How Do You Get Sun Cream Stains Out of Clothes?
Sun cream stains on clothes can be frustrating, but they’re not permanent. The key is to act quickly and use the right methods. You can typically remove these stains by pretreating with dish soap or baking soda, followed by a normal wash cycle, and sometimes needing a boost with vinegar or rubbing alcohol.
Understanding Sun Cream Stains
Sun cream protects us from harmful UV rays, but its ingredients, especially those containing UV filters and oils, can leave unsightly stains on clothing. These stains often appear as greasy marks or yellowish discolorations, which can be particularly noticeable on light-colored fabrics. Understanding the composition of sun cream and how it interacts with fabric is the first step in effectively removing them.
Why Sun Cream Stains Are Stubborn
Sun cream stains are more than just surface blemishes. Here’s why they’re so challenging to remove:
- Oil-based: Sun creams contain oils that bind tightly to fabric fibers.
- UV filters: These chemicals can react with fabric dyes, causing discoloration.
- Water resistance: Designed to resist water, sun cream also resists water-based cleaning.
The Process of Removing Sun Cream Stains: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a detailed guide on removing sun cream stains from clothes:
- Act Fast: The sooner you treat the stain, the easier it will be to remove. Don’t let the stain set!
- Blot, Don’t Rub: Gently blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove excess sun cream. Rubbing can spread the stain and drive it deeper into the fibers.
- Pretreat the Stain: Several options work well:
- Dish soap: Apply a small amount directly onto the stain and gently rub it in.
- Baking soda: Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Laundry stain remover: Follow the product’s instructions.
- Wash the Garment: Wash the garment according to the care label instructions using a high-quality laundry detergent.
- Inspect Before Drying: After washing, check to see if the stain is gone. If not, repeat steps 3 and 4 before drying. Drying can set the stain.
- Consider Specialized Solutions: For stubborn stains, consider using vinegar, rubbing alcohol, or a specialized stain remover designed for oil-based stains. Test these solutions in an inconspicuous area first to ensure they don’t damage the fabric.
- Sunlight (Paradoxically): Ironically, sunlight can help fade remaining stains. Hang the damp garment outdoors to dry, but be cautious as direct sunlight can also fade some colors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rubbing the stain vigorously: This can damage the fibers and spread the stain.
- Using hot water: Hot water can set the stain, making it more difficult to remove. Always use cool or lukewarm water.
- Drying the garment before the stain is completely removed: Drying can permanently set the stain.
- Using harsh chemicals without testing: Bleach and other harsh chemicals can damage delicate fabrics or cause discoloration. Always test in an inconspicuous area first.
- Ignoring the care label: Always follow the care label instructions for the garment to avoid damaging the fabric.
Different Fabric Types and Stain Removal
The best method for removing sun cream stains can vary depending on the fabric type.
| Fabric Type | Recommended Approach | Cautions |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Pretreat with dish soap or baking soda, wash in cool water. | Avoid high heat in the dryer until the stain is gone. |
| Linen | Similar to cotton, but be extra gentle to avoid damaging the fibers. | Test stain removers in an inconspicuous area first. |
| Synthetic Fabrics | Dish soap or stain remover designed for synthetics. | Avoid high heat. |
| Delicate Fabrics | Consider a mild detergent designed for delicates or consult a professional dry cleaner. | Test any cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach. |
Prevention is Key
The best way to deal with sun cream stains is to prevent them in the first place.
- Apply sun cream well in advance: Allow the sun cream to absorb into your skin before getting dressed.
- Choose clothing carefully: Opt for darker colors or fabrics that are less likely to show stains.
- Use a spray-on sun cream: Spray-on sun creams can be less greasy than lotions, reducing the likelihood of staining.
- Wash clothes regularly: Wash your clothes as soon as possible after wearing them, especially if you’ve been wearing sun cream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Does My Sun Cream Leave Yellow Stains?
The yellow stains are usually caused by a chemical reaction between UV filters in the sun cream and minerals in the water or detergent, or sometimes even the fabric itself. These filters, particularly avobenzone, are prone to causing this type of discoloration.
Does Sun Cream Expire?
Yes, sun cream does expire. Using expired sun cream not only reduces its effectiveness but can also increase the likelihood of staining your clothes due to ingredient degradation. Check the expiration date on the bottle and discard any expired products.
Can I Use Bleach to Remove Sun Cream Stains?
While bleach can be effective on white fabrics, it can also damage or discolor colored fabrics. It’s generally best to avoid bleach and opt for gentler stain removal methods. If you decide to use bleach, dilute it properly and test it in an inconspicuous area first.
How Long Should I Let the Pretreating Solution Sit on the Stain?
Generally, let the pretreating solution sit on the stain for at least 30 minutes. For stubborn stains, you can let it sit for longer, even overnight. Just be sure to keep the garment damp to prevent the solution from drying out.
What Kind of Dish Soap Works Best for Removing Sun Cream Stains?
A basic, grease-cutting dish soap works best. Avoid dish soaps with added dyes or fragrances, as these can sometimes leave their own stains. Look for a clear or lightly colored dish soap that is specifically designed to cut through grease and oil.
Will Dry Cleaning Remove Sun Cream Stains?
Yes, professional dry cleaning is often effective at removing sun cream stains, especially from delicate fabrics. Be sure to point out the stain to the dry cleaner so they can use the appropriate treatment.
How Can I Prevent Sun Cream Stains on My Swimsuit?
Apply sun cream 30 minutes before putting on your swimsuit to allow it to fully absorb into your skin. Consider using a water-resistant sun cream specifically designed for swimwear. Rinse your swimsuit immediately after swimming to remove excess sun cream and salt water.
Is Baking Soda Safe to Use on All Fabric Types?
Baking soda is generally safe for most fabrics, but it’s always a good idea to test it in an inconspicuous area first, especially on delicate fabrics. Avoid using baking soda on silk or wool, as it can damage the fibers.
What if the Sun Cream Stain Has Been There for a Long Time?
Older sun cream stains can be more difficult to remove. Try soaking the garment in a mixture of cool water and oxygen-based bleach (like OxiClean) before pretreating and washing. You may need to repeat the process several times.
Can I Use a Magic Eraser on Clothes to Remove Sun Cream Stains?
While Magic Erasers are effective on hard surfaces, they are generally not recommended for use on clothes. Their abrasive nature can damage fabric fibers.
Are There Sun Creams That Are Less Likely to Stain Clothes?
Yes, some sun creams are formulated to be less staining. Look for sun creams labeled “stain-resistant” or “non-staining.” These products often contain different types of UV filters or have formulations that are less oily.
What’s the best way to remove a sun cream stain from a white shirt?
For a white shirt, pretreat the stain with a mixture of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then wash as usual. If the stain persists, you can try using a small amount of bleach diluted in water, but test in a hidden area first to make sure it doesn’t damage the fabric.