Tar, Road Oil, Asphalt, Axle Grease, Pitch
Stains made by tarlike substances are hard to remove, especially from cotton material. First rub in petroleum jelly or lard to soften the stain, then sponge with one of the grease solvents—carbon tetrachloride, Stoddard solvent, gasoline, benzene—or dip the article in the liquid and rub lightly between the hands. Repeat the treatment until the stain is removed. If the material is washable, use warm soapy water after rubbing in the petroleum jelly or lard.
For stains on carpets or rugs, scrape off as much as possible with a dull knife. Then sponge with the grease solvent, using a brushing motion so that you do not rub the stain into the carpet.