How to Remove Sunscreen Stains

How to Remove Sunscreen Stains From Washable Fabrics

Resist the urge to rub the spot immediately. That will only push the stain deeper into the fabric fibers and make the stain harder to remove. .

1. Pretreat the Stain

   Treat the stained area with a pre-wash stain remover or a dab of heavy-duty liquid detergent. Tide and Persil are rated as the best detergent brands with adequate enzymes to break apart the oil component of the stain. 

2. Scrub the Stain

   Work the stain remover or detergent into the sunscreen stain with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush, then let it sit for at least 15 minutes. 

3. Wash the Garment

   Add heavy-duty detergent to your washing machine and wash the item with the hottest water permitted on the care label. If your home has hard water, add a water softener to the wash or hand-wash the item with warm distilled water.

How to Remove Sunscreen Stains on Carpet and Upholstery

Removing sunscreen stains on carpet and upholstery is most effective immediately after the sunscreen makes contact with the fabric. Before using any cleaning solution on carpet or upholstery, test the solution and cleaning method on an inconspicuous area to ensure the cleaning will not affect the material's color.

1. Lift the Sunscreen

   Use a dull knife or spoon to lift the sunscreen away from the carpet or upholstery fibers. Do this as soon as possible to prevent the lotion from seeping into the fabric. Do not use a cloth to wipe or rub away the sunscreen, as it will only push the sunscreen deeper into the carpet fibers.

2. Mix the Cleaning Solution

   Mix a solution of one teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with one cup of warm water. If your water is hard, use distilled water instead.

3. Blot the Stain

   Dip a white cloth or soft-bristled brush in the cleaning solution and blot the stain. 

4. Rinse the Area

   Rinse the area thoroughly with a clean cloth dipped in water. The soapy residue will attract dirt if you do not rinse the affected area. Be careful not to over-wet upholstery because it can cause mildew in cushions.

5. Vacuum the Carpet or Upholstery

   Allow the carpet or upholstery to air-dry (preferably out of direct sunlight), then vacuum to lift the lotion and soften the fibers.

6. Use Hydrogen Peroxide

   If the carpet or upholstery stain was not treated promptly and has turned brown, mix one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide with 2 tablespoons of water to treat the discoloration. Apply the solution with a cotton swab or dropper, and blot with a clean cloth. Do not use this method on dark carpets as hydrogen peroxide can cause fading.
   

When to Call a Professional

If the garment is labeled dry clean only, take it to your dry cleaner as soon as possible. Point out and identify the stain to help your professional cleaner choose the proper treatment. The same applies to a stain that damages silk or vintage upholstery; you need to contact a professional cleaner, or else you are likely to do more damage if you try to remove the stain yourself.

Additional Tips for Handling Sunscreen Stains

In addition to applying cleaning solutions manually, you can use a small handheld extractor on carpet and upholstery to remove sunscreen stains. If you can't treat a sunscreen stain immediately, remove any globs of lotion with a spoon or dull edge, sprinkle the stain with talcum powder or cornstarch, and let it sit until you can more thoroughly address the stain. Or, if you get sunscreen on your clothing while at the beach, apply sand to the stain. Let the sand sit on the stain for at least 15 minutes before you brush it away. This will help absorb the oil until you can wash the garment properly.

If your water has a high mineral content, use a water softener in your washing machine, or hand-wash with distilled water. Avoid chlorine bleach, which can make the stain worse. Read the ingredient labels on sunscreen and avoid those with avobenzone.