Here’s how to get sunscreen stains out of clothes:
- 1. Scrape off any excess sunscreen
- 2. Sprinkle baking soda onto the stain
- 3. Pre-treat the stain with dish soap
- 4. Rinse with lukewarm water
- 5. Machine wash with laundry pods
- 6. Hang to air dry
Sunscreen is non-negotiable in the summer. So are cookouts, pool days, and (unfortunately) those greasy, yellow-ish smudges that magically appear on your clothes after a solid SPF slather. Whether it's your favorite white T-shirt or the straps of your bikini top, sunscreen stains have a way of showing up when the sun does.
Here’s why: Most sunscreen formulas are oil-based (that’s how they stay water-resistant), which means they cling to fabric fibers like it’s their full-time job. And if your sunblock contains avobenzone, a popular UV filter, it can react with iron in hard water, leaving behind rust-colored or orange stains that look more like barbecue mishaps than skincare side effects.
But before you ban SPF from your wardrobe forever, breathe easy—sunscreen stains aren’t permanent, and they’re 100% fixable with the right steps. In this guide, we’re breaking down exactly how to get sunscreen out of clothes using a few smart, fabric-friendly moves.
1. Remove Any Excess Sunscreen
Gently scrape off any visible sunscreen from the fabric using the edge of a spoon, dull knife, or even a credit card. Think of it like damage control: the faster you act, the less chance the oils have to settle deep into the fibers.
Rubbing the stain at this point will only spread the mess and make your job harder later. Be gentle and blot—don’t smear.
2. Sprinkle Baking Soda Onto the Stain
Next up: baking soda. Sprinkle a generous amount directly onto the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes. Why? Because baking soda is basically your fabric’s personal oil-sponge—it absorbs the greasy residue before it sets in.
After half an hour, gently brush it off or shake out the garment. This step helps soak up the sunscreen’s oily base and primes the fabric for cleaning.
3. Pre-Treat with Dish Soap
Dish soap is designed to break down oil, making it a perfect pre-treatment for sunscreen stains. Apply a small amount directly to the stain, gently work it in with your fingers or a soft toothbrush, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This helps dissolve the greasy film and starts breaking down the stain before you hit the wash cycle.
4. Rinse with Lukewarm Water
Lukewarm water is the Goldilocks temp—just right. Hot water can set oil stains (especially if avobenzone is involved), and cold water isn’t always effective at dissolving residue. A quick rinse at this in-between temp helps flush away the loosened oils and dish soap without driving the stain deeper into the fabric.
5. Machine Wash With Laundry Pods
Now it's time to wash—but not with some generic detergent. Choose a bioenzyme-powered laundry pod, like Laundry Sauce. Our pods are built with a blend of targeted bioenzymes, which break down stubborn organic stains at a molecular level (yes, even the cocktail of oil, minerals, and sunscreen your tank top is now sporting).
Toss your garment in the washer on a cool cycle, and let Laundry Sauce do its thing—breaking up the stain so your clothes come out clean and smelling like Italian Bergamot or Australian Sandalwood, not sunscreen and regret.
6. Hang to Air Dry
Resist the urge to toss it in the dryer. Heat from the dryer can lock in any remaining stain, making it nearly impossible to remove later. Instead, lay or hang the item to air dry in indirect sunlight (direct sun can sometimes bleach or fade fabric).
Once it’s fully dry, check for any lingering marks—if the stain’s still there, repeat the process before drying again. No matter what your care tag says, these must-haves keep your clothes looking and smelling their best—minus the guesswork.
Common Questions About Sunscreen Stains
Still wondering what SPF does to your laundry? Here are the answers to the most common sunscreen stain questions—short, sweet, and stain-free.
Are Sunscreen Stains Permanent?
No, sunscreen stains aren’t permanent—especially if you treat them quickly and avoid heat from dryers or hot water. The right combo of pre-treatment and enzyme-based detergent can fully remove the residue.
Can You Use Vinegar to Remove Sunscreen Stains?
White vinegar can help loosen mild sunscreen stains, but it’s not a heavy-duty solution for oily or avobenzone-based spots. For best results, pair vinegar with dish soap or enzyme detergent.
How Do You Get Dried Sunscreen Out of Clothes?
To remove dried sunscreen, scrape off any residue, then follow the same steps: baking soda, dish soap, rinse, and washing with laundry pods. Avoid heat until the stain is completely gone.
Do Mineral Sunscreens Stain Clothes Too?
Yes, mineral sunscreens can stain clothes, especially if they contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which can leave white or chalky marks. These stains are usually surface-level and wash out more easily than chemical sunscreen stains.
Keep the SPF, Lose the Stains
Sunscreen stains might be stubborn, but they’re not a reason to stop protecting your skin—or start sacrificing your favorite T-shirts. The real key? Treat them like oil stains, not mystery blotches. Scrape, absorb, break it down with dish soap, and let Laundry Sauce handle the heavy lifting.
And next time you suit up for the sun, give your clothes a fighting chance: apply sunscreen before getting dressed and let it fully absorb into your skin. You’ll thank yourself when laundry day rolls around.
