Don’t throw out clothes stained with sunscreen. Try these simple and easy DIY cleaning hacks first

Sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin, but it can leave behind some seriously stubborn marks on clothes. White, yellowish or greasy-looking patches around collars, sleeves and necklines can be particularly annoying, especially after a day outdoors. The good news is that you do not always need an expensive stain remover. A few simple household ingredients and the right washing technique can help loosen sunscreen residue and make those marks much easier to tackle.

Why does sunscreen stain clothes?

Sunscreen stains can be difficult to remove because many formulas contain oils, emollients and UV-filter ingredients that cling to fabric fibres. Some products can also leave yellow or orange discolouration, particularly on white or light-coloured clothing. The longer the sunscreen remains on the fabric, the more difficult the stain can become. That is why treating the affected area before putting the garment through a hot dryer is important.

Best way to remove fresh sunscreen stains

If you have just noticed a sunscreen mark, start by gently removing any excess product from the fabric. Avoid aggressively rubbing it because that can push the sunscreen deeper into the fibres. Apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent or grease-cutting dish soap directly to the stain. Gently work it into the fabric with your fingers or a soft toothbrush and leave it for around 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with cool or lukewarm water, then wash the garment according to its care label. Before drying it, check whether the stain has disappeared. Heat from a dryer can make some stains more difficult to remove.

DIY hack with baking soda and dish soap

For a stubborn greasy sunscreen mark, try making a simple paste with baking soda and a small amount of dish soap. Apply the mixture to the stain and gently work it into the fabric. Leave it for about 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. The dish soap can help break down oily residue, while baking soda provides mild abrasive action. Test the mixture on an inconspicuous area first, particularly when dealing with delicate or brightly coloured fabrics.

Try white vinegar for lingering odour and residue

White vinegar can be useful as part of a laundry routine when sunscreen has left behind residue or an unpleasant smell. Add a small amount of diluted white vinegar to the rinse cycle or soak the garment in a mixture of water and vinegar before washing. Do not mix vinegar with chlorine bleach. The combination can produce dangerous fumes.

Lemon juice for white clothes

For white or colourfast clothing, lemon juice is another commonly used household option for tackling yellowish marks. Apply diluted lemon juice to the affected area and allow the garment to sit in indirect or gentle sunlight for a short period before washing. However, avoid this method on delicate fabrics and coloured clothes without checking for colourfastness first. Acidic ingredients can sometimes cause discolouration.

How to remove old sunscreen stains

Older stains may require more than one treatment. Start by applying liquid laundry detergent directly to the mark and allowing it to sit for 15 to 30 minutes. Gently work the detergent into the fabric, rinse and wash according to the garment's care instructions. If the stain remains, repeat the treatment rather than immediately resorting to stronger chemicals. For white washable clothing, an oxygen-based stain remover may also be an option if the care label allows it.

What not to do when removing sunscreen stains

Avoid putting a sunscreen-stained garment straight into a hot dryer. Always check the stain after washing. Do not scrub delicate fabrics aggressively, as this can damage fibres or spread the stain. It is also worth avoiding random combinations of cleaning products. Never mix chlorine bleach with vinegar, ammonia or other household cleaners.

How to prevent sunscreen stains on clothes

The easiest stain to remove is often the one you prevent. Allow sunscreen to absorb into your skin before getting dressed, particularly around the neck and shoulders. If possible, avoid applying excessive amounts immediately before putting on light-coloured clothing.After wearing sunscreen, wash garments as soon as practical rather than leaving them sitting in a laundry basket for several days. For particularly stain-prone clothes, following the garment's care instructions and pre-treating visible marks before washing can make a noticeable difference.