Remove sunscreen stains: How to get them out again!

Remove sunscreen stains

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Yellow edges and stains in your clothes? Surely everyone knows this in the summer. But how do you get rid of them? If you want to remove stubborn sunscreen stains, then you should resort to these home remedies.

In the summer we always advise to use sunscreen. Even in the shade, or when the sun hides behind the clouds. Why? Our skin should be protected from UVA and UVB rays.

But unfortunately, sunscreen leaves annoying stains in the T-shirt. Especially with white clothes you see them quickly. They are particularly stubborn. The yellow edges cannot be washed out even at 40 or 60 degrees.

But don't worry, the residue doesn't have to mean your t-shirt or beach dress is ruined. There are a few home remedies you can use to remove sunscreen stains.

Why does sunscreen leave yellow stains?

Sunscreens can leave stains on clothing when applied. The stains are caused by the UV filters in the sunscreen, which turn yellowish or white in the clothing. In addition, the higher the sun protection factor, the more difficult it is to remove a stain, as the amount of UV filters in these products is higher.

These sunscreen stains are difficult to remove. This applies to all sunscreens, no matter what brand.

But not using sunscreen is not a good idea either. Because by doing so, you promote faster skin aging and even worse: skin cancer! It helps then also little if you on the sunburn curd or other home remedies.

Avoidance is better than fighting the burns. That's why you should always use suntan lotion when you are in the sun.

How can I remove sunscreen stains?

The easiest way to remove stains is right after they appear. However, they are usually discovered later and are then difficult to remove.

Many people then use high washing temperature or aggressive bleach to remove stubborn stains. Stains from sunscreens, on the other hand, cannot be removed in this way.

In the worst case, they even remain permanently on the clothes. But we have a few effective tips for you, with which you can remove the sunscreen stains.

Dishwashing detergent

If something has gone wrong, you have to act: Remove the suntan lotion quickly with a cloth without rubbing it into the fabric.

Then rub a little and wash the clothes as hot as possible. But be sure to check the care label beforehand.

The detergent helps so well against sunscreen stains because it is a fat solvent.

Stain spray

A stain spray can also help against sunscreen. Spray the yellow edges with it and then put the clothes in the washing machine. It is best to set the highest possible washing temperature according to the care label.

AttentionIf you soak your clothes with stain salts overnight, the color may be lost. So be careful with very colorful textiles.

Vinegar water

You want to remove sunscreen stains? Less dirty and delicate clothes can also be treated well with vinegar water. Mix water and vinegar in a ratio of 5:1, soak the clothes in it for about two hours, squeeze them out and wash them in the washing machine as usual.

Vinegar water is known to fix or refresh the color as well. So you can refresh your clothes twice.

Baking powder

Baking powder* is also useful for removing stains. If white clothing is only a little yellow in color, moisten the area with water and apply a packet of Baking powder* on. After 30 minutes, put the clothes in the washing machine.

You can use the Baking powder* also add directly to the detergent in the machine. However, this only helps with light sunscreen stains.

Bile soap

If you want to remove sunscreen stains, then you should use bile soap. Again, you should first soak up the sunscreen with a cloth. Then rub the stain with bile soap and put the clothes in the washing machine.

Citric acid

With Citric acid* Sun cream stains can also be removed from light-colored clothing. Add 15 g Citric acid* to one liter of water and soak the clothes for two hours.

The acid causes the fats in the material to dissolve. With colored clothing, however, you should be careful Citric acid* if you don't want them to fade.

How can I avoid the yellow spots?

Unfortunately, the sunscreen stains cannot always be removed. Especially in light-colored fabrics made of cotton, viscose or linen or sensitive textiles such as silk, the UV filters can be stubborn.

So you don't have to fret about the stains in the first place, you should avoid them:

  • Allow the sunscreen to fully absorb before putting on your clothes.
  • Refrain from using sensitive fabrics if you know you'll be putting on sunscreen.
  • Protect affected clothing from the sun so that the stains do not burn into the material.
  • Remove the stains as soon as possible so that you can get them out of your clothes more easily.

What should I look for when choosing sunscreen?

Although organic mineral sunscreens stain just like conventional products, they are the better choice from an environmental perspective.

This is because conventional lotions contain chemicals that can be harmful to marine life. Substances from the water enter coral reefs through the numerous floats. In addition, sunscreens have been linked to allergies.

Mineral, organic sunscreens do not contain these chemical ingredients and still provide protection from sunburn.

In the drugstore, such products are still difficult to get. However, I can give you these Mineral Organic Sunscreen
recommend. It absorbs quickly, is not greasy and very important: it comes without chemicals, preservatives and perfume.

Mineral Organic Sunscreen
Note: This box contains affiliate links (images, titles, buttons). As an Amazon partner, we earn from qualified sales. Read more

Use discount code "wegowild" to save 10 % on your order.

Our conclusion

In the summer, reaching for sunscreen is a given, but the yellow stains on your clothes weren't planned that way. Fortunately, there are helpful tips with which you can easily remove the sunscreen stains again.

Good luck and good luck!

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