over-apply, as this may cause delamination.
3. Apply Matrix® Break Down P.O.G. undiluted to a spotting towel and use a tamping brush to blot it against the tar spot. Do not apply directly to the carpet, as it may cause delamination.
4. Using an extraction machine, rinse thoroughly.

The Best Products For Tar Removal

A professional carpet cleaner requires an arsenal of carpet cleaning tools and products that will help them get the job done, no matter what’s stuck in the carpet.

For tar removal, try these products designed especially to dissolve, extract, clean and treat tar spills and stains in carpet:

EZ Spot® Portable Spotting Extractor with Heat: This lightweight and portable mini-extractor is ideal for treating tar spots in the home, at the office or in the car.

Matrix® Orange Power Gel: Natural citrus extracts combine in this ready-to-use formula that dissolves stuck-on tar with ease.

Matrix® Break Down P.O.G.: This essential spot cleaner treats oil-based stains, including road tar, quickly — and dries just as fast.

Matrix® Citrus Force ASD: If tar creates a particularly stubborn stain and requires a pre-spray, the power of the citrus solvents in this carpet treatment solution can boost pre-spray performance.

Bone Spatula: This handy, versatile tool is great for scraping gummy excess tar out of carpets, and for working spotting solutions into the carpet fiber for a deeper clean.

Warning and cautions: Always test material for colorfastness, follow label directions, and never mix products unless specified in the label directions. Each situation reacts differently and results may vary.

For more stain removal advice, check out our technical tip library for help on tackling all sorts of common—and uncommon—spots and stains on carpet. If you need help troubleshooting a tough spot or stain, call 800-556-6366 to speak with an expert on our team.