You’ve been washing sunscreen off your clothes the wrong way – pro reveals $1 trick to getting stains out the right way

FEAR of ruining your summer style shouldn’t be an excuse to skip SPF.

An expert has shared helpful tips for removing pesky sunscreen stains from clothes – and they won’t break the bank.

Allen Civlak, cleaning expert and owner of Mary’s Kitchen Flour Sack Towelshas a few tricks up its sleeve to solve the problem.

“Sunscreen stains are particularly notorious because of the combination of oils and chemical ingredients designed to adhere to the skin,” he said.

“When these substances come into contact with fabric, they can leave greasy, discolored stains that are difficult to remove with regular washing.

“This is especially frustrating for parents, beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts who find their favorite summer outfits are marred by these stubborn stains.”

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Civlak’s advice for sunscreen-saturated clothing is inexpensive, but time is of the essence.

“The sooner you treat the stain, the easier it will be to remove. Fresh spots respond better to treatment than old, persistent spots,” he said.

Your favorite stain remover is available at most stores.

“Baking soda is a versatile and powerful cleaning agent,” he said.

“It’s slightly abrasive, which helps remove stains without damaging the fabric, and it’s also a natural deodorizer.”

Good and Gather Baking Soda is available for $0.99 at Target.

Civlak recommended pre-treating the stain the moment it is discovered.

“As soon as you notice a sunscreen stain, try pre-treating it,” he said.

“Dry the stain with a clean cloth to remove excess sunscreen.

“Avoid rubbing, as this can deepen the stain into the fabric.”

Then he said it’s time to put the baking soda to work.

“Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda directly onto the stain. Baking soda is readily available and costs about $1, making it an affordable option for everyone,” he said.

After some quick action, Civlak recommended sitting down and waiting 30 minutes for the baking soda to work its magic.

“This will give it enough time to absorb the oils and break down the stain particles,” he said.

He added that one should brush off excess powder to reveal cleaner clothes.

“After 30 minutes, remove the baking soda. You will notice that it has probably absorbed a lot of the grease and discoloration,” he said.

He follows the baking soda trick with regular detergent to treat the stain. Civlak washes the garment in the hottest water the item can handle and inspects it thoroughly before drying.

“The heat from the dryer can set the stain, making it even more difficult to remove,” he said.

He had some warnings for those who struggle with sunscreen on their clothes.

“Never aggressively rub a sunscreen stain and avoid using hot water initially, as this can cause the stain to harden,” he said.

Civlak also included a rule of thumb before trying anything new in fabrics.

“Always test any cleaning method first on a small, inconspicuous area of ​​the fabric to ensure it does not cause discoloration or damage,” he added.