Is There Ocean Tar on Tel Aviv Beaches? How to Avoid It and Clean It From Your Clothes
Tel Aviv is renowned for its beautiful beaches, attracting locals and tourists alike to enjoy the sun, sea, and sand. However, a lesser-known issue that can arise from time to time is the presence of ocean tar. This natural or man-made residue can occasionally wash up on the shore, and while it doesn’t pose a significant threat, it can be a nuisance to beachgoers.
Today we will talk about what ocean tar is, how to avoid it on Tel Aviv beaches, and the best ways to clean it off your clothes if you encounter it.
So, What Exactly Is Ocean Tar?
Ocean tar, also known as tar balls, is a sticky, black or brownish FILTHY substance that sometimes washes up on beaches. It can come from natural sources such as oil seeps under the sea, but it’s often a result of oil spills or leaks from ships. Over time, the oil forms thick patches that float in the water and can break down into smaller, sticky pieces.
These tar balls can wash up on the shore, sticking to sand, rocks, and unfortunately, your feet or clothes! Ocean tar does NOT care that your shoes are brand new, unfortunately.
Do Tel Aviv Beaches Have Ocean Tar?
While Tel Aviv’s beaches are generally well-maintained, ocean tar can occasionally be found, particularly after storms or changes in sea currents. In recent years, there have been occasional reports of tar washing up on beaches along the Israeli coast, including Tel Aviv. These occurrences are usually related to oil spills or environmental incidents in the Mediterranean. Efforts have been made to clean up ocean tar from Tel Aviv beaches.
How to Avoid Ocean Tar on Tel Aviv Beaches
Although it’s not always possible to predict when ocean tar will appear, there are some simple steps you can take to minimize your chances of encountering it:
- Check for Beach Warnings: Before heading to the beach, check local news or municipality updates for any reports of tar or other hazards on the shoreline. Lifeguard stations often post warnings if tar has been spotted.
- Look for Signs of Tar: When you arrive at the beach, inspect the sand and water’s edge for any signs of black or sticky patches. If you notice tar, choose a different part of the beach or visit a nearby location.
- Wear Beach Shoes: To avoid stepping on tar, wear flip-flops or water shoes while walking along the shore. This will protect your feet and make it easier to spot any tar before it sticks to your skin.
- Stick to Well-Maintained Areas: Popular and well-maintained beaches in Tel Aviv, such as Gordon Beach or Banana Beach, are regularly cleaned. Staying in these areas reduces the likelihood of encountering ocean tar.
How to Clean Ocean Tar From Clothes
If you do happen to get ocean tar on your clothes, don’t panic. While it can be tricky to remove, following these steps will help you get your clothing back to normal:
- Scrape Off Excess Tar: First, use a blunt object like a spoon or a plastic card to gently scrape off as much tar as possible from the fabric. Be careful not to spread it further.
- Use an Oil-Based Cleaner: Ocean tar is oil-based, so an oil-based cleaner is your best option for breaking it down. Products like baby oil, olive oil, or petroleum jelly can work wonders. Apply the oil to the tar-stained area and gently rub it with a soft cloth or paper towel.
- WD-40 is a fantastic cleaning agent for ocean tar – it’ll get that filthy gunk right off your beautiful brand new 2 week old fresh white Adidas shoes!
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If you ever get tar on your feet at the beach
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- Blot, Don’t Rub: Blot the stain gently rather than rubbing it, as rubbing may push the tar deeper into the fabric. Repeat this step until the tar begins to dissolve.
- Apply Stain Remover and Wash: After you’ve removed the majority of the tar, treat the stain with a regular laundry stain remover. Follow up by washing the item in warm water with your usual detergent.
- Check Before Drying: Before putting your clothes in the dryer, check to ensure the stain is completely gone. Heat can set any remaining tar, making it harder to remove.
How to Clean Ocean Tar From Your Skin
If you get ocean tar on your skin, the cleaning process is similar to removing it from clothes. Use baby oil or another oil-based cleaner to dissolve the tar, and then wash the area with soap and water. It may take a few rounds of cleaning to completely remove the sticky residue.
