You’re enjoying the beach and everything is perfect.
You remembered to bring sunscreen, and the ice cream you just had was delicious.
Life’s good.
And then suddenly… When you least expect it.
You step into something of density that first reminds you of casual cow dung.
But you quickly realize there are no cattle around.
What the *beep* is this?
Well… Chances are you’ve stepped in beach tar.
📖 Table of Contents
What Is Beach Tar?
Also known as “rock oil”
This dark and sticky substance is petroleum that does not always from oil spills but can also occur naturally.
And besides being sticky and annoying it can irritate the skin and cause rashes.
So let’s not waste time and get straight to the best way how to remove it.
1. Avoid These Typical Mistakes
Scraping the Beach Tar off Using Your Fingers
The first thing you want to do is might instinctively use your fingers to scrape it off.
But don’t do that just yet.
By doing so you’ll just risk expanding the problem to your hands and everything else you’ll touch until you can start removing it for good.
Instead, find a stick to scrape the majority of it away. Or whatever you can get your hands on.
Otherwise, wait until you return home or to your room with more available options.
Not Covering Your Feet When Entering Your Car or Home/Room
This might go without saying…
If you don’t want to sacrifice your favorite flip-flops or sandals either, consider getting some napkins, paper towels, or toilet paper as temporary food wear (you can always call it fashion).
Using Any Clothes or Accessories You Wish To Keep
Getting beach tar off any fabric can be challenging.
So if you decide on using any, be prepared to consider it a sacrifice.
Using Unnecessary Chemicals
Such as nail polish remover or worse.
With the home remedies we’ll go through in a second there’s simply no need to.
Your skin and wallet will thank you for your decision.
2. Home Remedies for Removing Beach Tar
Once you’ve gotten home or to your room, it’s time to get to work.
The first step is using a butter knife or other safe object to remove the majority of the beach tar.
Be careful not to hit the carpet if you have one.
Common Cooking Oils
- Avocado oil
- Canola oil
- Coconut oil
- Olive oil
- Soybean oil
- Sunflower oil
- Vegetable oil (mixed)
Food Ingredients
- Almond butter
- Cashew butter
- Margarine
- Mayonnaise
- Peanut butter (choose crunchy for the extra exfoliation)
- Regular butter
Others
- Baby oil
- Baking soda mixed with a little water (until it’s a paste)
- Sun oil
- Vaseline
📌 TIP: Whatever remedy you choose, give it 5 - 30 min. to work into the tar and skin before trying to remove it.
3. Finally Wash off With Hot Water and Soap
The last step is to wash your feet in hot water and soap or use a washcloth afterward.
This is especially important if you’re skin is inflamed or damaged, since beach tar often contains a lot of bacteria.
Beach Tar Remover: Prepare Yourself for Next Time
These days it’s easier to say what you can’t buy online rather what you can.
So telling you that there’s a brand with a product dedicated to removing beach tar might not come as a surprise.
That’s exactly what Oil Slick® does.
You can visit their shop on Amazon here.
They both have spray bottles and more practical travel wipes in different sizes and portions.
Buying these might make sense if you know it’s just a matter of time before you step on something again. And therefore want easy access to an effective solution.
Final Words
Be gentle and patient when removing the beach tar.
There’s no need to irritate your skin further by scrubbing it excessively.
And be ready to do it a few times before it’s all off.
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