How to get sticky tar like stuff off PVC fabric?

[BigGingerBob]

I'm not talking about my gimp suit BTW

I've bought a soft play and after having a lot of it re-covered, we needed some roofing works. The roofing works has dropped some black sticky tar like stuff on some of the cushions.



This dots smudge when rubbed and then won't come off with normal cleaner.
I've tried Pink Stuff, elbow grease, degreaser, soap and water and Wd-40.

Oddly, WD is doing the best job so far but there is still some dots on the cushions.

What should I do?!

P.S. this is far too specific to Google!

[tux850]

You just need to find the right solvent. Automotive tar remover (eg what the likes if Autoglym sell) would likely work. I'd follow up with a wash with soap to remove any solvent residue.

[BigGingerBob]

Thank you. I did have some Tetrosyl Gun Wash in the garage but I'm not sure where it went. That would clean anything!

I'm definitely washing afterwards. Can't have the kiddos playing on WD-40 covered play equipment!

[OutInTheShed]

Try a citrus based degreaser or hand cleaner?

The cleaner formerly known as Jif can be quite effective.

If these things don't work on their own, they may be good to use after attacking with various solvents.
There are loads of solvents to choose from, varying in their ability to dissolve what may or may not actually be 'tar' and what may or may not actually be 'PVC'.


It's often good to simply scrape off as much as possible before deploying chemicals.

[CubanPete]

WD40 is good for anything solvent based, needs degreasing after.

The other surprisingly good cleaner that might work for this is a 'pledge' type furniture polish - spray and leave to soak before wiping off.

[JoshSm]

Isopropyl alcohol? Should dissolve tar but not hurt the PVC.

White spirit is usually great for tar but not necessarily compatible with the PVC.

[ColinM50]

Surely you can claim against the guy who did the roofing work? Unless it was you of course

[GasEngineer]

This stuff is excellent.

https://www.ct1.com/multisolve/

[Drogo]

GasEngineer said:

This stuff is excellent.

https://www.ct1.com/multisolve/

Thanks for this, never heard of it till now. Seems useful stuff to have around.

OP, please update when you've Solved the problem.

[grahamr88]

tux850 said:

You just need to find the right solvent. Automotive tar remover (eg what the likes if Autoglym sell) would likely work. I'd follow up with a wash with soap to remove any solvent residue.

Yeah the Autoglym is my go-to for this sort of situation, if Wonder Wipes have failed.
https://www.halfords.com/motoring/car-cleaning/car...

[Simpo Two]

White spirit.

[BigGingerBob]

I might get some of that CT1 stuff, looks good!

I soldiered on with my WD40 followed by degreaser. It looks good to be fair
We had a soft launch today so I didn't have time to go shopping for stuff.

Thank you for all the suggestions, I did take a photo of the results but I can't find it. You can't see the marks unless you really look.

[Simpo Two]

No white spirit in the shed? It's cheap and you can buy it anywhere. You can even wash brushes out in it

[Baldchap]

GasEngineer said:

This stuff is excellent.

https://www.ct1.com/multisolve/

Not tried this but CT1 make some insanely good products these days so I have no doubt this will 100% do what it says on the tin.