It’s easy to get sunscreen on your clothes when applying it, or maybe you put your clothes on too soon and wound up with an unsightly stain.
In fact, the higher the sun protection factor, the worse the stain will be, as the UV filters are mostly to blame.
If you notice a stain, you can’t always just throw your clothes into the washing machine, as this might only intensify the stain.
The good news is you can easily remove any residue by using heavy-duty laundry detergent, ideally in powder, granule, or tablet form, say experts.
These variants typically contain bleach, which provides a more effective cleaning action than liquid heavy-duty detergents, according to the German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (IKW).
It is precisely the bleach that is key to removing sunscreen stains.
But if you cannot get the stain out right away, don’t give up. A single application will only lighten the colours slightly, according to the IKW.
If you have sunscreen on your backpack, that is a little more complicated as often, manufacturers advise against washing these items in the washing machine, as it could damage the material.
You can wash backpacks made entirely of fabric by hand in a basin though, in cold or lukewarm water and using mild detergent.
And if the stain has had time to set in, try rubbing some baking soda into it, then brush it off and rinse with some liquid detergent before putting it in with the rest of your clothes.
Sunscreen essential
Don't be put off from wearing sunscreen, however. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers and in Britain, for example, some 2,600 people die from skin cancer every year.
Skin cancers are caused by damage from the sun's ultraviolet rays. Protecting the skin from the sun can help prevent these cancers.
Whether you're on holiday or at home, you can protect yourself by following Cancer Research UK's SunSmart messages:
- Spend time in the shade between 11 am and 3 pm.
- Make sure you never burn.Aim to cover up with a T-shirt, hat and sunglasses.
- Remember to take care with children.Use factor 15 or more sunscreen.
- Report any changes to moles or any unusual skin growths to your GP.
- Always take special care of children's skin by covering them up and keep them in the shade. – dpa
