How to remove suncream and chlorine stains from your clothes after holidays

Marie-Claire Dorking
Suncream and chlorine can play havoc with your clothes on holiday. (Getty Images)
Suncream and chlorine can play havoc with your clothes on holiday. (Getty Images) (Getty)

Who doesn't love a summer holiday? If only our clothes didn't take such a battering from the endless applications of suncream and hours spent splashing in chlorine-laden pools.

Aside from the endless washing you have to do when you get back from your travels, there's another clothing-related irritant that heaps on the misery of returning home - a suitcase full of ruined clothes.

While we're definitely not complaining about the temperatures in more exotic climes the sun, chlorine, and sunscreen can play havoc with your wardrobe; staining whites and turning swimwear a murky shade of green.

It's little wonder, therefore, that 'How to get yellow sunscreen stains out of clothes?' is one of the top trending search terms on Google.

"The last thing we want to be worrying about when we are on holiday is our laundry, but the sun, chlorine, suncream salt and sweat can damage our clothes," says Laura Mountford, AKA @lauracleanaholic, a cleaning content creator, podcaster and author.

Thankfully, there are some simple measures you can take to help protect your holiday wardrobe both while you're away and when you get back.

Mountford says suncream is one of the biggest culprits for holiday stains because it contains UV filters that help to protect our skin from the sun and they are usually oil-based, greasy formulas.

"Many suncreams have an ingredient called avobenzone which has a slightly yellowish colour causing fabrics to stain," she explains.

The best way to avoid suncream stains is to ensure that your suncream has absorbed into your skin before putting your clothes on.

"I love using the suncream mists because they are so much easier to apply and dry quickly so there is less chance of staining or spilling the bottle," Mountford adds. "Choosing a water-based sunscreen will also help ensure greasy marks aren't left on your clothes."

Suncream can cause stains on clothing. (Getty Images)
Suncream contains an ingredient called avobenzone which has a slightly yellowish colour causing fabrics to stain. (Getty Images) (Getty)

If you do get suncream on your clothes, it is always best to remove it as soon as possible to avoid it reacting with the sun and water, making it more difficult to get rid of.

"The easiest way to remove holiday stains, like suncream, is to pre-treat them by applying a small amount of laundry detergent onto the affected area," Mountford says.

"I always pack a travel bottle filled with laundry detergent to tackle any holiday laundry dramas because when it comes to any stains the sooner you can treat them the better.

"I use the Ariel Gel because it is really easy to use, smells really fresh and less messy than a liquid. You don’t even need to soak the item in water, just use the cap to work the gel into the stain and then pop the item into the machine on a cool 30C wash cycle."

Mountford says it is really important to use cool water as hot water will actually make stains worse, sealing it into the fabric.

"Do not use any products containing bleach as this could also react with suncream or chlorine stains and make them worse," she adds.

The fashion experts at Crew Clothing also recommend giving natural products you likely have in your cupboard a try.

"With any stain, the most important thing to do is to act fast," they say. "As soon as you notice sunscreen has stained your clothing, apply any acidic product such as white vinegar or lemon juice, and cover with salt. This will help combat the oil and help draw it out of the fabric.

"Once applied, make sure to leave it for at least 30 minutes, overnight is the optimum time to let it sit, and then throw it in the wash as normal."

Eucalyptus oil is another quick and easy way to remove sunscreen stains from both white and coloured clothing.

"Well-known for its ability to lift stubborn stains, eucalyptus oil is a handy natural product to keep in your cleaning cupboard," the experts explain.

"Start by wetting your garments that have sunscreen stains in cold water. Apply a generous amount of oil to the stain, and gently rub it in before placing it in the washing machine on a cold wash. This will prevent the stain from setting and will lift out easily."

Another favourite household item that is perfect for removing suncream stains is baking soda.

"Combined with washing up liquid, it is one of the easiest and quickest combinations for suncream stain removal," the fashion experts add.

"Combine 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid, 1 teaspoon of baking soda and warm water in a spray bottle. You can then spray the stained clothing with the cleaning solution and gently dab and rub at any stains.

"Let it dry before putting it in the wash on a cool cycle and hang outside to dry. The sun is an additional help to brighten any white clothing."

Chlorine can also stain swimwear. (Getty Images)
Chlorine can also stain swimwear. (Getty Images) (Getty)

That cute white bikini that looked so good on the first day of your holiday now has a green tinge thanks to the chlorine in the hotel's pool.

But there are some steps you can take to protect your swimwear and restore it to its former glory.

"Rinse your swimwear daily with cold water to avoid the fabric being damaged by the chlorine then wrap it in a dry fresh towel to absorb the excess moisture then lay flat to dry in a shady spot," Mountford recommends.

"Do not wring or hang swimwear as this can damage the elastic," she continues.

When you get home she recommends washing your swimwear in the machine on a delicate cycle.

"But always pop it in a mesh laundry bag to protect it and prevent it from getting tangled up or damaged," she adds.

If your swimwear smells of chlorine, Mountford suggests soaking it in cold water with a cup of white vinegar for 30 minutes before popping into the machine.

The sun can bleach clothing. (Getty Images)
The sun can bleach clothing. (Getty Images) (Getty)

When the weather is warm and sunny there is nothing better than drying your clothes outdoors, but the sun’s rays can bleach fabrics.

"While outdoor drying is a great option for keeping your whites lovely and bright, for any stained fabrics, brights or darks they should be left to dry outdoors in a shady spot," Mountford recommends.

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