How to Remove Tar from Tile

Janet said, “Any tips on removing bitumen?”

You Will Need:

• Petroleum jelly
• A sandwich bag
• Ice
• A wood spatula
• A cloth
• WD-40
• White vinegar
• Glycerin or linseed oil
• Mineral spirits
• Scouring powder

Steps to Remove the Tar:

1. If the spot is old or dry, wipe petroleum jelly onto it and let it soak up the jelly for about half an hour to soften it before you begin cleaning.¹
2. If the asphalt is fresh and thick, fill a sandwich bag with ice and lay the bag over the tar to help it solidify more quickly. Chip off the frozen asphalt with a wood spatula.²
3. If the spot of asphalt is very small or thin, spray a cloth with WD-40 and use it to rub away the stain.³
4. If no WD-40 is available, use white vinegar with a few drops of liquid vegetable glycerin or linseed oil in it per every 4 ounces. Apply the cleaner on a cloth and use it to rub away the stain.⁴
5. Mineral spirits is another cleaner that can be useful for removing a small spot of asphalt, however it can also damage the seal on tiles so be sure to test it in a hidden location first. If safe, dampen a cloth with the solvent and use it to rub away the stain.⁵
6. Once you have removed the majority of the tar, use a scouring powder, such as Bar Keeper’s Friend, to remove any remaining residue.²

• There are specialty solvents made for removing asphalt which can be purchased from a construction supplier.²
• Citrus-based solvents can also be very effective for dissolving asphalt.⁶
• When applying the tar within your home, always use polyurethane sheets to protect the area around where you will be applying the tar to keep unwanted stains to a minimum.²
• Wrapping your feet with plastic shopping bags before walking near fresh asphalt can protect your shoes and prevent you from tracking the asphalt where it isn’t wanted.⁵

1. Don Aslett’s Stainbuster’s Bible
2. Stain Removal by Stephanie Zia
3. Clean it Fast, Clean it RIGHT by Jeff Bredenberg
4. The Country Almanac of Housekeeping Techniques That Save You Money by Richard Freudenberger and Backhome Magazine
5. 1,001 Do-It-Yourself Hints & Tips by Reader’s Digest
6. Extreme Carpet Cleaning Handbook by Chris Yarbrough