Sunscreen Stains
Have you ever experienced the mishap of accidentally squeezing your sunscreen bottle too tightly, resulting in a generous amount ending up on your clothes rather than your face and causing a conspicuous stain?
The reason sunscreen can cause stains on clothing is due to its formulation, which often contains oils, pigments, or other chemical compounds. When sunscreen comes into contact with fabric, these substances can transfer onto the fabric's fibers, causing stains. Additionally, certain ingredients found in sunscreen such as avobenzone or titanium dioxide, can cause discoloration or yellowing when exposed to sunlight or heat. Allowing the sunscreen to dry completely before getting dressed and following the product information stated on the bottle can minimize the potential of stains on your garments.
Solution 1 - Classic
Step 1
Act quickly. Pretreat the stained area by adding a small amount of liquid laundry detergent or stain remover directly and work it into the fabric using your fingers or an old toothbrush then let it sit for around 15 minutes. It is important to avoid using chlorine or oxygenated bleaches as they can make the stains worse.
Step 2
Simply wash the garment according to the care instructions.
Solution 2 - Home Remedies
To treat sunscreen stains at home, you can try a simple remedy using lemon juice and salt. Begin by rinsing the stained area with cool water to remove any excess residue, Next, apply lemon juice directly to the stain then sprinkle a generous amount of salt onto the lemon juice, creating a layer over the stain. Allow the mixture to sit overnight, gently brush off the salt, and proceed to wash the garment as usual following the care instructions provided. Do note that lemon juice may cause color fading on darker garments, so it’s recommended to test the remedy on an inconspicuous area of the garment first to ensure it is safe to use.
