Sunscreen is vital for protecting your skin, but it can be tough on fabrics. Whether it’s your favorite white T-shirt, a sundress, or your beach towel, those greasy smears and eventual yellow or brown stains can become a frustrating souvenir from a sunny day. But don’t worry, those oily marks don’t have to be permanent. Here’s exactly how to remove sunscreen from clothes.
Step 1: Remove Excess Sunscreen
Avoid rubbing! Rubbing a fresh glob of sunscreen into fabric will only push it deeper into the fibers. Instead, gently lift away as much of the residue as possible using a dull knife, spoon, or the edge of a credit card.
Step 2: Pretreat Stain
Apply your preferred prewash stain remover directly to the affected area. Look for a formula with enzymes — especially lipase, which is effective at breaking down oily residues. Using your fingers or a soft-bristled brush, gently work the remover into the stain. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the enzymes time to do their work.
Step 3: Wash Garment
Launder the item in the hottest water temperature recommended on the care label. Use a heavy-duty detergent with enzymes to target the stain at the fiber level.
- Recommendation: We love using Dropps 4-in-1 Plus Oxi Laundry Detergent for heavy-duty cleaning. Its formula incorporates 5 cleaning enzymes and built-in oxi power to lift away tough stains!
Step 4: Dry Garment
Check the garment after washing. We recommend air drying at first, and if the stain is gone, you can proceed to tumble dry per the care label.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes sunscreen to stain?
Sunscreen formulas—both chemical and mineral—often contain oily emollients, UV blockers, and stabilizers that can cling to fabric fibers. Over time, these oils oxidize, especially when exposed to hard water or heat, leaving behind yellow or brown stains. Some facial sunscreens also include tinted pigments or iron oxides, which can discolor lighter fabrics.
How do you get sunscreen out of clothes fast?
Act fast! Blot the stain, pretreat with an enzyme-based solution, and wash as soon as possible in warm water. The longer the stain sits, the more difficult it becomes to remove.
What gets sunscreen out of white clothes?
White fabrics are more prone to visible discoloration. In addition to enzyme-based pretreatment, consider using a non-chlorine oxygen bleach to pre-soak and/or wash stages. This helps lift both oil and any resulting yellow or orange tint without damaging the fabric.