In summer, we like to enjoy the sun’s rays on our skin to tan and let the pleasant sensation of summer heat gently caress us. However, any exposure to the sun must first result in the application of a good sunscreen. This sun protection helps protect the epidermis not only from sunburn, but also from premature skin aging. Unfortunately, at the swimming pool or at the beach, we sometimes accidentally put cream on our clothes, which leaves ugly marks. Here’s how to clean those stubborn sunscreen stains and remove those lingering yellow streaks from your favorite t-shirt. In addition to explaining how to remove these dirt, we will also tell you how to avoid it in the future.
Why does sunscreen leave such stubborn stains?
The culprit ingredient for the appearance of spots is UVA protection filter. Textile fibers trap it and make removing yellow stains very difficult. And the higher the protection factor, the more concentrated this ingredient will be, increasing the risk of getting stained. It also happens that stains only appear after washing. This is surprising, but it is simply explained by the presence of metal ions in tap water which bind to the UVA filter and make the stains more visible.
How to avoid sunscreen stains?
There is no question of stopping protecting the skin under the pretext of not wanting to take off your clothes. Plus, avoiding these stains is very easy! In fact, it is enough to allow sunscreen to penetrate and dry completely before getting dressed. If you are still afraid of stains, avoid fragile fabrics in favor of cotton which is easier to clean. And above all, avoid using bleach or too high washing temperatures which, as with blood stains, risk setting the marks!
How to remove sunscreen stains?
The SOS express solution: sand against sunscreen stains
Directly from the beach, you can directly treat the stain. Simply remove as much product as possible and apply sand to the laundry. Leave on for 15 minutes to fully absorb the stain and put the garment in the washing machine when you get home. If you are at the swimming pool and do not have sand, you can use talcum powder or Sommières soil when you return. These powder solutions are ideal for delicate fabrics.
Dishwashing liquid against stains
You have undoubtedly noticed: sun protection is a very fatty product. This is why dishwashing liquid, which is very effective on greasy stains, is a very effective option. Use on stains before washing to ensure stain removal. You can also use other soaps to remove traces: Marseille soap, black soap, beef gall soap or even shampoo with baking soda.
White vinegar, also very useful
A good bath in vinegar water for an hour can be enough to remove sunscreen stains. After that, head to the washing machine at 30°C to finish removing the clothes. You can also soak a clean cloth with this cleaning product and dab the area to be treated. Then, leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing.
Good to know: For the white, you can also easily replace the vinegar with lemon juice with a few drops of dishwashing liquid.
Baking powder against sunscreen stains
Baking powder has whitening power and also helps “eat” stains. So this is the cleaning product ideal for white. All you need to do is moisten the stain and sprinkle baking powder on it. Leave it on for 30 minutes before putting the garment in the washing machine. You can also add the rest of the sachet to the washing machine!
A few drops of ammonia or alcohol
Less natural, but very effective on sunscreen stains, ammonia can be applied using a damp cloth. Impregnate the stain, then leave for ten minutes before machine washing or hand washing. If you have 70° alcohol, you can also use it on a cloth.
Hand or machine wash for sunscreen stains?
Machine washed, a swimsuit can lose all its elasticity. It can also damage delicate clothing. Be sure to read the instructions on your clothing label. If they don’t mind, start a program favoring liquid detergent, which is more effective on stains. Otherwise, wash by hand. Above all, for a jersey that can be machine washed, do not exceed 30°C and opt for one gentle spin.
Good to know: Before starting the machine, you can soak the stain in liquid detergent, leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse with water. This product is after all an excellent stain remover, very useful when you have nothing else on hand!