How to Clean Tar and Oil From Various Surfaces

Mastering the Art of Tar and Oil Removal from Various Surfaces

Tar and oil stains on different surfaces can be challenging to tackle, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore the cleanliness and appearance of various materials. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore methods for removing tar and oil from wood, masonry, painted surfaces, unpainted metals, synthetic hard surfaces, glass, cotton laundry fabrics, canvas, synthetic laundry fabrics, carpets, and even hand cleaning.

How to Clean Oil and Tar from Wood Surfaces

Using Low-Pressure Spraying:

• Rinse Away Surface Dirt: Remove any surface dirt that might interfere with deep cleaning.
• Apply Degreaser: Use a general-purpose degreaser (diluted per label directions) with a low-pressure sprayer.
• Work in Sections: Divide the area into manageable sections to prevent the degreaser from drying.
• Agitate with Deck Brush: Use a deck brush to agitate the area effectively.
• Thorough Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with a low-pressure washer or a garden hose sprayer, avoiding streaking on vertical surfaces.

Using Brush and Bucket Method:

• Repeat Initial Steps: Follow the same steps as the low-pressure spraying method.
• Agitate with Deck Brush: Use a deck brush to agitate the area effectively.
• Thorough Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with a low-pressure washer or a garden hose sprayer, avoiding streaking on vertical surfaces.

How to Clean Oil and Tar from Masonry Surfaces

Using High-Pressure Spraying:

• Absorb Pool of Oil: If oil is pooled, use an absorbent material to remove it and discard properly.
• Pre-Treat Heavily Soiled Areas: Use a heavy-duty degreaser before general pressure washing.
• Apply Degreaser: Dilute the degreaser per label directions and apply directly to visible oil stains.
• Agitate with Brush: Use a stiff-bristled brush to agitate the area.
• Use Low-Foaming Degreaser: Apply a low-foaming degreaser using low or high-pressure spray, depending on equipment capabilities.
• Rinse Thoroughly: Pressure wash and rinse thoroughly, preferably with a pressure of 1500 psi or greater.

Using Biological Degreasers:

• Prefer Biological Degreasers: These may contain bacteria that penetrate deep into concrete pores to digest oil over time.
• Follow Label Directions: Always follow label directions for the best results.
• Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse thoroughly with high pressure (typically 1500 psi or greater for best results).

How to Clean Oil and Tar from Painted Surfaces

• Caution is Key: Use caution to avoid damaging, discoloring, or removing paint.
• Test Compatibility: Test products and methods in an inconspicuous area before general cleaning.
• Use Appropriate Pressure: Maintain an appropriate temperature and pressure to avoid paint damage.
• Degrease with Caution: Apply a mild general-purpose degreaser using low pressure, avoiding drying on the surface.
• Thorough Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with low-pressure washer or garden hose sprayer, avoiding streaking on vertical surfaces.

How to Clean Oil and Tar from Unpainted Metal Surfaces

• Rinse Surface Dirt: Rinse away surface dirt before deep cleaning.
• Apply Degreaser: Use a general-purpose degreaser (diluted per label directions) with a low-pressure sprayer.
• Agitate with Brush: Use a stiff-bristled brush to agitate the area.
• Thorough Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with low psi pressure washer or a garden hose sprayer, avoiding streaking on vertical surfaces.

How to Clean Oil and Tar from Synthetic Surfaces

• Handle with Caution: Clean synthetic surfaces cautiously to avoid damage.
• Rinse Surface Dirt: Rinse away surface dirt before applying a mild general-purpose degreaser.
• Apply Degreaser: Use a low-pressure sprayer, working in manageable sections to prevent drying.
• Thorough Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with low psi pressure washer or garden hose sprayer, avoiding streaking on vertical surfaces.

How to Clean Oil and Tar from Glass Surfaces

• Rinse Surface Dirt: Begin by rinsing away surface dirt.
• Apply Glass Cleaner: Use a glass cleaner (diluted per label directions) with a low-pressure sprayer.
• Work in Sections: Work in manageable sections, avoiding drying of the cleaner on the surface.
• Thorough Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with low psi pressure washer or garden hose sprayer, avoiding streaking on vertical surfaces.
• Use Squeegee: Use a squeegee to remove excess water and reduce spotting.
• Wipe Clean: Wipe with a clean towel or rag.

How to Clean Oil and Tar from Canvas Surfaces

• Rinse Surface Dirt: Start by rinsing away any surface dirt.
• Pre-Treat Heavy Stains: For heavy oil or tar stains, pre-treat with a degreaser.
• Apply Degreaser: Use a mild general-purpose degreaser (diluted per label directions) with a low-pressure sprayer.
• Work in Sections: Work in manageable sections to prevent drying.
• Thorough Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with low psi pressure washer or garden hose sprayer, avoiding streaking on vertical surfaces.

How to Clean Oil and Tar from Cotton Laundry Fabrics

• Pre-Treat Visible Stains: Pre-treat visible oil, grease, or tar stains before washing.
• Use Laundry Spotter: Use a laundry spotter specific to oil or tar.
• Machine Wash: Wash in a machine with regular laundry detergent.
• Check Stains: Check for stains before placing in the dryer, and repeat steps if needed.

How to Clean Oil and Tar from Synthetic Laundry Fabrics

• Pre-Treat with Degreaser: Pre-treat stains with a water-based degreaser.
• Brush In: Use a soft-bristled brush to work the cleaner into the fabric.
• Machine Wash: Wash in a machine with regular laundry detergent.
• Check Stains: Check for stains before placing in the dryer, and repeat steps if needed.

How to Clean Oil and Tar from Carpets

• Use Carpet Cleaning Solution: Choose a carpet cleaning solution suitable for hot water extraction or other carpet cleaning units.
• Water-Based Product: Ensure the product is water-based.
• Blot Stains: Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting with an absorbent cloth.
• Apply Spotting Product: Use a carpet spotting product specific to oil, grease, or tar.
• Circular Motion Application: Spray in a circular motion, starting from the outside edge and working towards the center.
• Contact Time: Allow a few minutes of contact time, avoiding soaking the carpet.
• Blot Again: Blot with an absorbent cloth, working from the outside edge of the stain towards the center.
• Pre-Treat Any Oil Spots: Follow the outlined steps for oil spot pre-treatment.
• Dilute Cleaning Product: Dilute the carpet cleaning product and add it to the extraction carpet cleaning machine.
• Follow Machine Manual: Refer to the machine manual for carpet cleaning directions.
• Allow Drying: Allow the carpet to dry, and re-treat if stains are still visible.

Hand Care While Cleaning Oil and Tar from Surfaces

• Protective Gloves: Essential when working with oil-contaminated objects and cleaning chemicals.
• Thorough Hand Washing: Wash hands thoroughly before eating or using the restroom, even if gloves were worn.
• Waterless Hand Cleaner: If clean rinse water is unavailable, use a waterless hand cleaner and/or an instant hand sanitizer.
• Removing Oil and Tar from Hands: Follow the outlined steps for removing oil and tar from hands, ensuring comprehensive cleaning and moisturizing.

Conclusion

For any specific cleaning situations or further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you master the art of tar and oil removal from various surfaces. Let’s transform your spaces into pristine environments.