A summer problem we all know
There’s almost nothing better than a summer day with bare legs, open windows, and sunshine on your skin. But among all the wonderful moments summer brings, there’s one small challenge most of us know all too well: sunscreen stains on clothing.
White T-shirts, linen shirts, towels, and swimwear can quickly end up with greasy marks or yellow stains when sunscreen comes into contact with the fabric. Fortunately, most sunscreen stains can be removed, especially if you treat them quickly and use the right products.
Why does sunscreen stain?
Sunscreen is designed to stay on your skin and protect it from the sun. That’s why it contains ingredients such as oils, waxes, and UV filters, which can easily bind to the fibres of your clothing.
Sunscreens with mineral filters or a high SPF are particularly likely to leave visible marks if they are left on the fabric for too long.
The sooner you treat the stain, the easier it will be to remove.
Step 1: Remove excess sunscreen
If the stain is fresh, gently blot away any excess sunscreen with a dry cloth or a piece of kitchen paper.
Avoid rubbing the stain. Rubbing works the sunscreen deeper into the fibres, making it more difficult to remove.
Step 2: Pre-treat the stain
Before placing the garment in the washing machine, we always recommend pre-treating the stained area.
Apply a small amount of Humdakin Dish Soap directly to the stain and gently work it into the fabric using your fingers or a soft brush. Leave it on for 10–15 minutes to allow the soap to break down the oily residue from the sunscreen.
If the stain is older or particularly stubborn, soak the garment in cold water with a small amount of Humdakin Laundry Soap for a couple of hours—or overnight. This helps loosen the stain before washing.
Humdakin Dish Soap is highly effective at dissolving grease and oil while remaining gentle on fabrics during pre-treatment. Combined with Laundry Soap, it gives you the best chance of removing sunscreen stains while helping preserve the quality of your garments.
Step 3: Wash as usual
Once the stain has been pre-treated, wash the garment according to the care instructions.
We recommend Humdakin Laundry Soap, which cleans textiles effectively while helping preserve the softness and quality of the fabric.
Step 4: Let the garment air dry first
Before putting your garment in the dryer, always check that the stain has disappeared completely. Heat can cause any remaining sunscreen residue to set permanently into the fabric.
If the stain is still visible, simply repeat the treatment before drying.
Don't forget your beach towels
It's not just your summer wardrobe that comes into contact with sunscreen.
Towels, bathrobes, and beach textiles quickly collect residue from sunscreen, salt water, and sand.
By washing them regularly with Humdakin Laundry Soap, you can keep your textiles fresh, soft, and ready for your next day at the beach.
For an extra-soft finish, add Humdakin Fabric Softener to your wash. It helps maintain the softness of your textiles while leaving them with a fresh, pleasant scent.
How to prevent sunscreen stains
Small habits can make a big difference.
We recommend that you:
- Allow your sunscreen to absorb into the skin for 10-15 minutes before getting dressed.
- Avoid putting on light-coloured clothing immediately after applying sunscreen.
- Wash your summer clothing and towels regularly to prevent oils from building up in the fibres.
- Treat stains as soon as they occur.
Gentle care for your textiles
At Humdakin, we believe that caring for your textiles means caring for the things you love.
By treating stains gently and choosing products that are both effective and kind to fabrics, you can extend the life of your garments while preserving the feeling of freshly washed textiles – even after a long summer in the sun.
