How to Remove Sunscreen Stains
Written by Shannon, Owner and Founder of Long Island MaidsThose orange and yellow sunscreen stains are notoriously stubborn—especially after going through the dryer. Here's how to remove them from clothes, towels, car seats, and furniture.
Why Sunscreen Stains Are So Stubborn
Sunscreen stains are uniquely frustrating because they often appear or darken after washing—or worse, after going through a hot dryer. Understanding why helps you treat them effectively.
The Science Behind the Stain
- Avobenzone: The UV-blocking ingredient in most sunscreens reacts with iron in water, causing orange/rust-colored stains
- Oil base: Sunscreens are oil-based to stay on skin, making them cling to fabric fibers
- Heat sets stains: Hot dryers bond sunscreen oils into fabric permanently
- Hard water worsens it: More iron in water = more orange discoloration
Removing Sunscreen from Clothes
- Scrape off any visible sunscreen with a dull knife or spoon
- Apply liquid dish soap (Dawn works well) directly to the stain
- Work the soap into the fabric with your fingers
- Let sit 15-30 minutes
- Rinse with warm water
- Check if stain remains—if so, treat again before washing
- Wash in hottest water safe for the fabric
- Air dry and check for remaining stain
- Mix: 1 part white vinegar + 1 part water
- Soak stained area in solution for 30 minutes
- Apply baking soda paste to stain, let sit 15 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly
- Apply liquid dish soap, work into fabric
- Wash in hottest safe water with regular detergent
- Add 1/2 cup baking soda to the wash cycle
- Air dry and check—repeat if needed
- This is tough—stain may be permanent, but try:
- Soak in oxygen bleach (OxiClean) for 2-4 hours or overnight
- For white fabrics: Apply lemon juice and place in direct sunlight for several hours
- Wash with detergent + 1/2 cup baking soda in hottest safe water
- Repeat oxygen bleach soak if stain remains
- Air dry between each attempt
Beach Towel Rescue
Beach towels take a beating from sunscreen, and those orange streaks seem inevitable. Here's how to restore them:
Regular Maintenance Wash
- Pre-treat visible sunscreen spots with dish soap before each wash
- Wash towels in hot water with detergent
- Add 1/2 cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle (helps remove oils)
- Skip fabric softener—it coats fibers and traps oils
- Dry on high heat (towels can handle it)
Deep Cleaning Yellowed Towels
- Fill tub or large basin with hottest water possible
- Add: 1/2 cup dish soap + 1/2 cup baking soda + 1/2 cup borax
- Soak towels 4-8 hours or overnight
- Agitate/swish towels periodically
- Drain, wring out excess water
- Wash in machine with regular detergent + 1/2 cup vinegar
- Repeat if needed
Upholstery & Car Seats
Sunscreen transfers easily to car seats, patio furniture, and indoor upholstery. These surfaces can't go in the washing machine, so spot treatment is key.
Car Seats & Fabric Upholstery
- Scrape off any visible sunscreen residue
- Blot (don't rub) with dry cloth to absorb oils
- Mix: 1 tbsp dish soap + 1 tbsp white vinegar + 2 cups warm water
- Apply solution with clean cloth, working from outside in
- Let sit 5-10 minutes
- Blot with clean damp cloth to rinse
- Blot dry with clean towel
- For stubborn stains, use upholstery cleaner or try baking soda paste
Leather & Vinyl Seats
- Wipe off excess sunscreen immediately
- Clean with leather/vinyl cleaner or mild soap solution
- Wipe with damp cloth
- Dry thoroughly
- Apply leather conditioner (leather) or vinyl protectant (vinyl)
Prevention Tips
Apply Sunscreen Strategically
- Apply before dressing: Let sunscreen absorb 10-15 minutes before putting on clothes
- Avoid over-application: Excess sunscreen transfers more readily
- Wash hands after applying: Prevents transfer to everything you touch
- Use spray sunscreen carefully: Overspray lands on clothes and furniture
Fabric Protection
- Wear coverups or swim shirts over sunscreen-treated skin
- Sit on a towel rather than directly on car seats or furniture
- Choose darker colors for beach-adjacent activities
- Consider mineral (zinc) sunscreens—they cause less yellowing than chemical sunscreens
Post-Beach Routine
- Rinse swimsuits in cold water immediately after wearing
- Pre-treat any visible sunscreen spots before tossing in hamper
- Wash beach clothes separately from regular laundry
- Always air dry until you confirm stains are gone
Summer Cleaning Support
Beach season brings sand, sunscreen, and summer messes. Our cleaning teams help keep your home fresh and deal with the aftermath of Long Island summers.
Serving: Great Neck · Manhasset · Garden City · Old Westbury · Roslyn · +40 more
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my white shirt turn orange after washing?
Avobenzone in sunscreen reacts with iron in hard water, creating orange/rust colored stains. This often happens during the wash cycle, which is why stains appear on "clean" clothes. The iron + avobenzone reaction is worsened by hot water.
Can I bleach sunscreen stains out of white clothes?
Chlorine bleach often makes sunscreen stains worse, turning them more orange. Oxygen bleach (like OxiClean) is a better choice. For white cotton, you can try soaking in lemon juice and placing in direct sunlight—the natural bleaching action works well on some stains.
Are some sunscreens less likely to stain?
Yes. Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) cause less yellowing than chemical sunscreens containing avobenzone. However, mineral sunscreens may leave white residue on dark fabrics. There's no perfect solution—just different trade-offs.
How do I get sunscreen off my car's leather seats?
Clean immediately with a leather cleaner or mild soap solution. Don't let sunscreen sit—the oils can damage leather's finish. After cleaning, apply leather conditioner to restore moisture. For stubborn stains on leather, professional auto detailing may be needed.
Can dry cleaners remove sunscreen stains?
Professional dry cleaners have stronger solvents that may work on stubborn stains. Point out sunscreen stains specifically when dropping off—they may need special treatment. Success varies depending on how long the stain has been set.
Related Guides