To get sunscreen out of clothes effectively, follow these steps:
- Remove Excess Sunscreen
Gently scrape off any excess sunscreen from the fabric using a spoon, dull knife, or the edge of a credit card. Be careful not to spread the stain further
- Rinse with Cold Water
Rinse the stained area under cold running water to flush out as much sunscreen as possible. Use high water pressure if available to help remove the oily residue
- Pre-treat the Stain
Apply a heavy-duty liquid detergent, dish soap (like Dawn), or a pre-wash stain remover directly to the stain. You can also make a paste of baking soda and water or use a mixture of liquid dishwashing detergent and white vinegar. Gently rub the detergent or paste into the fabric using your fingers or a soft brush and let it sit for 5–15 minutes
- Soak if Needed
For stubborn stains, soak the garment in a solution of warm water and detergent or vinegar for 30 minutes to overnight, depending on the stain severity
- Wash According to Fabric Care Instructions
Wash the garment in the hottest water safe for the fabric, using a heavy-duty detergent. Avoid drying the clothes until the stain is completely removed, as heat can set the stain permanently
- Check and Repeat if Necessary
After washing, inspect the garment for any remaining stain before drying. If the stain persists, repeat the pre-treatment and washing steps
Additional Tips:
- Avoid rubbing the stain aggressively at first, as this can push the sunscreen deeper into the fibers
- For white clothes, use stain removers designed for whites to avoid discoloration
- If you live in a hard water area, sunscreen stains may be harder to remove due to chemical reactions with minerals; choosing sunscreens without avobenzone can help prevent this
By following these steps, you can effectively remove oily and sometimes yellowish sunscreen stains from your clothes without damaging the fabric
