Aaarrrggghhh! Tar!
 

While riding today I had to cross a construction site where they had just laid fresh asphalt. I could feel the stuff stick to my tires, which then picked up a ton of dirt and grit. I wiped the tires off on some grass as well as I could, then took off down the road. For the next couple of miles it felt like the tires were covered in bubble gum, but by the time I got home most of it was gone from the tires.

My question is: how can I get tar splatters off the frame? I'm sfraid to use acetone or solvents on CF. Would a citrus degreaser work? Or maybe lemon juice?

Kerosene or Diesel fuel and a rag will do the job.

Fight fire with fire? Fight petro with petro and use kerosene or other oil based cleaning solutions.

WD40 and a rag will take off tar.

I've used olive oil.

Thanks for the advice. I'll go clean it off now before tomorrow's ride.

Bug and tar remover ... Available at any auto store.

mineral spirits

Yes. I've had a pint can of Turtle Wax Bug and Tar remover for over 20 years. Works great, safe on paint.
Works good cleaning rim brake tracks too.

I've tried a bunch of things and I can honestly say that WD-40 is my number one go to for tar removal.

^this.

J.

GoJo Hand Cleaner. Works wonders on the hands, works wonders on the bike. No harsh chemicals, safe for painted surfaces and does not leave a chemical residue. I use it on my white, CF Colnago and it takes the road tar off with little to no effort. Use the non-gritty hand cleaner that comes in a tub and not the one that comes in a squeeze bottle; it'll clean the tar but also scratch your bike.

I've run into similar situations and after cleaning it I apply car wax to my frame. My newest frame is Matte black and it "can't" be waxed but on a regular finish I would clean and then wax the frame. If you know you may have to return to that area...or even if you won't.... Pledge polish is great stuff to apply to a clean frame. When you return from a dusty, dirty ride, the dirt will just wipe off without any effort and even tar will be much easier to remove.

WD-40 works fine, but odorless mineral spirits are less expensive and just as effective. But if all you have on hand is WD-40, by all means use it.