Cleaning pro reveals $1 trick to remove sunscreen stains from your clothes
FEAR of ruining your summer look shouldn’t be an excuse to skip SPF.
An expert shared handy tips on how to get annoying sun tanning stains out of clothes without costing you a lot of money.
Allen Civlak, a cleaning expert and owner of Mary’s Kitchen Flour Sack Towelshas a few tricks up its sleeve to tackle the problem.
“Sun spots are especially notorious because of the combination of oils and chemical ingredients that stick to the skin,” he said.
“When these substances come into contact with textiles, they can leave greasy, discoloured stains that are difficult to remove with regular washing.
“This is especially frustrating for parents, beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts who find their favorite summer clothes affected by these stubborn stains.”
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Civlak’s advice for sunscreen-sprayed clothing is inexpensive, 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 favorite stain remover is available in most stores.
“Baking soda is a versatile and powerful cleaning agent,” he said.
“It is slightly abrasive, which helps remove stains without damaging the fabric. It is also a natural deodorizer.”
Baking soda from Good and Gather is available for $0.99 at Target.
Civlak advises to treat the stain immediately after it is discovered.
“Once you see a sunscreen stain, it’s best to pretreat it,” he says.
Blot the stain with a clean cloth to remove excess sunscreen.
“Avoid rubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the fabric.”
Next, it’s time to put the baking soda to work, he said.
“Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda directly onto the stain. Baking soda is widely available and costs about $1, making it an affordable option for everyone,” he said.
After some quick action, Civlak advised sitting back and waiting 30 minutes for the baking soda to do its work.
“This gives it enough time to absorb the oils and break down the stain particles,” he said.
He added that it is necessary to brush away the excess powder afterwards, revealing cleaner clothes.
“After 30 minutes, brush the baking soda off. You’ll notice that it has probably absorbed a lot of the grease and discoloration,” he said.
He follows the baking soda trick with regular dish soap to treat the stain. Civlak washes clothes in the hottest water the garment can handle and inspects them thoroughly before drying.
“The heat from the dryer can set the stain, making it even harder to remove,” he says.
He issued a few warnings for people who have difficulty applying sunscreen to their clothes.
“Never rub a sunburn mark too hard and avoid using hot water at first as this can cause the mark to become permanent,” he said.
Civlak also had 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 no discoloration or damage occurs,” he added.