There are all sorts of stories circulating about how to remove these bitumen stains. From granny’s remedies to persistent tips from the internet – but what really works? In this section, we answer frequently asked questions and debunk a few myths. This allows you to get started with confidence.
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Removing bitumen stains
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Removing bitumen stains
Bitumen stains often occur upon contact with roofing, insulation material, or building materials that contain bitumen. The black, sticky substance quickly adheres to clothing, floors or upholstery, leaving a noticeable and stubborn stain. Due to the composition of bitumen, it is crucial to act quickly: the sooner you treat it, the greater the chance that you can remove the stain completely. Fortunately, bitumen stains can be easily removed with the right approach and products. On this page, you can read exactly how to do this safely and effectively for each surface, without causing permanent damage.
Voor deze vlekken geldt hetzelfde advies: Bitumen, Bethumen, Roofing felt, Nicotine
Characteristic of a bitumen stain
A bitumen stain consists of heavy, oily substances mixed with resins and colourants. This combination ensures strong adhesion and leaves behind a sticky, often deep black residue. On porous surfaces and textiles, the stain quickly penetrates the fibres or pores, which means that surface cleaning is usually insufficient. Incorrect handling, such as rubbing or using solvents, may spread the stain or damage the surface. If you leave the stain, it will harden and cause permanent discolouration or damage to the material. A careful, targeted approach is therefore essential to effectively remove the stain.
Removing bitumen stains from carpets or rugs
Carpets and rugs are very susceptible to bitumen stains due to their absorbent structure. Bitumen is a sticky, oily substance that quickly penetrates fibres and adheres firmly to them. Especially with deep-pile or natural carpets, there is a high risk that the stain will not only remain on the surface, but will also penetrate deeper into the fibre layer and even the backing of the carpet. This makes bitumen particularly difficult to remove completely without damaging the material.
If a bitumen stain is not dealt with immediately, it will harden and become even more difficult to remove. The dark dyes can cause permanent discolouration, while the sticky nature attracts dirt. Over time, the stain can develop into a dull, dirty patch that stands out on the carpet and is almost impossible to make disappear.
Care should be taken when cleaning bitumen from carpet. Scrubbing or using harsh solvents can damage the fibres, spread the stain further, or cause irreparable damage to the carpet. Therefore, always choose a mild but effective cleaner that has been specially developed for oily stains, such as James Stainspray This is the only way to remove the stain without damaging the carpet itself.
Treat with James Stainspray on a cotton cloth
You can treat this stain with James Stainspray on a cotton cloth. For this you need James Stainspray and a white cotton cloth. Next:
- Test for colour and material resistance in an inconspicuous area: apply, let it dry completely and evaluate.
- Spray James Stainspray on a dry, white cotton cloth.
- Use this cloth to wipe the stain using wide sweeping strokes, without spreading the stain. Repeat frequently with a clean part of the cloth.
- Directly spray James Stainspray onto any residue and repeat the process using wide sweeping strokes.
Treat with James Stainspray on a cotton cloth
You can treat this stain with James Stainspray on a cotton cloth. For this you need James Stainspray and a white cotton cloth. Next:
- Test for colour and material resistance in an inconspicuous area: apply, let it dry completely and evaluate.
- Spray James Stainspray on a dry, white cotton cloth.
- Use this cloth to wipe the stain using wide sweeping strokes, without spreading the stain. Repeat frequently with a clean part of the cloth.
- Directly spray James Stainspray onto any residue and repeat the process using wide sweeping strokes.
Removing bitumen stains from hard floors
Hard floors such as PVC, laminate, wood, LVT, tiles and natural stone appear to be resistant to dirt at first glance, but bitumen stains pose a stubborn challenge. Bitumen consists of a combination of oils, resins and colourants that adhere firmly to surfaces. Especially with porous materials such as natural stone, or with floors that have a texture or seams, the stain can become lodged in small openings or uneven areas. This often leaves a sticky or dark residue, even after the surface appears to be clean.
If a bitumen stain is not dealt with quickly, it can harden and leave behind residues that are difficult to remove. The oily residues attract dirt and leave behind a dull, dirt-attracting spot. In some cases, it affects the top layer of the floor, which can lead to discolouration or loss of shine. The longer the stain remains, the greater the risk of permanent damage or discolouration.
When cleaning hard floors, it is important to work carefully and purposefully. Avoid abrasive sponges or aggressive solvents such as turpentine or thinner, which can damage the surface. Particularly with wood or laminate, unsuitable products or the use of too much moisture can cause the floor to swell or layers to come loose. Therefore, always choose a safe and effective cleaning agent that tackles oily dirt and is suitable for the specific floor finish. This is how you repair the floor without any risks.
Treatment with James Remover
This stain can be treated with James Remover.
Always test in an inconspicuous area for color and material resistance: apply, allow to soak for 5 minutes, rinse the tested area with water, allow to dry and evaluate.
- Spray directly onto the purpose area
- Leave to soak for about 1 to 5 minutes
- Then, use a white cotton cloth to remove the grease
- If necessary, gently treat stubborn stains with a soft brush or plastic spatula.
- After use, always clean the area with water.
Attention: be careful when working near a glue seams. Allow James Remover to soak in shortly. Do not let the product penetrate into cracks or seams.
Treatment with James Remover
This stain can be treated with James Remover.
Always test in an inconspicuous area for color and material resistance: apply, allow to soak for 5 minutes, rinse the tested area with water, allow to dry and evaluate.
- Spray directly onto the purpose area
- Leave to soak for about 1 to 5 minutes
- Then, use a white cotton cloth to remove the grease
- If necessary, gently treat stubborn stains with a soft brush or plastic spatula.
- After use, always clean the area with water.
Attention: be careful when working near a glue seams. Allow James Remover to soak in shortly. Do not let the product penetrate into cracks or seams.
Removing bitumen stains from upholstery fabric
Upholstery fabrics are particularly vulnerable to bitumen stains due to their absorbent nature and delicate fibre structure. When bitumen comes into contact with upholstery, the greasy, sticky substance immediately soaks into the top layer of the fabric and sometimes even deep into the filling. The dark colourants in bitumen cause a visible stain, while the oily components adhere to the fibres. Lighter fabrics or materials with a fine weave in particular make the stain very noticeable and make removal extra difficult.
If a bitumen stain is not dealt with quickly, it will harden and become virtually permanent in the fabric. The stickiness attracts dust and dirt, leading to an increasingly dark and dirty-looking spot. In some cases, the stain also causes dull or stiff spots in the fabric, affecting the comfort and appearance of the piece of furniture.
When cleaning bitumen from upholstery fabric, it is important to proceed carefully and in a controlled manner. Avoid aggressive agents or solvents such as thinner, which can damage, discolour or even dissolve the fabric. Rubbing too hard or using too much moisture can also spread the stain or cause rings. A gentle, material-friendly cleaner that targets greasy stains offers the best chance of safe and effective stain removal without damaging the furniture.
Treat with James Stainspray on a cotton cloth
You can treat this stain with James Stainspray on a cotton cloth. For this you need James Stainspray and a white cotton cloth. Next:
- Test for colour and material resistance in an inconspicuous area: apply, let it dry completely and evaluate.
- Spray James Stainspray on a dry, white cotton cloth.
- Use this cloth to wipe the stain using wide sweeping strokes, without spreading the stain. Repeat frequently with a clean part of the cloth.
- Directly spray James Stainspray onto any residue and repeat the process using wide sweeping strokes.
Treat with James Stainspray on a cotton cloth
You can treat this stain with James Stainspray on a cotton cloth. For this you need James Stainspray and a white cotton cloth. Next:
- Test for colour and material resistance in an inconspicuous area: apply, let it dry completely and evaluate.
- Spray James Stainspray on a dry, white cotton cloth.
- Use this cloth to wipe the stain using wide sweeping strokes, without spreading the stain. Repeat frequently with a clean part of the cloth.
- Directly spray James Stainspray onto any residue and repeat the process using wide sweeping strokes.
Would you also like to benefit from James’ effective stain removal? Discover our full range and order your James products easily online. You’ll soon be enjoying a clean and stain-free interior again!
Frequently asked questions and myths
Why do bitumen stains often remain visible as a shiny haze after cleaning?
Bitumen consists of sticky, oily components that adhere to the top layer of the material and leave behind a greasy film. Even if the visible black spot seems to have disappeared, a thin layer often remains, causing differences in shine and stickiness, and continuing to attract dirt. This effect occurs mainly on textile and plastic floors, but it can also cause a dull or shiny haze on natural stone.
Is bitumen the same as asphalt, and can I remove it in the same way?
Although asphalt and bitumen are often used interchangeably, bitumen is the pure, sticky binding agent used in asphalt. Bitumen is therefore even greasier, tougher and more difficult to remove than asphalt residues. Whereas asphalt sometimes contains stone dust, bitumen consists entirely of oil and resin components that adhere stubbornly to fibres and porous surfaces. The cleaning approach must be tailored to this: grease-dissolving, but also safe for delicate surfaces.
Can I remove bitumen stains with solvents such as white spirit or thinner?
Although it is tempting to use a powerful solvent, there are considerable risks involved. Many solvents can damage the protective coating on floors or cause colour differences in textiles. Furthermore, they can actually draw the bitumen deeper into the material or make the surface dull. At first glance, the effect seems good, but it can cause irreparable damage, especially to PVC, lacquer coatings or upholstery fabrics.
What should I do if the bitumen stain is only discovered after a few days?
Bitumen that has dried is much more difficult to remove. The oily components have often already adhered to the fibres or pores and can penetrate even further into the material when the temperature changes. On textiles, this often leads to sticky spots that attract dirt, while on floors it causes loss of shine or permanent haze formation. A superficial clean is not enough – you need an approach that loosens the grease without damaging the surface. Patience and repetition are essential in this regard.
I tried to remove the bitumen stain, but now it looks worse than before. Why is that?
A common problem is that bitumen is treated with too much water, foam or pressure, causing it to spread rather than dissolve. This leads to a larger, blurry-looking spot, often with a visible edge or greasy haze around the original area. Sometimes this is also caused by using the wrong cleaning product, which damages the surface or causes the dirt to penetrate deeper into the material.
Say goodbye to bitumen stains with James!
A bitumen stain does not necessarily mean permanent damage – provided you act quickly and use the right products. James products have been specially developed to safely and effectively remove stubborn, oily stains such as bitumen, without risking damage to your floor or upholstery. This allows you to thoroughly tackle the stain while preserving the quality of the material. Do you want to be sure that you are choosing the right approach? Please feel free to contact us for personal advice. Do not wait too long – the sooner you start, the better the result!