How do you remove sunscreen stains from clothing?
If you love spending time outside, chances are you use sunscreen on a regular basis. Sunscreen is a great way to protect your skin from the sun, but it can also leave stains on your clothes. Thankfully, there are several ways to remove sunscreen stains from clothing.
If you follow these steps, you should be able to quickly and easily remove sunscreen stains from your clothing.
Sunscreen is an important part of protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. But, it can also be tough to remove from clothing. If you’ve ever had a sunscreen stain on your clothes, you know how difficult it can be to get rid of it. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.
What causes sunscreen stains?
When you wear sunscreen, your skin comes into contact with two types of ingredients: active ingredients and inactive ingredients. Active ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, work to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays by reflecting them away from your body. Inactive ingredients, on the other hand, help to carry the active ingredient(s) onto your skin and provide other benefits, such as moisturizing your skin or giving the sunscreen a certain consistency.
It’s the inactive ingredients in sunscreen that are responsible for leaving behind those pesky stains on clothing, towels, and sheets. These ingredients are typically oils, like coconut oil or shea butter, which can be difficult to remove once they’ve become embedded in fabric fibers.
What will you need
To remove sunscreen stains, you will need:
- Cold water
- Liquid laundry detergent
- Stain remover (optional)
- Water
- Vinegar (optional)
- Rubbing alcohol or hairspray (optional)
Steps to remove
Here are the steps to remove sunscreen stains:
- Rinse the stain with cold water to remove as much sunscreen as possible.
- Rub a small amount of liquid laundry detergent into the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Rinse the stain again with cold water.
- If the stain persists, you can try using a stain remover or a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar. Rub the mixture into the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing again with cold water.
- If the stain is still present, you can try using a little bit of rubbing alcohol or hairspray (make sure to test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t bleach or damage the fabric). Rub the solution into the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing with cold water.
- Wash the clothing as you normally would, using hot water if the stain is particularly stubborn.
Prevention
To prevent sunscreen stains, you can try the following:
- Apply sunscreen to your skin before you get dressed. This will allow the sunscreen to fully absorb into your skin before it comes into contact with your clothing.
- Wear clothing that covers your skin to reduce the amount of sunscreen that comes into contact with your clothing.
- Use a sunscreen spray instead of a lotion, as it is less likely to leave stains.
- Keep a small bottle of stain remover in your beach bag or car, in case of any unexpected spills or stains.
- Wash your clothing as soon as possible after wearing it to reduce the chances of the stain setting in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use bleach to remove sunscreen stains?
A: It is not recommended to use bleach to remove sunscreen stains, as it may bleach or damage the fabric. Instead, try using a stain remover or a mixture of water and vinegar.
Q: Can I use hot water to remove sunscreen stains?
A: Hot water can sometimes set in stains, so it is best to use cold water to rinse the stain before washing it. If the stain is particularly stubborn, you can try using hot water during the washing process.
Q: Can I use a washing machine to remove sunscreen stains?
A: Yes, you can use a washing machine to remove sunscreen stains. Make sure to pre-treat the stain with a liquid laundry detergent or stain remover before washing it in the machine.
Q: Can I use a dry cleaner to remove sunscreen stains?
A: You can try taking the clothing to a dry cleaner to see if they can remove the sunscreen stain. Keep in mind that dry cleaning may not always be successful in removing stains, so it is best to try other methods first.
Conclusion
Sunscreen stains can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, it is possible to get them out. Be sure to act quickly when removing sunscreen stains, as they can set in quickly. Rinse the stain with cold water, and then apply a liquid laundry detergent or stain remover. If the stain persists, you can try using a mixture of water and vinegar or rubbing alcohol or hairspray. Wash the clothing as you normally would, using hot water if necessary. To prevent sunscreen stains, try applying sunscreen before getting dressed, wearing clothing that covers your skin, using a sunscreen spray, keeping a small bottle of stain remover on hand, and washing your clothing as soon as possible after wearing it.
