{"product_id":"koch-chemie-teerwaesche-a-tea-bitumen-teerentferner","title":"Teerwäsche A \"Tea\" Bitumen \u0026 Tar Remover","description":"\u003ch2 id=\"speakable-headline\"\u003eBreak down tar and bitumen with Koch-Chemie Teerwäsche A — no scrubbing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cblockquote id=\"speakable-definition\"\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhat is Koch-Chemie Teerwäsche A? A solvent-based specialist cleaner built on C10–C13 hydrocarbons that chemically breaks down tar, bitumen, oil and grease residue — neat on a dry surface, 30 seconds to 3 minutes dwell time, then rinse off with a pressure washer. Carries Daimler approval and is free of halogenated hydrocarbons. Not suitable for rubber, EPDM seals, soft plastic trim or freshly sealed paint.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003cp id=\"speakable-summary\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eKoch-Chemie Teerwäsche A\u003c\/strong\u003e is a solvent-based tar and bitumen remover with Daimler approval that lifts stubborn road residue off solvent-resistant surfaces without ever touching the paint mechanically. The active blend — C10–C13 n-alkanes, isoalkanes and cycloalkanes with under 2 percent aromatics — chemically breaks apart the molecule chains in bitumen and tar. The residue runs off in streaks and you either steam it away with the pressure washer or wipe it off with a microfibre cloth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFree of halogenated hydrocarbons, so it's a lot kinder to materials than the old-school tar removers people kept in jerry cans back in the 90s. Available in 1 litre, 10 litre and 20 litre — plus a 2-pack and 3-pack when you need more. Alongside the alkane blend the formula carries a share of 2-butoxyethanol as a coupling agent, which improves how it wets a glass-smooth panel and keeps it working even at cooler ambient temperatures. For indoor use, run ventilation above three air changes an hour, and eye protection is a must for any overhead work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChemical, not mechanical.\u003c\/strong\u003e You can't polish tar out — scrubbing drags the particles across the paint and leaves swirls behind. Teerwäsche A softens the bituminous residue within 30 to 180 seconds until it flows away or lifts off the cloth in one pass. The brush stays in the drawer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDaimler approval as a green light for pro use.\u003c\/strong\u003e Koch-Chemie works hand in hand with the car industry. The Daimler approval isn't a marketing sticker — it means the product is officially cleared for use on Daimler paints and underbody materials. For shops tied to a manufacturer, that's a practical argument.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFree of halogenated hydrocarbons.\u003c\/strong\u003e Older tar removers often lean on trichloroethylene or perchloroethylene — both heavy on odour, a health concern, and barely approvable for pro use any more. Teerwäsche A works with a modern hydrocarbon blend that's workable in well-ventilated spaces from about 15 °C.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003cblockquote class=\"praxistipp\"\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay-to-day from Detailing1:\u003c\/strong\u003e Teerwäsche A doesn't just break down tar — it strips the wax or sealant underneath along with it. That's the bit manufacturers and rivals rarely mention. If you do nothing after the tar comes off, you're left with unprotected paint that takes on fallout and water spots with no barrier. So always plan it in as the first step of a combo job: tar wash → normal wash with a pH-neutral shampoo → reseal with a \u003ca href=\"\/en\/products\/sonax-profiline-speedprotect-spruhversiegelung\"\u003espray sealant\u003c\/a\u003e or wax. For a spot job (the odd tar fleck on the sill) a quick detailer is enough as local protection. For a full exterior job including resealing, set aside about 45 minutes for a mid-size car.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpray it on neat. Short dwell. Steam it off.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe application is kept deliberately simple. Lay Teerwäsche A on the dry, cold surface undiluted — either straight from the 1-litre bottle with the \u003ca href=\"\/en\/products\/koch-chemie-teerwaesche-a-tea-bitumen-teerentferner?variant=54013040492879\"\u003eCanyon spray head CHS-3AN\u003c\/a\u003e or from a sturdy solvent-safe spray bottle. A wet surface dilutes the solvent and cuts the cleaning power right down — when washing, tar wash first, then shampoo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDwell time runs from 30 seconds to 3 minutes — depending on how thick the tar layer is. You can see when it's working: the tar dissolves into brownish-black streaks and runs down vertical surfaces. As soon as that happens, rinse straight off with a strong jet of water or wipe it away with a clean microfibre cloth. A 1000 ml bottle covers roughly 4 to 6 full vehicle sides with moderate tar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn bigger areas, don't let it dry — in direct sun or on hot paint above 25 °C the solvent flashes off too fast and leaves an oily film that only comes off at the next wash. For underbody or wheel-arch work on commercial vehicles, the 10 or 20 litre version is the right call.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThere you apply it over a wide area with a pump sprayer and then steam it off with the pressure washer at around 120 bar. On stubborn, dried-on bitumen spots after a drive through roadworks, a second application does more than a longer dwell on the first pass — the solvent is saturated after about 3 minutes and stops working.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIt breaks down tar. And wax too.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTeerwäsche A attacks any organic coating sitting on the paint. That's how it works — and at the same time it's the one catch for anyone who reaches for it without a plan. Carnauba waxes, synthetic polymer-based sealants and most quick detailers dissolve away on contact with the hydrocarbon blend. That's no fault in the product either, it's chemistry: what breaks down bitumen breaks down wax too, because both are built on similar organic molecule structures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor the real world that means two things. First: every tar wash is followed by a full paint wash with a pH-neutral shampoo to neutralise the solvent residue. Second: the treated spot needs a fresh layer of protection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're only dealing with small flecks on the side sill, you can follow up with a spot wax or detailer. If you're cleaning whole panels or the underbody, build the reseal into the workflow as a fixed step. SiO₂-based ceramic coatings usually aren't fully wrecked after a tar-wash treatment, but they lose noticeable hydrophobicity — a topper or detailer brings them back up to level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhat Teerwäsche A isn't suited to: unpainted soft plastics, rubber seals and EPDM profiles. The solvent swells rubber over longer contact and can dull plastics. It mainly hits window seals, door rubbers and black plastic trim on older vehicles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDon't spray it over those surfaces broadly — if overspray happens, rinse it off with water within 60 seconds. On fresh wraps and PPF (paint protection film), test first on a hidden spot. Plenty of PPF coatings handle short contact times under 30 seconds but react sensitively to longer exposure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen Teerwäsche A fits — and when it doesn't\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTeerwäsche A is the right call when you're removing genuine road tar, bitumen spray after driving through roadworks, asphalt residue on wheel arches or dried-on oil films in the underbody area. It's also built for the regular cleaning of car-wash brushes and shop floors — wherever it's not paint cosmetics that's needed but real chemical solving power. In the spring season after winter it's standard for underbody prep, once tar-salt mixes have piled up over months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor insect residue, though, it's not the first choice. Insect proteins are organic but structured differently — enzymatic cleaners like the \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/insektenentferner\"\u003einsect remover\u003c\/a\u003e work more precisely and more gently on paint there. If you've got both at once — tar on the sill, bugs on the front end — treat both areas separately with the product that fits each. Trying to solve everything with one all-rounder usually ends in more rework. Same goes for tree sap and adhesive residue: both dissolve with the tar wash, but a dedicated tree-sap remover works cleaner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs for pack size, the 1-litre bottle suits the private user and the occasional detailer planning one go per vehicle. The 2-pack and 3-pack bring the price per litre down by roughly 5 to 15 percent — worth it if there are several vehicles in the household or you want the season's supply locked in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 10 and 20 litre drums are trade sizes for reconditioning, underbody cleaning or fleet work — here the outlay only pays off from regular weekly use. For precise single-spot application the 1-litre bottle with the Canyon spray head stays the most ergonomic solution. The spray head delivers a precise cone rather than a mist and doses right onto the problem spot without wetting more area than needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eStore Teerwäsche A frost-free at room temperature. Once opened, the bottle stays stable for about 24 months as long as the cap is closed tight after use — hydrocarbon solvents evaporate slowly otherwise and the concentration drops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"care-guide\"\u003e\n  \u003ch3\u003eHow to use Koch-Chemie Teerwäsche A\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003col\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrep.\u003c\/strong\u003e Move the vehicle into the shade, paint temperature under 25 °C. Never use Teerwäsche A on heated surfaces or in direct sun — the solvent then flashes off too fast and leaves an oily film. Have gloves (nitrile-resistant) and safety glasses ready. Pick a well-ventilated area; for pro use, make sure of at least three air changes an hour.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIdentify the area.\u003c\/strong\u003e Tar and bitumen spots are typically found on the lower vehicle sections: side sills, wheel arches, bumpers, lower door edges. The affected area has to be dry — a wet surface dilutes the solvent and cuts the effect. If the vehicle was just washed, let it dry first.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpray on.\u003c\/strong\u003e Apply Teerwäsche A undiluted with the Canyon spray head CHS-3AN or a solvent-resistant trade spray bottle onto the affected spot. Spray from about 15 to 20 cm in an even film, without flooding the surface. Work vertically: bottom to top, so the product runs down and wets the whole area.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLet it dwell.\u003c\/strong\u003e Leave it 30 seconds to 3 minutes. You'll see when it's working: tar dissolves into brownish-black streaks running down the surface. Don't let it dry — in warmer conditions above 20 °C go for shorter dwell times and a second application. Beyond 3 minutes, longer dwell brings no extra cleaning power.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRinse or wipe off.\u003c\/strong\u003e Steam the dissolved residue away with the pressure washer at around 120 bar from 30 cm. Or wipe it off with a clean microfibre cloth — after use, bin the cloth or wash it separately, it's saturated with solvent and tar. Don't put it back into the regular wash.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRinse with shampoo.\u003c\/strong\u003e After tar removal, wash the treated area down thoroughly with a pH-neutral car shampoo to neutralise solvent residue. This isn't optional — leftover hydrocarbon traces cloud the gloss later and can smear at the next polish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDry and reseal.\u003c\/strong\u003e Dry the vehicle or area. Teerwäsche A has stripped the wax or sealant protection in the treated area along with the tar. Spot job: follow up with a quick detailer or spot wax. Whole panels: reprotect with a spray sealant or a liquid wax. Ceramic coatings usually stay intact but need an SiO₂ topper to refresh the hydrophobicity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"hinweise\"\u003e\n    \u003ch4\u003eSafety notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n    \u003cul\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eSignal word: \u003cstrong\u003eDanger\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eH319 — Causes serious eye irritation\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eH304 — May be fatal if swallowed and enters the airways\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eEUH066 — Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eP280 — Wear eye protection\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eP301+P310 — IF SWALLOWED: immediately call a poison centre\/doctor\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eP331 — Do NOT induce vomiting\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eDo not discharge into drains, surface water or groundwater\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eUsing it together with emulsifying cleaners disrupts the separation behaviour in the oil separator\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eBefore first use, test for suitability and compatibility on a hidden spot\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"anwendungsbereiche\"\u003e\n    \u003ch4\u003eSuitable surfaces\u003c\/h4\u003e\n    \u003cul\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eIntact, cured clear coat (cars, commercial vehicles)\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003ePainted wheels and chrome surfaces\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eGlass surfaces (windows, headlight lenses)\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eUnpainted metal bodywork parts\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eCar-wash brushes\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eShop floors (concrete, sealed screed)\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eMachinery and conveyor components\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n    \u003ch4\u003eNot suitable\u003c\/h4\u003e\n    \u003cul\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eRubber seals, EPDM profiles, door rubbers\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eSoft unpainted plastics (ABS, exterior PP)\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eFreshly painted surfaces under 4 weeks\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003ePPF\/paint protection films without a prior test\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003ePolycarbonate headlights without a protective coating\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq\"\u003e\n  \u003ch3\u003eCommon questions about Koch-Chemie Teerwäsche A\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eCan I use Teerwäsche A on painted surfaces?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eYes, on intact, cured clear coat it's no problem. The blend of C10–C13 hydrocarbons with under 2 percent aromatics doesn't attack the paint itself, but it does strip the wax or sealant layer sitting on top along with it. Count on a necessary reseal or wax application after every tar wash. On fresh paintwork under 4 weeks old, test first on a hidden spot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eHow long does Teerwäsche A need to dwell?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eBetween 30 seconds and 3 minutes, depending on how thick the tar layer is. A fresh bitumen fleck dissolves in under a minute, dried-on road tar after a drive through roadworks takes up to 3 minutes. After 3 minutes the active is saturated — longer dwell brings no extra cleaning power. On stubborn residue, better to apply a second time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eDoes Teerwäsche A also remove insect residue?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003ePartly. Insect proteins only partly dissolve in hydrocarbon solvents. For insect residue, an enzymatic insect remover like the Meguiar's Bug Remover or CarPro Bug-Out is a lot more effective and gentler on paint. Teerwäsche A is the go-to for bituminous soiling, oil and grease film and adhesive residue — on protein soiling it won't get you into the top league.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eIs Teerwäsche A suitable for rubber and plastic?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eNo. Hydrocarbon-based solvents swell rubber seals and can dull soft plastics like ABS or PP. This hits window seals, door rubbers, EPDM profiles and black plastic trim on older vehicles. If overspray happens, rinse off with clean water within 60 seconds. On paint protection films (PPF) and fresh wraps, test first on a hidden spot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eDo I have to reseal after the tar wash?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eIf you're treating more than the odd fleck: yes. Teerwäsche A strips waxes and sealants on the treated area along with the tar. For single spots a quick detailer or spot wax is enough. On whole panels or underbody cleaning, a spray sealant or a wax belongs firmly in the workflow. Ceramic coatings usually survive the job but lose hydrophobicity — an SiO₂ topper brings them back up to level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWhich pack size is right for me?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eFor private users with one vehicle, the 1-litre bottle is enough — it covers roughly 4 to 6 full vehicle sides. If you look after several cars or stock up for the season, go for the 2-pack or 3-pack with 5 to 15 percent off per litre. The 10 and 20 litre drums are trade sizes for vehicle reconditioning, underbody cleaning and fleet work. The Canyon spray head CHS-3AN is also worth adding for precise spot application.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWhat does the Daimler approval actually mean?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe Daimler approval means the product has passed the material-compatibility test of the Mercedes-Benz production clearance. It's been tested on genuine Daimler paints, plastics and metal surfaces and cleared for use in contracted shops. For shops tied to a manufacturer that's solid reassurance, for private users an extra quality signal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Can I use Teerwäsche A on painted surfaces?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Yes, on intact, cured clear coat it's no problem. The blend of C10–C13 hydrocarbons with under 2 percent aromatics doesn't attack the paint itself, but it does strip the wax or sealant layer sitting on top along with it.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"How long does Teerwäsche A need to dwell?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Between 30 seconds and 3 minutes, depending on how thick the tar layer is. After 3 minutes the active is saturated — longer dwell brings no extra cleaning power.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Does Teerwäsche A also remove insect residue?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Partly. For insect residue, an enzymatic insect remover is a lot more effective and gentler on paint. Teerwäsche A is the go-to for bituminous soiling, oil and grease film and adhesive residue.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Is Teerwäsche A suitable for rubber and plastic?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"No. Hydrocarbon-based solvents swell rubber seals and can dull soft plastics. If overspray happens, rinse off with clean water within 60 seconds.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Do I have to reseal after the tar wash?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Yes, if you're treating more than the odd fleck. Teerwäsche A strips waxes and sealants on the treated area along with the tar. On whole panels or underbody cleaning, a spray sealant or a wax belongs firmly in the workflow.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Which pack size is right for me?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"For private users with one vehicle, the 1-litre bottle is enough — it covers roughly 4 to 6 full vehicle sides. The 10 and 20 litre drums are trade sizes for vehicle reconditioning, underbody cleaning and fleet work.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What does the Daimler approval actually mean?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"The Daimler approval means the product has passed the material-compatibility test of the Mercedes-Benz production clearance and is cleared for use in contracted shops.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e\n","brand":"Koch-Chemie","offers":[{"title":"1000 ml \/ 1 liter","offer_id":48762927546703,"sku":"D1-KCX-391001","price":10.14,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"1000 ml + Canyon spray head CHS-3AN","offer_id":54013040492879,"sku":"D1-KCX-391001+CHS-3AN","price":15.76,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"2x 1000 mL","offer_id":49764087038287,"sku":"D1-KCX-391001_2","price":19.87,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"3x 1000 mL","offer_id":49764087071055,"sku":"D1-KCX-391001_3","price":29.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"10 liters","offer_id":48762927579471,"sku":"D1-KCX-391010","price":82.31,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"20 liters","offer_id":49383895957839,"sku":"D1-KCX-391020","price":148.29,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0800\/3272\/7375\/files\/koch-chemie-teerwasche-a-tea-bitumen-teerentferner.png?v=1714920838","url":"https:\/\/detailing1.it\/en\/products\/koch-chemie-teerwaesche-a-tea-bitumen-teerentferner","provider":"Detailing1","version":"1.0","type":"link"}