Sunscreen is a summer essential you never want to skip, but it has a sneaky downside. One minute you're protecting your skin, and the next you're staring at yellow stains on your favorite white T-shirt or greasy streaks on your swimsuit. As Krista Radau, owner of Extreme Clean Solutions LLC explains, “The oily components leave greasy marks, while certain sunscreen ingredients can react with minerals in water and create yellow or orange discoloration, especially on lighter-colored clothing.”
The good news? A sunscreen stain doesn't mean it’s the end of your favorite summer outfit. With a little quick action and the right cleaning method, you can usually get those stubborn marks out before they become permanent. Read on for expert tips on how to do just that.
Why Are Sunscreen Stains So Hard to Remove?
Sunscreen may protect your skin, but can be tough on your clothes. As Radau explains, “Sunscreen stains can be tricky because most sunscreens contain oils, moisturizers, and UV-blocking ingredients that cling to fabric fibers.” The result is often a greasy mark that doesn’t exactly disappear with a simple wash.
To make matters worse, some sunscreen ingredients can react with minerals in water and leave behind yellow or orange discoloration, especially on light-colored clothing. And if that shirt accidentally makes it into the dryer, the stain can become even more challenging to get out. “Once the stain has been exposed to heat from a dryer, it can become even more difficult to remove,” Radau says.
What to Do as Soon as You Notice the Sunscreen Stain
The key to removing sunscreen stains is speed. The longer the product sits on fabric, the more time it has to settle into the fibers.
First, gently blot away any excess sunscreen with a clean cloth or paper towel. Resist the urge to rub—doing so can push the product deeper into the fabric. If you're near a sink, Radau recommends applying a small amount of liquid dish soap directly to the stain and gently working it into the fabric before laundering
And whatever you do, don't rush the drying process. "Avoid putting the garment in the dryer until you're sure the stain is completely gone," she says.
How to Remove Sunscreen Stains From Clothing
Follow Radau’s expert steps to tackle most sunscreen stains at home:
- Blot away any excess sunscreen from the fabric.
- Apply a grease-cutting liquid dish soap directly to the stained area.
- Gently work the soap into the fabric using your fingers or a soft brush.
- Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Wash the garment according to the care label using the warmest water recommended for that fabric.
- Inspect the garment before drying.
- If the stain remains, repeat the process.
- Once the stain is completely gone, dry as usual.
For extra stubborn marks, Radau suggests using an oxygen-based laundry booster after the initial treatment.
Can You Remove Old Sunscreen Stains?
And if you forgot about that sunscreen-stained shirt at the bottom of the laundry basket, don’t fret! It happens to the best of us—especially after a long day at the beach.
According to Radau, set stains are often still treatable. But keep in mind: "Older stains often require multiple treatments, especially if the garment has already been through the dryer." Her recommendation is simple: pre-treat with dish soap, wash, and repeat as needed. “While some severe discoloration may become permanent, many set-in sunscreen stains can be significantly reduced or completely removed with patience and repeated treatment,” she adds.
Sunscreen may be a must-have for sunny days, but it doesn't have to ruin your wardrobe. Acting quickly and cleaning properly can make all the difference. Think of it as one more small step in your summer routine, right alongside applying that SPF in the first place.
Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.
