How to Remove Sunscreen Stains
Easy ways to get oily, rust-like sunscreen spots out of fabrics and carpet
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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Wash the Garment
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.