Suncream stains stains on swimwear can be stubborn and may leave greasy yellow marks. But, don’t sweat it, we’ve got some top tips on how to remove them safely with the help of the experts…
Sun, sea and…stains. As the summer season approaches, many of us are excited to hit the beach or pool and soak up the sun. However, along with sunscreen’s essential protection comes the risk of stains on our beloved bathing suits. We all know how important it is to wear SPF over the summer months but pesky sunscreen stains can be stubborn and may leave greasy marks or discolouration on the fabric.
Before we dive into the removal process, it might be helpful for you to understand why removing sunscreen stains can be particularly challenging. Sunscreen typically contains ingredients like oils, minerals, and chemical filters that are designed to provide sun protection and whilst this is great for protecting our skin- they certainly don’t protect our swimwear.
Not only can these greasy residues damage swim fabrics but oxidation after sun exposure may result in discolouration on the fabric.
So with the holiday season in full swing, it’s never been a better time to have some handy stain removal hacks under your belt for when your swimwear needs a little TLC. We’ve found some handy tips from the UK’s #1 stain remover brand Vanish that will keep your swimwear in top shape.
Remember, it is important to treat the stain as quickly as you can as sun exposure can lead to tougher removal.
Step 1 -Assess the stain and choose the right stain remover… It can be overwhelming to know which product will work best. When selecting a stain remover, consider the type of fabric you are dealing with and the severity of the stain. Additionally, check for stain removers that target oil-based stains. Alternatively, Arm & Hammer recommend rubbing/rinsing grease stains with dish soap and white wine vinegar so you could try this first.
Step 2 – For stubborn suncream stains pre-treat the stain… Before you start, it’s important to properly pre-treat the stain gently scraping off any excess sunscreen from the fabric using a spoon or a blunt knife. Then. rinse the stain under cold running water to flush out as much of the sunscreen as possible Finally, apply a small amount of Vanish powder (mixed with water to make a paste). Leave to work for a maximum of 5 minutes on coloured garments with Vanish Oxi Action Multi Power powder and 10 minutes for whites with Vanish Oxi Action Crystal White powder. For tough stains, soak your garment using one scoop of powder and 4L of water.
Step 3 – Wash your swimwear… According to Steamery Laundry, swimwear should never be machine washed, due to the delicate nature of the fabric- instead handwash in lukewarm water. You could try a gentle detergent before adding any stain removals to see if this budges the stain first.
Step 4 -Drying… Stain removal experts Vanish suggest avoiding wringing or twisting your swimwear, as this can cause wrinkles or stretching of the fabric. Carefully hang or lay the garment flat to dry. If you’re using a clothesline, make sure to hang it in a shaded area to prevent any potential fading from the sun.
Of course, it is important to look after your swimwear to give it a longer lifespan which not only saves you pennies in the long run but also the planet. If you’re simply not up for battling those pesky stains this summer it seems quality swimwear could be the answer to your prayers. Founder of the sustainable swimwear brand Ode + Rae exclusively told us,
“Good swimwear should actually be stain resistant. Our fabric is chlorine-resistant and suncream/oil resistant so it shouldn’t discolour or stain. Basically, the cheaper the fabric the more likely it is to stain.”
