What temperature should I use to set the iron?

Set your iron on the low setting and always use a clean towel beneath the garment.

Can I use other laundry detergents besides dishwashing liquid?

You can use a laundry detergent to pretreat and wash the garment, but the dishwashing liquid is best for breaking down the oils in suntan lotion.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Suntan lotion > Cotton

Eliminate Those Annoying Suntan Lotion Stains From Cotton in No Time!

Ah, summertime. It's great to put on your favorite cotton shirt and get some sun. But nothing can ruin the moment faster than finding out your shirt has a stain from suntan lotion. Don’t worry. With a few simple steps, you can get those unsightly stains out of your cotton clothing.

Updated 12 Mar 2023

By Cyryl Wozniak

Things You'll Need

Dishwashing liquid
Towel
Iron
White vinegar

Step 1: Remove Excess Sunscreen

Start by removing any excess suntan lotion from the fabric. If there is still a lot of it on the fabric, use an old towel to blot and absorb as much of the lotion as possible.

Step 2: Pretreat the Stain with Dishwashing Liquid

Once you’ve removed any excess lotion, apply a few drops of dishwashing liquid directly to the stain. Use your fingers to lightly massage the dish soap into the fabric, working the suds into stain.

Step 3: Wash the Garment

Put garment into the washing machine and set the cycle to cold water. Add a small amount of laundry detergent and let the cycle complete. Check the fabric for any remaining stains before drying.

Step 4: Heat Set the Stain with Iron

If there are still traces of the stain visible after the wash, use an iron to heat set it. Place garment on top of an ironing board and cover it with a clean towel. Set the iron on a low setting and press the iron over the area of the stain for a few minutes.

Step 5: Rinse and Repeat

If stain is still visible, try spot treating it again with a few drops of dishwashing liquid, then follow up with a little white vinegar. This combination should break down the oils in the suntan lotion and help to get rid of the stain.

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