Removing Sunblock From Clothing

Recently, I noticed that I got sunblock on the collar of B's favourite shirt (Transformers) and it splattered all over his shorts when I was trying to get some out of the tube. I didn't think much of it at the time and dabbed it away with a towel and then sent him off to camp. When I picked him up later that day the marks were still there. I washed them that night and when they dried the next day I noticed the spots had not gone away.  I don't know exactly what causes the white stains but I am thinking it is probably due to the thickness of the sunblock we use and the oils it contains.

If the stains are your clothing are orange it is because your sunblock contains Avobenzone which reacts with iron in your water. You could try the same method above to remove the stains but more importantly you need to switch your sunblocks to one that does not contain this toxin. Look for one that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Steps to Removing Sunblock from Your Clothes

1. Curse the fact that you got sunblock on your clothes.

2. Soak clothing in the sink with hot water and an oxygen based product (ie:OxiClean) for 2 days.

3. Remove clothes from sink and ring out excess water.

4. Allow to partly dry (until still damp).

5. Pour a small amount of vinegar on the stain and scrub with an old toothbrush.

6. Allow to dry and then wash in washing machine as per normal and hang to dry.

It may seem like a long process but it does work and is gently on your clothes so you won't see any fading or worn spots.

How do you get sunblock out of clothes?

Related Posts - Check them Out
Stripping Your Clothes without Chemicals
Hidden Water - Part 2
Switching to a Non Toxic Laundry Detergent

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