TOP 7 super simple and effective ways to remove tar from shoes

Tar is a difficult compound to handle when it sticks to shoes. Therefore, many people have to give up their favorite items in disgust. So is there a simple but effective way to remove tar from shoes ? Refer to the information shared by Shondo below!

1. How does asphalt affect shoes?

Asphalt produced from the distillation of crude oil is considered quite dangerous. It is black and has a very high adhesive ability. If the asphalt sticks to your shoes and is not promptly treated, it will cause the following consequences:

• Yellowing: For light-colored shoes, the sticky plastic area can lead to heavy yellow stains, which are unsightly.
• Cracked leather: Genuine leather shoes will experience dry skin, reducing softness and losing the original shape of the product.
• Reduced durability: The shoe structure will be destroyed by the toxic asphalt layer. If not handled promptly, the shoe's lifespan will quickly decrease.

2. Why should you clean your shoes immediately after getting asphalt on them?

No one wants their shoes to get tar on them for any reason. It is important to clean your shoes immediately because:

• Eliminate unpleasant odors: Asphalt has a very strong odor and is completely unhealthy due to the toxic chemicals it contains. Removing stains as soon as possible will help keep your shoes smelling fresh and protect you.
• Maintain aesthetics: You will lose points in the eyes of the other person if you continue to wear shoes with black plastic stains. The immediate fix will give you a lot of impressions, you will always look much cleaner and neater.
• Increased comfort when using: You will clearly feel the dryness of the plastic-adhered fabric surface, loss of elasticity in the sole. If not fixed soon, the smooth and comfortable experience on your favorite shoes will disappear immediately.

3. Top 7 ways to remove tar from shoes

Many people think that removing tar from shoes is impossible. However, with one of the tips below, it will definitely help you significantly reduce this condition.

3.1 Remove asphalt stains from shoes with gasoline

Gasoline is a strong cleaning agent, you should check the shoe material before doing it so that they do not burn. Note, we should choose an open, airy space to avoid suffocation.

Prepare:

• Gasoline (can use aromatic gasoline)
• Cotton, soft brush
• Glove
• Clean water

How to do:

• Step 1: Moisten the area where the plastic is stuck.
• Step 2: Use cotton to absorb a sufficient amount of gasoline and apply it to the plastic stain.
• Step 3: Use a soft bristle brush to gently and evenly brush in a circular motion.
• Step 4: Rinse with clean water and dry in a cool place.

3.2 Remove asphalt from shoes with essential oil

Wind oil is a safe way to remove tar from shoes without damaging the material. We can use any type but we must be careful during the process, if it gets into the eyes, we must treat it immediately.

Prepare:

• Wind oil.
• Cotton or soft cloth.
• Soap.
• Clean water.
• Glove.

How to do:

• Step 1: Pour essential oil directly onto the plastic part, wait about 20 minutes
• Step 2: Use cotton or soft cloth to rub hard on the stain.
• Step 3: Rinse with mild soap and clean water.
• Step 4: Dry in a cool place, avoid direct sunlight.

3.3 Remove asphalt stains on shoes with ammonia

Although not as popular as the two materials above, ammonia and borax still bring different effects when shoes get stuck with asphalt.

Prepare

• Ammonia has a concentration of 10% - 20%.
• Special shoe cleaning solution.
• Glove.
• Soft brush.

How to do it

• Step 1: Pour the solution onto the plastic-stained area (you can leave the entire shoe in if the plastic-stained area is large)
• Step 2: Wait for about 30 minutes, then use a brush to scrub vigorously to remove stains.
• Step 3: Wash again with a specialized solution to completely remove ammonia.
• Step 4: Dry in a well-ventilated area.

3.4 Remove asphalt from shoes with turpentine

Similarly, turpentine is a gentle, effective ingredient for removing tar from shoes without affecting the surface of the product. You should only use turpentine on suede and light-colored fabrics.

Prepare:

• Pine oil.
• Cotton, soft towel.
• Soap solution.
• Clean water.
• Glove.

How to do:

• Step 1: Soak oil through cotton, apply evenly on the surface of the shoe.
• Step 2: Wait about 10 minutes, then use a cloth to rub in a circular motion to avoid scratching the shoes.
• Step 3: Rinse with diluted soap and clean water.
• Step 4: Let the shoes dry naturally, do not expose to strong sunlight.

3.5 Remove asphalt stuck on shoes with 90 degree alcohol

90-degree alcohol is easy to find at drug stores, with a concentration just enough to remove small asphalt stains without affecting the elasticity and grip of the shoe.

Prepare:

• 90 degree alcohol
• Cotton, soft brush
• Specialized shoe cleaning solution
• Clean water

How to do it

• Step 1 : Use cotton wool soaked in alcohol on the plastic sticky area.
• Step 2: Use a brush to scrub until the plastic stain disappears completely.
• Step 3: Rinse with clean water and shoe solution to completely remove remaining acid.
• Step 4: Let the shoes dry naturally and use.

3.6 Remove asphalt stains from shoes with acetic acid

For areas with more and longer-lasting tar stains, acetic acid is an effective way to remove tar from shoes because of its amazing cleaning ability.

Prepare

• Pure acetic acid.
• Glove.
• Soap.
• Clean water.

How to do it

• Step 1: Dissolve acid with soap.
• Step 2: Soak shoes in the mixture and wash.
• Step 3: Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
• Step 4: Dry shoes in a cool place.

3.7 Remove asphalt stains on shoes with lime

This is a folk method that our ancestors have used for many years. Using lime to fix asphalt-stained shoes is not only economical but also environmentally friendly.

Prepare

• Soap.
• Lime (betel lime).
• Soft brush.
• Clean water.
• Glove

How to do it

• Step 1: Mix lime and water into a thick mixture
• Step 2: Use your hands to apply the mixture to the asphalt.
• Step 3: Wait about 15 minutes, use a brush to gently scrub to remove stains.
• Step 4: Rinse with clean water and let dry.

4. Notes on shoe maintenance after being exposed to asphalt

After properly removing tar from shoes, the next thing you need to do is maintain the product so that it can continue to be used and has a long life.

4.1 Dry shoes properly

Not drying shoes in direct sunlight is something we must remember and do correctly. The sun's rays are very strong, they can indirectly break down the structure on the fabric surface causing discoloration.

It is best to let your shoes dry naturally or leave them in a place with wind (using a fan or natural wind). In addition, you can stuff newspaper into the shoes to absorb moisture and keep the shape of the shoes stable.

4.2 Shoe leather care

Some companies offer specialized shoe creams for different types of materials. The advantage of using them regularly and correctly over a long period of time is that they increase the softness, shine, and reduce cracking of genuine leather.

In addition, using olive oil or coconut oil to condition your shoes is also a good choice. However, in terms of convenience, this method is not optimal and is limited to suede and white fabric surfaces (yellowed).

4.3 Regular cleaning

Regularly checking and cleaning your shoes is essential to ensure they are in tip-top condition. Even if they are not tarred, you should clean them every 2 weeks for stains.

4.4 Store shoes properly

Storing shoes is not difficult, if possible, you should put your shoes in separate boxes to limit dust. You can still leave your shoes on the shelf, as long as you do not stack them on top of each other. This affects the shape of the shoes, causing them to break and deform.

4.5 Use waterproofing products

Nowadays, waterproof sprays for shoe surfaces are becoming more and more popular. They are easy to find in stores or on e-commerce platforms. This method protects shoes from water and dark liquids such as soy sauce, fish sauce, chili sauce, etc. However, you need to find out the clear origin to avoid buying fake, poor quality products.

5. Conclusion

With the 7 ways to remove tar from shoes above, hopefully you will find a solution to remove the annoying black stains on your beloved shoes. At the same time, you should apply some preservation tips to keep your beloved phone better and more durable.