How to Remove Sunscreen Stains From Clothes

Sunscreen helps protect your skin, but it can be tough on your laundry.

Whether it's a greasy smear on a shirt, yellow stains on white clothing, or orange discoloration around a swimsuit collar, sunscreen is one of the most common summer laundry problems. Many sunscreens contain oils and ingredients that can cling to fabric fibers and become even more noticeable after washing.

Fortunately, most sunscreen stains can be removed successfully if they're treated properly.

In this guide, we'll explain exactly how to remove sunscreen stains from clothes, swimsuits, towels, and other fabrics while helping prevent permanent discoloration.

Why Does Sunscreen Stain Clothes?

Most sunscreen formulas contain a combination of:

• Oils
• Moisturizers
• UV-blocking ingredients
• Water-resistant compounds

These ingredients can leave behind greasy stains that attract dirt and become more visible over time.

Some sunscreens also contain avobenzone, an ingredient that can react with minerals in hard water and create orange or rust-colored stains on clothing.

How to Remove Sunscreen Stains From Clothes

Step 1: Remove Excess Sunscreen

If the sunscreen is still wet:

• Blot gently with a clean cloth
• Avoid rubbing the stain
• Remove as much excess product as possible

Rubbing can spread the stain and push oils deeper into the fabric.

Step 2: Apply Dish Soap or Liquid Laundry Detergent

Because sunscreen contains oils, grease-cutting products are often the most effective first treatment.

Apply:

• Liquid laundry detergent
• Grease-fighting dish soap

Work the product gently into the stain using your fingers or a soft brush.

Allow it to sit for 10–15 minutes.

Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse the stained area using warm water if permitted by the care label.

If you're unsure which temperature is safe for the fabric, our guide on How to Read Laundry Symbols and Care Labels can help:

Step 4: Wash According to the Care Label

Wash the garment using your regular detergent.

Before placing the item in the dryer:

✅ Inspect the stain carefully.

If any residue remains, repeat the treatment process.

Heat from the dryer can permanently set sunscreen stains.

How to Remove Old Sunscreen Stains

Older sunscreen stains often require a little more effort because the oils have had time to bond with the fabric fibers.

For older stains:

1. Apply liquid detergent directly to the stain.
2. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes.
3. Wash according to the garment's care instructions.
4. Repeat if necessary before drying.

Patience is important when dealing with older sunscreen stains.

How to Remove Yellow Sunscreen Stains From White Clothes

White clothing is especially vulnerable to sunscreen discoloration.

To remove yellow sunscreen stains:

• Pretreat with liquid detergent
• Wash according to the care label
• Use an oxygen-based bleach if appropriate for the fabric

Avoid chlorine bleach unless specifically approved by the manufacturer.

How to Remove Sunscreen Stains From Swimsuits

Swimsuits require special care because many fabrics contain elastic fibers that can be damaged by aggressive cleaning.

To clean sunscreen from a swimsuit:

• Rinse immediately after use
• Apply a small amount of mild detergent
• Wash gently by hand when possible
• Air dry

Proper care helps extend the life of swimwear and prevent fading.

How to Remove Sunscreen Stains From Towels

Pool and beach towels often collect sunscreen residue throughout the summer.

If towels begin feeling greasy or develop lingering odors:

• Wash separately
• Use the correct amount of detergent
• Avoid fabric softener
• Consider a vinegar rinse cycle occasionally

If your towels also smell strongly of chlorine, our guide on How to Get Chlorine Smell Out of Towels may help:

Why Sunscreen Stains Sometimes Appear After Washing

Many people are surprised when a stain seems to appear after laundry is already finished.

This often happens because:

• The oils weren't fully removed during washing
• Heat from the dryer made the stain more visible
• Minerals in the water reacted with sunscreen ingredients

This is one reason it's important to inspect garments before drying.

Common Sunscreen Stain Removal Mistakes

Putting the Item in the Dryer Too Soon

Heat can permanently set sunscreen stains.

Waiting Too Long

Fresh stains are much easier to remove than older ones.

Using Too Much Detergent

Excess detergent can leave residue behind and make stains more difficult to remove.

For more information, read our article on How Much Detergent Should You Use?

Scrubbing Aggressively

Scrubbing can damage fabric fibers and spread the stain.

When Professional Cleaning Makes Sense

Some sunscreen stains occur on items that require extra care, including:

• Silk garments
• Delicate fabrics
• Formalwear
• Comforters
• Specialty bedding

For larger household items, proper cleaning can be difficult in a residential washing machine.

Our Comforter Cleaning Service helps remove dirt, oils, and odors from bulky bedding while following manufacturer care recommendations:

For everyday laundry, our Wash and Fold Laundry Service provides professional cleaning with pickup and delivery throughout Fairfield County and Westchester County.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do sunscreen stains come out of clothes?

Yes. Most sunscreen stains can be removed successfully if treated promptly and not exposed to dryer heat before the stain is gone.

Why does sunscreen turn clothes yellow?

Certain sunscreen ingredients, combined with body oils and minerals in water, can create yellow discoloration on fabric.

Can sunscreen permanently stain clothing?

If a stain is repeatedly exposed to heat or left untreated for a long period, it may become permanent.

Does dish soap remove sunscreen stains?

In many cases, yes. Because sunscreen contains oils, grease-cutting dish soap is often one of the most effective treatments.

Can professional laundry services remove sunscreen stains?

Many sunscreen stains respond well to professional stain treatment, especially on delicate garments, bedding, comforters, and specialty fabrics.

Summer activities and sunscreen often go hand in hand, but stained clothing doesn't have to. By treating sunscreen stains quickly, avoiding common laundry mistakes, and following proper fabric care practices, you can keep your clothes, towels, swimsuits, and bedding looking their best all season long.