Sun cream, deodorant and make-up can all leave unsightly yellow stains on swimwear and clothing in summer – here are the best products I’ve found to remove them
I love going on holiday; I even quite like sorting through the piles of laundry upon return. But my biggest holiday bugbear? The amount of clothing and swimwear I’ve had ruined over the years by sun cream.
Being very fair-skinned, I’m diligent with my sunscreen application, and always wear a factor 50. Being a beauty editor, I’m also lucky enough to have tried most sunscreen formulas out there, and so I’m well aware of the ones that go one clear and weightless rather than thick and sticky. And yet every year I return home with a suitcase full of white linen and light-coloured swimsuits covered in stubborn pale yellow marks that require a full arsenal of washing products to even attempt to remove.
I’ve tried every tip and trick, from leaving it out to dry in the sun to adding white vinegar and lemon juice to the washing machine – I’ve even been known to add a splash of bleach into completely white loads – with little luck, but these are the products that have had the greatest effect on my summer wardrobe favourites stained by sun cream. To be honest, I usually throw all of this in the drum together on a 40ºC wash, but I’m by no means an expert, and please always read the care labels and make your own judgement before washing!
Best stain removers for getting sun cream out of clothes
Napisan Non Bio Stain Remover Powder
I was recommended Napisan by a friend with a toddler for getting almost any stain our of clothing, and it’s been a staple in my kitchen cupboard ever since. It works best when the garment is soaked overnight in a bowl of warm water with a cupful of this in. It’s great for getting trainers white again too.
Elbow Grease All-Purpose Degreaser Spray
Another tip from a parent, this multi-purpose cleaning cupboard staple is not only great at breaking down grease and oil on your worktops and hob but also the oils in your sun cream, too.
Ace for Colours
This laundry detergent is a good choice if you’ve got coloured or black-and-white items of clothing, as it’s hard on stains while protecting and preserving colours. Chuck a capful into the washing machine drum with a Colour Catcher to avoid ending up with a load of grey clothing.
Vanish PowerGel Stain Remover
I chuck a spoonful of Vanish Oxi Action into every white wash to keep them looking fresh, but for extra-tough marks I treat the area with Vanish PowerGel first, and leave it on for five minutes before washing. It’s great for working into dirty collars.
Any other tips, please let me know!
