How to Remove Sunscreen Stains From Clothes
Heading to the beach on a sunny day is something we all really love in winter. However, we are also concerned about sunburn and tanning, and to avoid such issues, we use sunscreens. However, when the same sunscreen mistakenly falls on our clothes, we start looking for ways on how to remove sunscreen stains from clothes.
Sometimes, we are in a hurry and don’t pay heed to remove those stains right away. Over time, when those stains become dry, they leave yellow stain marks, which become very difficult to clean. Sunscreen stains are as stubborn as coffee stains on clothes, and that’s why it is said to treat them right away, otherwise the stains marks can become permanent.
Well, if you are also looking for ways to remove sunscreen stains from clothes, then you are at the right place.
In this guide, we will see what causes sunscreen stains on clothes, how to remove sunscreen stains from clothes, and common mistakes to avoid when removing the stains from clothes.
What Causes Sunscreen Stains on Clothes?
Sunscreen stains on clothes are caused by certain ingredients present in sunscreens. Ingredients like avobenzone, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, and oils present in sunscreen stick to the clothes easily. When sunscreen stained clothes are washed with hard water, the avobenzone reacts with minerals in hard water that turn the sunscreen residues into stubborn yellow or orange stains.
Sunscreens come in different types, and each type leaves a different kind of stain on clothes. Sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium oxide cause chalky white or dull gray stains on fabric. The one with avobenzone causes rust or yellow colored stains, whereas the oil based sunscreens leave greasy and dark spots on the clothes.
So the reaction of sunscreen ingredients with fabric and hard water causes sunscreen stains on the clothes.
How to Remove Sunscreen Stains From Clothes
Now, let’s see how to remove sunscreen stains from clothes, be it fresh stains, old stains, or removing stains from white clothes, this guide covers it all.
How to Remove Fresh Sunscreen Stains From Clothes
What You Need
Liquid detergent
Steps
- Blot the stain gently, do not rub harshly.
- First, rinse the stains thoroughly with cold water to remove any residues of sunscreen.
- Apply the liquid detergent onto the stain and rub gently. This step will help break down the oil in sunscreen.
- Leave it for 10-15 minutes and wash the cloth normally.
- After washing the cloth, let it air dry.
- If you still see the stains, then repeat the above steps before drying the cloth.
How to Remove Old Sunscreen Stains from Clothes?
Method 1: Use Baking Soda and Dishwashing Paste
What You Need
- Baking Soda
- Dishwashing Soap
Steps
- Make a paste by adding a few drops of dishwashing soap to baking soda.
- Apply this paste on the stain and gently scrub with the help of a soft brush or rub with your fingers.
- Leave it for half an hour and then rinse the cloth with warm water.
- Put the cloth for normal washing.
Method 2: Use White Vinegar
What You Need
- White Vinegar
- Cold Water
Steps
- Mix two parts of cold water and one part of white vinegar in a bathtub.
- Soak the stained cloth in this mixture for about 1 hour.
- After taking the cloth out, gently rub the stained area with your fingers and then rinse the cloth.
- Put the cloth for normal wash to remove the vinegar odour.
Method 3: Use Oxygen-Based Bleach
What You Need
- Oxygen-Based Bleach
- Warm Water
Steps
- Mix 1 tablespoon of oxygen-based bleach in 4 cups of warm water in the bathtub.
- Soak the stained cloth in this mixture for about 3-4 hours.
- After taking the cloth out, gently rub the stained area with your fingers and then rinse the cloth.
- Put the cloth for normal washing.
Do not use hot water for making the cleaning solution; always use warm water.
How to Remove Sunscreen Stains from White Clothes?
What You Need
- Enzyme-Based Liquid Detergent
- Oxygen-Based Bleach
- Warm Water
Steps
- First, apply enzyme-based liquid detergent directly on the stained area and gently rub with a soft brush or with your fingers.
- Leave it for 10-15 minutes.
- Then mix 1 tablespoon of oxygen-based bleach in 4 cups of warm water in the bathtub.
- Soak the stained cloth in this mixture for about 3-4 hours.
- After taking the cloth out, gently rub the stained area with your fingers and then rinse the cloth.
- Put the cloth for normal washing.
- Repeat the above steps if the stain still persists.
Before using enzyme liquid detergent and oxygen bleach do test it on a small part of the cloth to check for discoloration and fabric damage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid while Removing Sunscreen Stains from Clothes
When learning how to remove sunscreen stains from clothes, it is important to learn about the common mistakes that you should avoid while removing stains:
- Never treat the sunscreen stains with hot water; always use warm or cold water.
- Do not rub the stain harshly, as it can further spread the stain and damage the fabric as well.
- If you have an avobenzone-containing sunscreen that does not use chlorine bleach to treat that stain.
- Never dry the cloth in the dryer machine if stains still remain on the cloth, as heat can further set the stain into the cloth. So first remove the stain completely and then dry it.
Removing sunscreen stains from clothes can become one of the easiest tasks when you use the right methods like using baking soda, white vinegar, and oxygen- based bleach. The key is to act quickly, try to remove the stains right away, and if not, then use the above-mentioned methods to remove the old sunscreen stains from clothes. By following the right methods, you can effectively treat the sunscreen stains on clothes.
So now that you have this easy guide on how to remove sunscreen stains from clothes, no more worries when sunscreen mistakenly falls on your clothes.
Read Also: How to remove makeup from clothes.