Do you know the frustration of trying to remove old sunscreen stains? Do you feel frustrated and hopeless because you don’t know how to get them out? Or maybe you’ve tried a few methods but with no luck?
Don’t worry; we have some easy solutions that can help you get rid of those old sunscreen stains.
Although sunscreen is necessary for skin health, it does have some drawbacks: Sunscreen’s active chemicals can be a pain to get out of clothes, beach towels, and other materials.
To be more precise, sunscreen stains are composite, meaning they contain elements of multiple kinds of stains.
Sunscreen contains oil that can leave greasy stains on garments and minerals that can leave permanent stains on the fabric. The trick to successfully eliminating these difficult stains is to take the appropriate steps.
This article will provide easy and effective methods to help you get rid of old sunscreen stains.
Method 1: Washing with Detergent
The simplest method to remove sunscreen stains is to wash them with a quality detergent. Be sure to use a detergent that is designed for delicate, as well as one that is specifically created for removing oil-based stains.
If you want to get rid of stains permanently, you can use a stain remover in the washing machine.
Start by mixing a tablespoon of laundry detergent with a cup of warm water and stir until it becomes a thick paste.
After applying the paste to the stained area and letting it sit for a few minutes, you can scrub away the remnants with a gentle brush or cloth.
Method 2: Rust Remover
If the stain remains after trying the laundry detergent method, you can try a rust remover. This type of product is specifically created to remove minerals and other deposits left behind by sunscreen.
Note: You can lessen the staining caused by the chemical reaction of avobenzone and water by treating sunscreen stains before laundering.
If you’re using it on cloth, read the label first. Apply the rust stain remover as directed, then use a laundry brush to scrub the stain out of the cloth. (If you don’t have a laundry brush, you can use an old toothbrush or a nail brush.)
Afterward, you can wash the clothing normally. Be sure the stains are completely gone before you dry the item, as the heat from the dryer might permanently set stains.
Method 3: White Vinegar
Another easy and effective way for removing sunscreen stains is with white vinegar. It works as a mild acid and helps break down sunscreen’s oils and minerals.
Use a spray bottle filled with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Spray the mixture onto the stains and let it soak for a few minutes before scrubbing with a cloth or brush.
Once you’ve scrubbed off the yellow stain, rinse with warm water and let it air dry.
If you need some extra help, try adding a few drops of liquid dish soap to the vinegar and water solution. This will help to break down any oils left in the stain.
Method 4: Lemon Juice and Salt
The combination of lemon juice and salt is another effective way to remove old sunscreen stains. The salt draws out the stain while the acid in the lemon juice dissolves the oils in the sunscreen.
Put the discolored area of your clothing in the sink and run cold water over it to remove the stubborn stain. Get the job done fast, and let the stain soak in water for a little longer than necessary.
Spread out the garment on a flat area where it won’t be bothered, and let it sit there overnight. You can use a folded towel to create a barrier between the clothing and the flat surface if it is made of metal, hardwood, or another material that shouldn’t become wet.
To remove a stain, saturate it with lemon juice by squeezing a lemon over it, and then sprinkle salt over it.
Give the mixture of lemon juice and salt a whole night to penetrate and dissolve the stain. The next day, simply brush the salt into the garbage or sink and wash the garment as usual.
Method 5: Cornflour
Sunscreen oil can be particularly damaging to fabric, so it’s crucial to remove as much of it as possible before using. To remove oil from stubborn stains, try sprinkling cornflour on them.
The cornflour binds to the oil and lifts it away from the fabric, making it easier to remove. Leave a thick cornflour layer on the afflicted region for 10–15 minutes. Once the oil has been absorbed, gently brush off the powder and if necessary, repeat the process until all of the oil is gone.
Method 6: Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil isn’t just for cleaning surfaces or soothing muscle aches you can also use it to remove tough stains from clothing. If you’ve ever accidentally gotten yellow sunscreen stains on your clothes, you know how difficult it can be to get out. But eucalyptus oil can help.
Simply mix equal parts’ eucalyptus oil and water in a spray bottle and spritz the stained area generously. After that, hang it up in the sunlight for a while before washing it normally.
The eucalyptus oil will work to break down the oils in the sunscreen, making it easier to remove the stain completely.
Extra Advice on Removing Sunscreen Marks
You can clean carpets and upholstery of sunscreen stains using either a manual application of cleaning solutions or a small, portable extractor.
If you miss a sunscreen stain, simply scrape off the larger globs with a spatula or dull edge and cover the area with talcum powder or cornstarch until you can get to it.
Another option is to use sand to remove sunscreen stains from garments if they occur at the beach.
For best results, give the sand at least 15 minutes to set in the stain before brushing it away. That way, the oil can be absorbed into the fabric until you can wash the garment.
If your water is really mineral-rich, you can either install a water softener in your machine or wash it by hand with distilled water. Stay away from chlorine bleach; it may set the stain even deeper. Read the sunscreen ingredient labels and avoid those that contain avobenzone.
How To Prevent Sunscreen Stains
It’s common knowledge that sunscreen is essential for avoiding sunburn, skin aging, and skin cancer. Also, everyone can relate to the joy of finding the ideal bathing outfit.
And most of us know the heartbreak of discovering that our clothes have been ruined by sunscreen.
Some of the components that make sunscreen water-resistant and UV-protective also make it extremely tenacious when it comes to clinging to the fibers of clothing.
Here are some suggestions for protecting your swimsuit from sunscreen stains:
Before venturing outdoors, apply sunscreen and wait at least 20 minutes. Give your body time to absorb it, and allow the lotion to start drying, so you won’t transfer it to your white clothes.
Wear a swimsuit that covers a larger area of skin, so you’ll have fewer spots that need to be protected.
Buy a sunscreen that is labeled as water-resistant or “sport” sunscreen, which withstands sweat and water better than regular sunscreen.
Wear a t-shirt or sarong over your swimsuit to act as a shield between the lotion and your clothing.
Use a sunscreen stick to protect those hard-to-reach spots like behind your ears and at the back of your neck, so you don’t have to spray over your clothes.
When applying sunscreen, wear an old t-shirt that you don’t mind getting stained in case any gets on your clothes.
Avoid spray sunscreens-they might be convenient, but they can leave a nasty residue that’s difficult to remove from clothing.
Finally, wash your clothes as soon as possible after wearing them-before the sunscreen residue has a chance to set in.
By following this advice, you can protect your favorite clothing from sunscreen stains and keep it looking as good as new.
Final Words
No one likes dealing with sunscreen stains on clothing, but with a few simple steps, you can remove them quickly and easily.
Whether you use lemon juice, white vinegar, cornflour, or eucalyptus oil, these techniques will help you get your clothes looking like new again.
And by following the tips for preventing sunscreen stains, you can help ensure that your favorite items stay in great condition for a long time to come. So don’t let sunscreen stains ruin your wardrobe-with a bit of effort, you can keep your clothing looking as good as new!