Sunscreens can stain clothing, especially white fabrics. This happens due to the ingredients in the sunscreen, particularly oxybenzone and avobenzone, which react with minerals in hard water to create yellowish or rust-colored stains.
Here are some common culprits for sunscreen stains:
- Mineral-based sunscreens: These sunscreens contain minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which act as reflectors to block UV rays. They can leave a white residue on clothing, especially if not applied properly.
- Chemical sunscreens: Certain chemicals in chemical sunscreens, like oxybenzone and avobenzone, can cause yellow or orange stains on fabrics.
- Hard water: Water containing high mineral content can react with sunscreen ingredients, intensifying staining.
Here are some tips for removing sunscreen stains:
- Pre-treat the stain: Before washing, use a stain remover like Dawn dish soap or oxy stain remover to loosen the stain.
- Soak in hot water: Soaking the stained garment in hot water for 15-30 minutes can help break down the stain.
- Wash with detergent: Use a good-quality detergent and wash as per the garment's instructions.
- Repeat if necessary: If the stain persists, repeat the above steps or try using a bleach solution for white fabrics.
