What is the best type of stain remover to use?

For removing suntan lotion stains from cotton denim, it is best to use a liquid laundry detergent with enzymes, such as Tide or Gain.

Can I put the denim in the dryer after it has been cleaned?

No, it is best to hang your denim up to dry to avoid setting the stain further. You can also add a teaspoon of white vinegar to the wash to help set the color.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Suntan lotion > Cotton denim

How to Tackle Unwanted Suntan Lotion Stains on Denim

Say goodbye to annoying suntan lotion stains on your beloved cotton denim! With a few easy steps, you'll be able to remove those pesky smears and have your denim looking as good as new.

Updated 13 Mar 2023

By Peter Blackwood

It's summertime and that means its time to break out your collection of cotton denim. But with all the fun in the sun comes some inevitable messes from sunscreen, bug spray, and other lotions and sprays. One of the biggest issues can come from suntan lotion. Don't worry though, with a few simple steps you can get your favorite denim looking great again.

Step 1: Pre-Treat the Stain

Before throwing your cotton denim into the washer, it's important to pre-treat any stains to help loosen them up. To do this, apply a stain remover to the area and lightly scrub it in. Allow remover to sit for 10-15 minutes before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Wash Denim

Now that you've pre-treated stain, you can throw the denim into washing machine. Be sure to choose a gentle cycle and use cold water to avoid further setting the stain. If you’re worried about the dye running off, go ahead and add a teaspoon of white vinegar to the wash to help set the color.

Step 3: Hang to Dry

Once the washing cycle is complete, hang the denim up to dry. Avoid throwing it in the dryer as this can cause the stain to set further. Instead, allow denim to air dry completely before you move onto the next step.

Step 4: Re-Treat the Stain

Now that the denim is clean and dry, reapply the stain remover and let it sit for another 10-15 minutes. Again, gently scrub the area and then throw the denim back into the washing machine.

Step 5: Repeat

The last step is to repeat Steps 2-4 until stain has been completely removed. It might take a few cycles to get the stain out completely, but soon enough your cotton denim will look as good as new.

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