What should I do if the stain won't come out?

If the stain isn't coming out after pre-treating and washing, you may need to try a more specialized stain remover.

Can I use a regular detergent to pre-treat the stain?

Yes, a regular laundry detergent will work just fine to remove suntan lotion stains. However, you may want to opt for a specialized stain remover if the stain won't come out with the detergent alone.

What is the best way to dry my activewear?

The best way to dry your activewear is on a low heat setting in the dryer.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Suntan lotion > Activewear

How To Clean Suntan Lotions Stains from Your Activewear in a Snap!

Ah, summertime. We love to spend time outdoors, soaking up sun and having fun- but sometimes that can mean an unfortunate stain left on our activewear! Read on for the best ways to get those suntan lotion stains out of your activewear without ruining it.

Updated 13 Mar 2023

By Isabelle Trottier

Step 1: Scrape off any remaining lotion.

Start by scraping as much of the suntan lotion off with a butter knife as you can. Take care not to rub it in further or tear the fabric while you’re doing this. This will help to remove any excess oils and make stain easier to tackle.

Step 2: Place into a sink filled with warm water.

Fill a sink (or large bowl) with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Let the activewear soak for about half an hour. As it’s soaking, check every 10 minutes or so to make sure the stain hasn’t faded. If it has, you can go ahead and move on to the next step.

Step 3: Pre-treat with a laundry detergent.

Once the stain has been soaking for a bit, apply a pre-treater like a laundry detergent or stain remover directly onto the spot and let it sit for a few minutes. This will help to break down oils and dissolve the stain before it has a chance to set.

Step 4: Rinse out and repeat if needed.

After pre-treating, give the activewear another rinse in cool water. Check the stain again, and if it’s still there, you can go ahead and repeat the pre-treatment process until the stain is gone. If it’s still not coming out, you may have to try a more specialized stain remover.

Step 5: Place into washing machine.

Once the stain is gone, throw the activewear into the washing machine with like colors and a mild detergent. Wash on a gentle cycle and dry on a low heat setting. And voila- your garment is good as new!

FAQ

Try Laundryheap - 24h laundry service with free delivery

Never do laundry again. Save time for things you ❤️

Book now

WikiLaundry