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How to Get Sunscreen Stains Out

Oily base plus mineral filters — dish soap first, no bleach on orange marks.

Quick answer

Fresh Sunscreen on Cotton

Before you startAlways test any treatment in an inconspicuous area first, and check the garment's care label before you begin.
  1. Scrape off excess without rubbing.
  2. Work liquid dish soap into the stain and let it sit 10–15 minutes.
  3. Rinse from the back of the fabric.
  4. Launder in the warmest water safe for the fabric.
  5. Do not dry until the stain is gone.

Don’t do this

  • Do not use chlorine bleach on orange or rust-colored marks. Heat sets sunscreen residue.

Sources: WonderHowTo (citing Good Housekeeping); Glasgow Times (quoting Good Housekeeping)

For dried stains or other materials, use the lookup tool below.

Look up Sunscreen on your material

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Sunscreen on specific materials

Sunscreen on CottonFresh & dried steps Sunscreen on LinenFresh & dried steps Sunscreen on PolyesterFresh & dried steps Sunscreen on NylonFresh & dried steps Sunscreen on SilkFresh & dried steps Sunscreen on WoolFresh & dried steps Sunscreen on DenimFresh & dried steps Sunscreen on LeatherFresh & dried steps Sunscreen on SuedeFresh & dried steps Sunscreen on Upholstery fabricFresh & dried steps Sunscreen on Carpet/rugFresh & dried steps Sunscreen on WoodFresh & dried steps Sunscreen on Stainless steelFresh & dried steps Sunscreen on Stone/marbleFresh & dried steps Sunscreen on Plastic/laminateFresh & dried steps

Frequently asked questions

Why does sunscreen leave orange marks?

Some chemical filters oxidize into rust-colored compounds. Don't use chlorine bleach on them — degrease with dish soap first.

Does sunscreen stain permanently?

It can if heat-set. Treat before washing and never machine-dry until the mark is gone.

Safety rules for every treatment
  • Test every treatment in an inconspicuous area first — some treatments can fade dyes or damage finishes.
  • Blot a wet stain; never rub it. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into fibers.
  • Check the garment's care label and follow it — skip any step the label prohibits.
  • Never put the item in the dryer until the stain is completely gone; heat sets most stains.
  • Never mix ammonia with chlorine bleach — the fumes are toxic and dangerous.
  • Never use chlorine bleach on rust — it can intensify the stain.
  • Rubbing alcohol is flammable and can fade some dyes; spot-test first and ventilate the area.
  • Acetone dissolves acetate, triacetate, and modacrylic fabrics — check the fabric label first.
  • Use cold water first on blood and other protein stains; hot water sets them.
  • When in doubt — a valuable, vintage, or delicate item — take it to a professional cleaner instead.

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