As summer approaches, we all know the importance of applying sunscreen to protect our skin from harmful UV rays. But what about those stubborn sunscreen stains that seem to always find their way onto our clothes? Whether you accidentally smeared some on while applying or got a little too close to the pool, sunscreen stains can be a frustrating and unsightly problem. But don't worry, these oily, greasy stains don’t have to be permanent. Here’s a breakdown of how to remove sunscreen from clothes!
What causes sunscreen stains?
Sunscreen is a crucial tool in protecting our skin from UV rays, but it can leave behind some stubborn stains on fabric. Sunscreens come in two major varieties: chemical and physical. Both types of sunscreen come in a variety of formulations, which contain both active ingredients and other components such as preservatives and emulsifiers. One thing they all have in common? When these ingredients come into contact with clothing, they can create oily, greasy stains that are difficult to remove. Additionally, some sunscreens, particularly those for the face, contain pigments that can cause discoloration on fabrics. So, while sunscreen is an essential part of our skincare routine, it's important to be mindful of how it can affect our clothes and take steps to prevent and treat any stains that may occur.
It’s best to act as quickly as possible when dealing with sunscreen stains on clothes to prevent them from settling in the fibers. Ready to learn how to remove sunscreen from clothes? Read on!
How to Remove Sunscreen From Clothes
What you’ll need: Oxi Booster Pods, Stain & Odor Laundry Pods
Step 1: Fill Sink
First things first when it comes to how to remove suncream from clothes: prepare your tools! Fill a clean sink or basin with warm water. Drop in one Oxi Booster pod and wait for it to dissolve fully and create a cleaning, stain-fighting solution.
Step 2: Treat Stain
Now that you have your cleaning solution, it’s time to fight the stain! Submerge the garment in the Oxi Booster Solution and allow it to soak for up to 6 hours. How do Oxi Booster Pods help remove sunscreen stains on clothes? Oxi Booster Pods are a chlorine-free bleach alternative which naturally fights stubborn stains and odors. It should attack the structure of the stain and lift it out of the fabric–without bleaching the colors you want out of your clothes. After the stain has been lifted, rinse the garment with cool water. If the stain is particularly stubborn, you can try adding a pump of Ultra Concentrated Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent to the spot before soaking.
Step 3: Wash
Once the stain is lifted, wash the item in the warmest water recommended by the care label. We suggest using a Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pod, which contains enzymes for deep cleaning and stain fighting. Consider adding an Oxi Booster Pod for extra stain removal power and brightening!
Step 4: Dry
When the wash is done and the stain is gone, dry the item as usual according to the care label. Be sure the stain is fully lifted before putting the garment in the dryer, as the heat from a dryer can cause any remaining stains to set further and be more difficult to remove in the future. Once the stain is fully gone, you can dry the item worry-free!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about how to remove sunscreen from clothes? We’re here to help.
How do you get sunscreen out of clothes fast?
When faced with a stain, the best thing to do is treat it as soon as possible. The more quickly you treat a sunscreen stain, the more quickly it will get out of your clothes! Follow the steps in the above guide to quickly remove sunscreen stains on clothes.
Will vinegar remove sunscreen stains?
Vinegar is a tried and true natural stain remover that most of us already have in our kitchens. Do you know how to get sunscreen out of fabric with vinegar? It’s simple! Cover the stain in white vinegar and let it sit for 30 minutes. The vinegar will break down the oil in the stain. You can then rinse the area and wash your clothes as directed on the care label!
What takes sunscreen out of fabric?
When it comes to how to get sunscreen out of fabric, it is best to use a product that contains enzymes, which will break down the oil in the stain. You can use Oxi Booster Pods, Laundry Detergent that contains enzymes, or even vinegar!
What gets sunscreen out of white clothes?
Sunscreen stains can be removed with a variety of enzyme based cleaners, but white clothes may require a special touch. Dropps Oxi Booster pods don’t only work to remove stains, but are excellent at brightening and whitening. For white clothing, we recommend treating the stain with an Oxi Booster solution, and then adding an additional Oxi Booster pod to the wash once the stain is lifted!