How to Remove Sunscreen Stains

Easy ways to get oily, rust-like sunscreen spots out of fabrics and carpet

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 5 - 10 mins
  • Total Time: 1 - 2 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0 to $10

Sunscreen is important to use but it also stains clothes and other fabrics with an oily residue. Untreated stains become stubborn and more so if you are washing them in hard water. Most sunscreens contain a chemical called avobenzone which reacts with hard water and creates dark brown or rust-like stains. Synthetics stain more easily than cotton or natural fibers. After treating a sunscreen stain, always check the stained area before tossing the item in the dryer. High heat can set the stain and make it more difficult to remove.

How to Remove Sunscreen Stains

The Spruce / Michela Buttignol

Learn easy methods to get rid of sunscreen stains on fabrics using pantry items.

Stain type Oil-based
Detergent type Heavy-duty liquid
Water temperature Warm to hot, depending on water hardness and fabric type
Cycle type Varies depending on the type of fabric

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Soft-bristled brush (optional)

Materials

  • Pre-wash stain remover
  • Laundry detergent
  • Water softener (optional)
  • Distilled water (optional)

Instructions

How to Remove Sunscreen Stains From Washable Fabrics

Resist the urge to rub the spot immediately. That will only push the stain deeper into the fabric fibers and make the stain harder to remove.

materials needed for removing sunscreen stains

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

  1. Pretreat the Stain

    Treat the stained area with a pre-wash stain remover or a dab of heavy-duty liquid detergent. Tide and Persil are rated as the best detergent brands with adequate enzymes to break apart the oil component of the stain. 

    pretreating a sunscreen stain with detergent
    The Spruce / Letícia Almeida 
  2. Scrub the Stain

    • Work the stain remover or detergent into the sunscreen stain with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush.
    • Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. 
    working detergent in with a soft brush
    The Spruce / Letícia Almeida  
  3. Wash the Garment

    • Add heavy-duty detergent to your washing machine and wash the item with the hottest water permitted on the care label.
    • If your home has hard water, add a water softener to the wash or hand-wash the item with warm distilled water.

    Tip

    If a stain is still present after washing, launder it with a commercial rust remover. Commercial rust removers are safe to use on white or colorfast fabrics.

    affected garment being added to the washer
    The Spruce / Letícia Almeida 

How to Remove Sunscreen Stains on Carpet and Upholstery

Removing sunscreen stains on carpet and upholstery is most effective when tackled immediately. Test the solution and cleaning method on an inconspicuous area to ensure the material's color will not be affected.

  • Use a dull knife or spoon to lift the sunscreen from the area. Do this as soon as possible and do not rub the sunscreen.
  • Mix a solution of 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with 1 cup of warm water. If your water is hard, use distilled water instead.
  • Dip a white cloth or soft-bristled brush in the cleaning solution and blot the stain. 
  • Rinse the area thoroughly with a clean cloth dipped in water. Do not leave soap residue that will attract dirt or saturate the area with water or it will cause mildew.
  • Air-dry the area.
  • Vacuum to lift and soften fibers.

Tip

For light-colored carpet or upholstery with an old, browned stain, mix 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide with 2 tablespoons of water to treat the discoloration. Apply with a cotton swab or dropper and blot with a clean cloth. Do not use this method on dark carpets as hydrogen peroxide can cause fading.

Additional Tips for Handling Sunscreen Stains

Use a small handheld extractor on carpet and upholstery to remove sunscreen stains. If you can't treat a sunscreen stain immediately, remove globs of lotion with a spoon, sprinkle the stain with talcum powder or cornstarch, and let it sit until you can address the stain. If you're at the beach, apply sand to the stain to absorb the oil and let it sit for 15 minutes before you brush it away.

If your water has a high mineral content, use a water softener in your washing machine, or hand-wash with distilled water. Avoid chlorine bleach, which can make the stain worse. If the garment is labeled dry clean only, immediately take it to your dry cleaner. The same applies to stained silk or vintage upholstery. You are likely to do more damage if you try to remove the stain yourself.

FAQ
  • Why does sunscreen stain my clothes?

    Avobenzone is an ingredient in most sunscreens that is made from oil and mineral compounds and causes rust-like yellowish-orange stains on clothing.

  • How can I prevent sunscreen stains from getting on clothes?

    It helps to let your sunscreen completely dry before putting on clothes or sitting on upholstery. Or, you can find a sunscreen that does not contain avobenzone. Avobenzone is in many sunscreens because the chemical protects skin from damaging UVA rays.

  • How can I remove old, yellow sunscreen stains from white clothes?

    Rub laundry or dishwashing detergent on the stain to break up the oil, rinse in cold water, then soak the item in a solution of 50/50 white vinegar and water for an hour. Then wash as usual.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. The Quest for a Better Sunscreen. New York University.