FEAR of cramping your summertime style shouldn’t be an excuse to skip the SPF.
One expert shared useful tips for getting pesky sunscreen stains out of clothes — and they won’t break the bank.
Allen Civlak, a cleaning expert and the owner of Mary’s Kitchen Flour Sack Towels, has a few tricks up his sleeve for tackling the problem.
“Sunscreen stains are particularly notorious because of the combination of oils and chemical ingredients designed to adhere to the skin,” he said.
“When these substances come into contact with fabric, they can leave behind greasy, discolored spots that are tough to remove with regular washing.
“This is especially frustrating for parents, beach-goers, and outdoor enthusiasts who find their favorite summer attire marred by these persistent stains.”
Civlak’s advice for sunscreen-saturated clothing comes cheap, but time is of the essence.
“The sooner you address the stain, the easier it will be to remove. Fresh stains respond better to treatment than older, set-in stains,” he said.
His go-to stain remover is available from most stores.
“Baking soda is a versatile and powerful cleaning agent,” he said.
“It’s slightly abrasive, which helps to lift stains without damaging the fabric, and it’s also a natural deodorizer.”
Baking soda by Good and Gather is available for $0.99 at Target.
Civlak recommended pre-treating the stain the moment it’s discovered.
“As soon as you notice a sunscreen stain, try to pre-treat it,” he said.
“Blot the stain with a clean cloth to remove any excess sunscreen.
“Avoid rubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the fabric.”
Next, he said it’s time to put the baking soda to work.
“Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda directly onto the stain. Baking soda is readily available and costs around $1, making it an affordable option for everyone,” he said.
After some quick action, Civlak recommended sitting back and waiting 30 minutes for the baking soda to work its magic.
“This will give it enough time to absorb the oils and break down the stain particles,” he said.
He added that one should follow up by brushing off the excess powder to reveal cleaner clothes.
“After 30 minutes, brush off the baking soda. You’ll notice that it has likely absorbed much of the grease and discoloration,” he said.
He follows up the baking soda trick with regular dish soap to treat the stain. Civlak washes clothes with the warmest water the piece can handle and inspects it thoroughly before drying.
“Heat from the dryer can set the stain, making it even harder to remove,” he said.
He gave a few warnings for those struggling with sunscreen on clothing.
“Never rub a sunscreen stain aggressively, and avoid using hot water initially, as this can cause the stain to set,” he said.
Civlak also included a golden rule before trying anything new on fabrics.
“Always test any cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage,” he added.
