Sunscreen is essential this summer whether you're going on holiday or just getting a tan in your garden, but it can be a menace to your clothes. The stubborn, greasy stains can be an absolute pain to remove. Fortunately, with the right techniques, you can save your clothes from permanent damage. Here’s our tips to remove sunscreen stains.

1. Act Quickly

The quicker you act, the easier it is to remove. If you allow the stain to seep deeper into the fabric it can become almost impossible to remove. Make sure to blot the stain with a clean cloth to remove excess sunscreen. Avoid rubbing the stain as it will just spread the sunscreen and make it even harder to remove.

The labels on your clothes are not just suggestions. They give you important information on how to wash, dry, and iron your laundry the right way.The quicker you act, the easier it is to remove. If you allow the stain to seep deeper into the fabric it can become almost impossible to remove. Make sure to blot the stain with a clean cloth to remove excess sunscreen. Avoid rubbing the stain as it will just spread the sunscreen and make it even harder to remove.

2. Pre-Treat with Dish Soap

Dish soap is the perfect solution to breaking down oils, making it a convenient and efficient pre-treatment for sunscreen stains. Apply a small amount of dish soap onto the stain and gently work it in with your fingers or a soft brush. Leave it for about 10-15 minutes and then rise it off with cold water.

3. Use a Stain Remover

If dish soap doesn’t do the trick, stain removers are designed to tackle tough stains. Apply a stain remover according to the specific instructions and let it sit for the recommended time before washing it like normal.

4. Soak in White Vinegar Solution

White vinegar is a natural stain remover that is one of the best solutions to break down the oils in sunscreen. Mix one part white vinegar with two parts cold water. Soak the stained area for about 30 minutes, then rinse with cold water.

5. Wash with Heavy-Duty Detergent

If none of the other solutions work then it looks like regular laundry detergent may not be strong enough to eliminate the stain. A heavy-duty detergent should do the trick!

Wash the piece of clothing with a heavy-duty detergent in the hottest water safe for the fabric. Just make sure to check the care label for the appropriate water temperature.

Conclusion

Sunscreen stains can be frustrating, but they don’t have to ruin your favourite summer clothes. By acting fast and following these tips you should be able to remove the pesky sunscreen stains.