Summer is all about soaking up the sun, but the downside? Sunscreen stains on your favourite clothes. It’s normal for alarm bells to go off once you see this but with a little bit calmness and the right approach, removing sunscreen stains from clothes can be a breeze!
Why Sunscreen Stains Are Stubborn
Sunscreen contains oils and chemicals designed to protect your skin, but these same ingredients can stick on fabrics, making them stubborn to remove. Specifically, sunscreens have avobenzone and other oil-based components, which can leave unwanted yellow or greasy stains, especially on light-coloured clothing.
Step-by-Step Guide To Removing Sunscreen Stains
1. Act Quickly
The sooner you treat the stain, the better. Fresh stains are much easier to remove than those that have set. As mentioned, the sunscreen stains have ingredients that are stubborn to remove.
2. Blot The Excess
Use a paper towel or cloth to blot (not rub) any excess sunscreen from the fabric. Be careful not to rub as this can push the stain deeper into the fibres.
3. Rinse With Cold Water
Next, hold the stained area under cold running water. This will help flush out as much of the sunscreen as possible. However, avoid hot water, as it can set the stain.
4. Apply a Stain Remover
Pre-treat the stain with a stain remover or liquid laundry detergent. Gently work the product into the fabric with your fingers or a soft brush. Let it sit for at least 10-15 minutes.
5. Soak In Warm Water
Afterwards, fill a sink or basin with warm water and add a bit of liquid detergent. Allow the stained garment to soak for 30 minutes to an hour. After an hour, the oils in the sunscreen will breka down.
6. Wash as Usual
Once you have soaked in warm water, proceed to wash the garment in the washing machine using the hottest water safe for the fabric. As usual with laundry, check the care label to avoid damaging your clothes. If needed, add a bit more detergent to boost cleaning power.
7. Check Before Drying
Finally, check the stain before drying. It’s important to check because heat from the dryer can set any remaining stain. If you do notice lingering stains, repeat the pre-treatment and washing steps until it’s good to dry.
Preventing Sunscreen Stains
Now that you know the steps in removing sunscreen stains, it’s important you also know how to prevent them from happening in the first place.
To prevent stains, apply sunscreen 15-20 minutes before dressing so it absorbs into your skin. Wear dark-coloured clothes to hide any stains, and use mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as they are less likely to stain than chemical ones.
Sunscreen stains might be a summer nuisance, but with these tips and tricks, you know not only how to prevent them but also to remove them to keep your clothes looking their best all season long.
If you’re still unsure about handling those stubborn stains or simply don’t have the time, consider using a professional laundry service like Laundryheap.
We can take care of your laundry with expert care, ensuring your clothes are spotless and ready for your next summer adventure.
To learn more about Laundryheap, visit our website or download the free app on iOS or Android.