Yellow edges and stains that do not come out even after washing are annoying! Sunscreen is often to blame for this in summer. Here are the best tricks to remove the stains.
Yellow edges, nasty spots – the sunscreen is to blame!
We always recommend using plenty of sunscreen in summer. Even in the shade and on days when the sun hides behind the clouds. Because: Our skin should be protected from UVA and UVB rays.
We don't just think about skin cancer, but also about anti-aging, because Sunscreens are the best protection against aging. Unfortunately, the sunscreen tends to come into contact with the edges of a T-shirt when you diligently apply it. And sometimes something goes wrong. Especially on white clothes you can quickly see that there are yellow edges that unfortunately cannot be washed out – even at 40 or 60 degrees.
Unfortunately, sunscreen stains are among the most stubborn stains ever. Even car paint gets light spots when a dark paintwork comes into direct contact with sunscreen. Caution is also advised with plastic and colored leather bags. In the meantime, manufacturers also warn on their creams against contacting the sunscreen with sensitive materials.
Do all sun protection products stain?
Yes! The UVA filter, which must be oil-soluble, is to blame. It transfers its own color to textiles, which, depending on the fabric material, are difficult or impossible to wash out.
Basically: The higher the sun protection factor of the cream and the older the stain, the more difficult it is to remove the stain.
Important: If you don't want to risk stains in the first place, you should avoid slipping freshly creamed into sensitive textiles such as silk. It is better to let the agents soak in thoroughly and to wear cotton that can withstand high washing temperatures.
This is how your clothes will be spot-free again:
1. SOS helper dishwashing detergent
If something goes wrong, you have to act: quickly remove the sunscreen with a cloth without rubbing it into the fabric. Dishwashing liquid as a classic degreaser works well because sunscreen contains a lot of fat. The stain with Dishwashing liquid Rub in and then wash as hot as possible (check care label beforehand!). Gall soap or hand soap work too.
2. Stain spray and Co.
With Stain spray spray and then wash (for example with Sil Spezial Fett & Öl stain spray). It is best to set the highest possible washing temperature according to the care label and use the detergent for "heavily soiled".
Be careful with stain remover: If you soak your clothing in it overnight, the color can soften. So be careful with very colorful textiles and those that are already slightly faded in the wash anyway.
3. Home remedies
The household has a lot in store that can help us in the fight against sunscreen stains – vinegar water, for example. For light stains, you can try soaking your laundry in a vinegar bath. Mix water and vinegar essence in a ratio of five to one and let the laundry soak for one hour – then wash. Be careful with sensitive textiles, which can suffer from the acidity of the vinegar water.
Baking soda is also recommended for stains. If white laundry is slightly yellow discolored: moisten the area with water and sprinkle a packet of baking powder on it. Wash in the machine after 30 minutes. You can also use the baking powder directly laundry detergent Put in the machine – but that only helps with very light sunscreen stains.