Peggy asked: How do I remove blacktop/tar from the inside of the dryer? I washed my husband’s work clothes (he works with blacktop) and put them in the dryer. Now there is blacktop or tar all over the inside of the dryer. What is the most effective and safe way to remove this from the dryer? Thank you.
When tar and other sticky substances get in your dryer, it can be a time consuming job to remove it. Fortunately, the process is simple and effective.
You Will Need:
- Terrycloth towels or washcloths
- WD-40
- Soap or detergent
- Water
- Bucket
- Towels
- Flashlight (optional)
Steps to Remove the Tar:
- Begin by using the flashlight to find all the areas where the tar is located.
- Work in small sections until the entire interior of the drier has been cleaned.
- Moisten a terrycloth towel or washcloth with WD-40.
- Use the cloth to wipe away the tar/blacktop from the surface.
- Once the tar is removed, fill a bucket with warm water.
- Add some soap or detergent to the water and mix.
- Moisten a clean cloth with the soapy water.
- Clean away any residue from the WD-40.
- Dry with a clean, dry towel.
Additional Tips and Advice
- Be sure to remove any residue from the WD-40. It can leave oil stains on future loads of laundry.
- There are commercial tar removal products that can be used as well. These are commonly found in the automotive sections of department stores or at specialty automotive stores.
Debi says
This worked great; saved my life. I had a new roof put on and threw sheets in the washer and dryer that I used to cover my flower beds. Didn’t see the tar on one and my whole dryer was covered with Tar. Tried Goof Off and that did nothing. WD-40 worked like a charm. Thanks so much. DJ
Tomara says
This worked great. Tried several things before finding this online. Took 5 minutes; my husband thought he could wash his jeans with tar on them and didn’t tell me, oops. Thank you!
Melissa says
Thanks so much! Quick and easy! He thought he had all the tar out, but the dryer told the truth! LOL! Glad to find a fix as quick and easy as this! Just be sure you are well ventilated, even just spraying the WD-40 on a rag and applying was a “heightening” experience, especially in the back and corners where I was forced to put my head in! Thank goodness for the internet! Thanks, again, for a great tip!