How to solve sunscreen stains on clothes?
To avoid sunburn, sunscreen is our best ally in summer. But it can stain our clothes. Don’t panic! There are solutions to prevent them and even to fix disasters. Discover how to enjoy summer without worrying about sunscreen stains on your clothes.
- Why does my sunscreen leave stains?
Sunscreen formulas are designed to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. The ingredient responsible for causing stains is the UVA protection filter. The higher the sun protection factor of your sunscreen, the higher the concentration of UVA protection filter and the greater the chance that the cream will transfer its own color to your clothes.
Depending on the type of fabric, the arrangement of the fibers can encourage the product to soak in. That’s why these stains can be stubborn.
Often, sunscreen stains only appear after washing. This phenomenon is due to the presence of metallic ions in tap water. These ions form bonds with the UVA filter in the fabric and intensify the stain. But don’t worry, we have a few tips to help you fix this:
- 3 tips to avoid stains on clothes
• Let your sunscreen dry thoroughly after application before getting dressed. It is also recommended to apply your sunscreen 20 minutes before exposure.
• Avoid wearing delicate or hard-to-clean fabrics when you have applied sunscreen.
• In case of an accident, immediately rinse the stain with cold or lukewarm water and refer to the tips below
- Bad habits to avoid:
• Never wash the stained garment in the machine without first using a stain remover for greasy stains on the affected area. The first reflex should be to treat the stain before washing.
• Do not wash your garment in very hot water by hand, nor in the machine at 95°C to remove the stain. On the contrary, hot water sets the color.
• Never use bleach or hydrogen peroxide, which are not stain removers but bleaching agents. They may remove the dye from the fabric but not the stain.
How to remove sunscreen stains?
We protect your skin, so protect your clothes
If our sunscreen has come into contact with your swimsuit, soak it immediately for 24 hours in dishwashing liquid. Then try our grandma’s remedies below for the best possible results. To optimally protect your skin, our filters are water-resistant. That’s why the fibers can become deeply embedded.
Stain remover spray
Spray the stain before washing with stain remover spray and let it sit for a few moments. Use extra detergent for very dirty laundry and say goodbye to nasty sunscreen stains. Our advice: for colored fabrics, it’s better to avoid using stain remover spray as it may damage the colors.
Vinegar water
Vinegar water can also help you get rid of sunscreen stains. Soak your clothes for an hour in a vinegar bath. To make this bath, simply mix water and vinegar in a 5 to 1 ratio in a suitable container or sink. Then, there’s only one thing left to do: put it in the washing machine. It’s best to use liquid detergent instead of powder, as it removes stains more easily.
Baking powder or baking soda
Baking powder (raising agent) has a whitening effect. Therefore, it’s the perfect ingredient to make yellow sunscreen stains disappear from white clothes. It’s as easy as pie to use: Slightly dampen the stain with a little water and then sprinkle it with a packet of baking powder. After letting it sit for 30 minutes, wash your garment in the machine.