Say Goodbye to Stubborn Suntan Lotion Stains: How to Effortlessly Clean Board Shorts
Bringing the kids to the beach can create lasting memories, but often their board shorts are left with tough-to-remove suntan lotion stains. Fortunately, you don't need to throw away those beloved shorts just yet. This article will teach you how to remove those pesky suntan lotion stains for good, so your board shorts can get ready for their next beach day.
Updated 13 Mar 2023
By Jacobim Mugabe
Gather Your Supplies
To successfully clean stained board shorts, you’ll need several supplies on hand. Gather the following before you begin:
- Mild detergent
- Liquid chlorine bleach
- White vinegar
- A soft, non-abrasive brush
- A washcloth
How to Clean Suntan Lotion Stains from Board Shorts
Now that you’ve gathered all your cleaning supplies, follow these simple steps to remove the tough suntan lotion stains from your board shorts:
- Soak the shorts in cold water and a mild detergent for 30 minutes.
- Rinse the shorts with cold water until they are free of any suds.
- Mix a cup of liquid chlorine bleach and a gallon of water in a plastic bucket. Be careful not to use metal or ceramic containers for this step.
- Soak the shorts in the mixture for 15 minutes.
- Rinse with cold water until the chlorine bleach is completely gone.
- Mix one cup of white vinegar to a bucket of cold water in a separate container.
- Soak the shorts for 3 minutes in the vinegar mixture.
- Gently scrub any remaining stains with a non-abrasive brush.
- Remove shorts from the vinegar and cold water solution.
- Lay the board shorts on a washcloth and blot them dry with another washcloth.
Prevent Future Stains
Once your board shorts are stain-free, it’s important to practice preventive methods to avoid future staining. Here are some tips to follow when enjoying a sunny beach day:
- Stay out of sun during peak hours (10 AM - 4 PM).
- Wear protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats, UV-protective sunglasses, and rash guards.
- Always apply waterproof sunscreen.
- Take frequent breaks in the shade or wear a waterproof sun umbrella.
Conclusion
Thanks to these simple steps, stubborn suntan lotion stains don't have to ruin a pair of board shorts. Now you can be confident that your children's favorite swimwear is always clean and ready for their next beach day.