Ah, the joys of summer – soaking up the sun, feeling the warm breeze on your skin, and, oh wait, sunscreen stains on your beautiful silk clothes. This article will discuss how to get sunscreen out of clothes safely and effectively.
We will cover the best methods for removing sunscreen stains from fabrics like cotton, polyester, and nylon and tips for preventing future sunscreen stains.
With these tips and tricks, you’ll never have to worry about having stained clothes again!
I know what you’re thinking, but I don’t want to spend hours scrubbing my silk clothes to remove a sunscreen stain.
Fear not, my friend, because with these tips and tricks, removing sunscreen stains from silk can be a breeze.
In no time, your silk garment will be back to its former glory, ready for another day in the sun.
Unleashing The Secrets, Best Practices And Tips on How to Get Yellow Sunscreen Out Of Clothes
Undeniably, sunscreen protects your skin from harmful sun rays, especially during the summer. It, however, does not make it a task worth looking forward to when trying to remove sunscreen stains from your clothes.
Sunscreen stains have proven to be very stubborn to remove, categorized as one of the worst. With the right tools, your clothes will look as good as new. This article will teach you various effective yet inexpensive ways to remove sunscreen stains from your clothes.
1. Use Rust Remover
Items needed
- A good rust remover
- An old toothbrush
Steps to Follow
- Identify the areas of your clothes that have been stained by sunscreen
- Apply the rust remover to each stain and gently brush the stain off with the toothbrush. If you do not have an old toothbrush, you can opt for a laundry brush or nail brush.
- Repeat this process until the stain is entirely removed from the cloth.
- You can finally wash the clothes normally. It may be hand washing or using the laundry machine. If you notice more stains on the garment, refrain from using the dryer, making stain removal a hectic task.
2. Use Lemon Juice With Salt
Items needed
- Lemon juice
- Table salt
- An old toothbrush
Steps to Follow
- Identify the area where your garment has been stained by sunscreen.
- Under cold running water, wet this area enough to saturate it.
- Allow the garment to sit overnight on a clean flat surface such as a table or chair.
- Onto the stain, pour a substantial amount of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Make sure the stain fully absorbs the liquid.
- Put a sizable amount of salt on the stain, such that the whole area is entirely covered by salt. Let this sit for another night.
- With an old toothbrush, take off the salt particles from the cloth. The stain should have completely faded by now.
- Wash the garment as usual and let it dry.
3. Use Detergent
Items needed
- Laundry detergent for oil-based stains
- An old toothbrush
Steps to Follow
- First, rinse the stained cloth with cold water. It will help refresh the stain, making it easier to work around.
- Soak the piece of cloth in water mixed with the detergent for at least forty-five minutes.
- Hand wash the stained area and gently use an old toothbrush to remove any stubborn stains.
- Rinse the garment thoroughly using cold running water while ensuring all the stains come off.
- Clean the garment as usual and allow it to dry.
4. Use Vinegar
Items needed
- Half a cup of White wine vinegar
- Hot water
Steps to Follow
- Identify the area stained with sunscreen on your garment.
- Dip the area in half a cup of white wine vinegar and leave it for at least thirty minutes.
- Rinse the cloth thoroughly with cold running water to remove any bad smells from the vinegar.
- Wash your piece of cloth with the hottest water recommended for it, always putting more concentration on the stained area.
- Once you are satisfied with the results, let the garment dry. If not, you can always repeat step two for another half an hour.
5. Use Bleach
This method applies to white clothes where the sunscreen leaves a disgusting yellowish stain.
Items needed
- Bleaching detergent
- Cold water
Steps to Follow
- First, identify the area of your cloth stained by sunscreen. It is usually easy as one can identify the yellow spots around the cloth.
- Soak the cloth in a water-bleach mixture for at least an hour, with the stained area facing downwards to allow as much stain bleaching as possible.
- If the stain is still not faded by this time, discard the previous water-bleach mixture and soak it in a new mixture for another hour.
- Once satisfied with the results, rinse the cloth thoroughly with cold water.
6. Use Eucalyptus Oil
Items needed
- Eucalyptus oil
- Hot water
Steps to Follow
- To the area stained with sunscreen, apply a substantial amount of eucalyptus oil and let it sit for around twenty to thirty minutes. You will notice the stain quickly fades away.
- Rinse the formerly stained area with cold running water, constantly checking for stain residues.
- Wash the cloth in the hottest recommended water to ensure all the eucalyptus oil has come off, and let the cloth dry.
7. Using Sand
It is sometimes not easy to get sunscreen off your clothes in places like the beach. To help mitigate your clothes against sunscreen stains, you can put Sand on your clothes for around twenty minutes to absorb the oils of the sunscreen.
8. Hang in the Sun
Many people may not know this, but the sun is the most natural way to bleach your clothes. It is especially significant for brightly coloured clothes. To achieve this, wash your sunscreen-stained cloth as usual and let it dry in the sun. Ensure that the area with the stain faces the sun, constantly changing it in alignment with the sun’s shifting. Do this as long as possible until you are satisfied with the results.
9. Let a Professional Handle It
Clothes such as suits and silky garments may not be easy to handle at Home. Take them to a dry cleaner who knows the appropriate treatment for the type of material. It would be best to involve the professional as soon as you notice the sunscreen stain and inform them about it, directing them to its location. This will save you money on buying another piece of cloth.
Read More about How To Remove Ink Stains From Clothes Home Remedies
How do You Remove Sunscreen From silk clothes at Home?
Silk clothes do need special attention when removing sunscreen stains. The most recommended way of doing this is by hiring a professional to do it for you. This is, however, not possible for everybody. To ensure you get rid of the stain at Home, you will need a stain remover, excellent for such delicate fabrics. Use your washing machine to make work easier by pre-treating your silk cloth at thirty degrees using the delicate cycle adjustment. After this, wash the cloth normally.
- Dab, don’t rub: When removing sunscreen stains from silk, it’s important to remember to dab, not rub. Rubbing the stain can cause it to spread, making it even more challenging to remove. Instead, use a clean cloth to gently dab the stain, working from the outside.
- Use a mild detergent: Silk is a delicate fabric, so it’s essential to use a mild detergent when removing sunscreen stains. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals, as these can damage the silk fibres. Instead, opt for a gentle, pH-balanced laundry detergent.
- Soak it up: Soaking the stained garment in cold water can help lift the stain and make it easier to remove. Fill a basin with cold water and add a small amount of detergent. Let the garment soak for 10-15 minutes, then gently dab the stain with a clean cloth.
- Try baking soda: Baking soda is a natural, effective solution for removing tough stains, including sunscreen stains from silk. Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda with water to form a paste, then apply the paste to the stain. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse with cold water and dab the stain with a clean cloth.
- Spot treat with white vinegar: White vinegar is another natural solution that can be used to remove stubborn sunscreen stains from silk. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, then use a clean cloth to dab the solution onto the stain. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with cold water and dab the stain with a clean cloth.
However, removing sunscreen stains from silk may seem daunting, but with patience and the proper techniques, it can be done quickly. Remember to be gentle, use a mild detergent, and consider using natural solutions like baking soda or white vinegar to tackle those stubborn stains. Happy sunning!
How Do You Remove Sunscreen From Upholstery and Carpets at Home?
1. Use a Knife
A blunt knife is suitable for scraping off dried-up sunscreen or sunscreen lotion, as it prevents the lotion as it prevents sunscreen from seeping further into the fabric. This method is advised over the common go-to notion of using a cloth to wipe it off.
2. Use Laundry Detergent
As with clothes, upholstery is washable. Mix one teaspoon of your laundry detergent with distilled water and gently brush the sunscreen stain off using an old toothbrush. The detergent breaks down the molecules present in the sunscreen.
3. Use Plain Water
Sometimes, it takes a little water to make the magic happen. If the stain is not too far, use a clean microfiber cloth dipped in water to gently wipe it off. Always make sure the cloth is thoroughly squeezed off excess water. This method requires one to be keen when wiping as it may further spread the stain.
4. Use a Vacuum Cleaner
Gently vacuum the sunscreen lotion of the fabric by setting the vacuum to the lowest pressure. Please do not place the vacuum too close to the stained area, as the lotion may spread.
5. Use Diluted Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is suitable for brightly colored carpets and upholstery as it causes discoloring. The diluted chemical is applied on the sunscreen-patched area with a cotton swab and blotted out with a microfiber cloth.
What Should You Avoid Doing When Removing Sunscreen Stains?
While you might be eager to get rid of those stubborn stains, there are some things you should avoid doing when removing sunscreen stains.
- Avoid using hot water: Hot water can set the stain, making removing it even more challenging. So, avoid washing your clothes in hot water when trying to remove a sunscreen stain.
- Avoid using bleach: While bleach might seem like the perfect solution for removing tough stains, it’s not the best option for removing sunscreen stains. The chemicals in bleach can react with the chemicals in sunscreen, causing more damage to your clothes.
- Avoid fabric softeners: Fabric softeners can leave a residue on your clothes, making it even more challenging to remove the stain. So, avoid using fabric softeners when washing clothes that have sunscreen stains.
- Avoid putting clothes in the dryer: Heat from the dryer can also set the stain, making it even more challenging to remove. So, avoid putting clothes in the dryer until you’ve successfully removed the sunscreen stain.
- Avoid rubbing the stain: Rubbing the stain can cause it to spread and make it even more challenging to remove. So, avoid rubbing the stain and opt for a gentle blotting technique instead.
- Tumble Drying. Although very useful, tumble drying gives stains the power to set themselves in your clothes firmly. It is not exceptional to have sunscreen stains, which become permanent when tumble-dried. Air drying is the most preferred alternative, allowing the sun to beat down the stain.
- Extreme Heating During Pre-treatment. This mistake makes the sunscreen stain more embedded in the clothes as it changes the composition of the oil enzymes of the sunscreen.
Now that you know what to avoid, let’s discuss what you should do. To remove a sunscreen stain, start by rinsing the stain with cold water. Next, apply a stain remover specifically designed for removing oil-based stains, such as a degreaser or a laundry stain stick. Let the stain remover sit for 5-10 minutes, then wash the clothes in cold water. Repeat this process until the stain is entirely removed.
Ways to Prevent Sunscreen Stains From Getting on Your Clothes
I know what you’re thinking – “But I don’t want to sacrifice style for practicality!” Fear not, my friend, because plenty of stylish cover-up options are available, from breezy sundresses to lightweight tunics. With a bit of forethought and preparation, you can prevent those pesky sunscreen stains from ruining your day and keep your style on point.
- Always apply sunscreen and let it dry before putting your clothes on. It prevents chances of the cream from attaching to your clothes.
- Don’t let the sunscreen stain stay on your clothes for an extended period, as it becomes harder to remove. So, please make a point of removing it as soon as it forms. For instance, if you are at the beach, wash your bikini with salty beach water as it will help remove most of it, and the remaining will be removed once you wash your bikini with detergent.
- Stay clear from sunscreens containing the avobenzone chemical, which causes staining when clothes having sunscreen come into contact with water. The water contains iron components, forming a chemical reaction with avobenzone, causing the staining.
- Choose wisely: Not all sunscreens are created equal, so choose wisely! Opt for a water-based formula, as these are less likely to cause stains than oil-based formulas.
- Apply with care: When applying sunscreen, it’s essential to do so evenly and sparingly. Applying too much sunscreen in one area can increase the risk of staining, so spread it out evenly.
- Wait it out: Give your sunscreen time to fully absorb into your skin before getting dressed. This will reduce the risk of the sunscreen transferring onto your clothing.
- Dress for the occasion: Wearing clothing that covers your skin, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants, can help reduce the amount of skin that comes into contact with your clothing and minimize the risk of staining.
- Get the timing right: Apply sunscreen before getting dressed, or opt for a spray-on formula that can be applied directly over your clothes.
- Have a backup plan: Bring a lightweight, light-colored cover-up over your swimwear. This will provide an extra barrier between your skin and your clothes, reducing the risk of staining.
Preventing sunscreen stains from ruining your clothes is about being innovative and proactive. Choose a water-based formula, apply it carefully, and bring along a backup plan in the form of a lightweight cover-up. With these tips, you can enjoy your summer in the sun without worrying about stubborn stains on your clothes. Happy sunning!
Best Store-Bought Products For Getting Sunscreen Out of Clothing?
- OxiClean: OxiClean is a versatile stain remover designed to tackle tough, including sunscreen stains. Mix with water and add to your laundry as you normally would.
- Zout: Zout is a laundry stain remover specifically designed to tackle oil-based stains, like sunscreen. Apply to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wash as you usually would.
- Shout Advanced Action Gel: Shout Advanced Action Gel is a powerful stain remover that removes stubborn sunscreen stains. Apply the gel directly to the stain, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and then wash as you usually would.
Wrap up on How To Get Yellow Sunscreen Out Of Clothes
Well, folks, there you have it! We’ve covered all the best ways to get those stubborn sunscreen stains out of your clothes and keep them looking fresh and fabulous all summer.
From the tried-and-true methods of vinegar and baking soda to the latest and greatest store-bought products, you now have all the tools you need to tackle those pesky stains head-on.
Remember, the key to success is acting quickly and treating the stain as soon as possible.
So, put on that sunscreen and enjoy your time in the sun without a care in the world!
And if a stain does happen to sneak up on you, remember that it’s no match for the tips and tricks we’ve shared in this blog post.
Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure it won’t cause any damage.
Have you used any of the methods above to clear off sunscreen stains from your clothes? Let us know in the comment section. Happy stain-fighting!