Cleaning Suntan Lotion Stains from Cotton Voile Easily
Sun tanning can be a great way to get a summer glow, however it can also lead to stubborn suntan lotion stains on your delicate cotton voile fabric. Read on to learn how to remove these tough stains from your clothing quickly and easily.
Updated 13 Mar 2023
By Cyryl Wozniak
Removing Suntan Lotion Stains with Detergent and Ammonia
The key to successfully removing a suntan lotion stain from cotton voile is to act as quickly as possible. The sooner you can treat the stain, the more successful you will be in removing it. Here are the steps for treating the stain:
- Gently scrape off any excess suntan lotion with a dull knife or spoon.
- Soak the fabric in cold water for half an hour.
- Mix a solution of one tablespoon of clear ammonia and one tablespoon of mild detergent in 1 cup of warm water.
- Dip a soft cloth into the solution and rub into the stained area of the fabric until stain is gone.
- Rinse the fabric in cold water and air dry.
Using White Vinegar
If you don't have any ammonia on hand, white vinegar can also be used to remove suntan lotion stains from cotton voile. Here’s how:
- Gently scrape away any excess lotion with a dull knife or spoon.
- Soak the fabric in cold water for half an hour.
- Mix a solution of 1 cup of white vinegar and 2 teaspoons of mild detergent in 1 cup of warm water.
- Dab the solution onto the stained area of the fabric with a soft cloth and rub gently.
- Rinse the fabric in cold water and air dry.
Preventing Suntan Lotion Stains
To avoid having to clean suntan lotion stains from cotton voile, consider taking some preventative measures before you apply sunscreen. Here are some tips to help you avoid stains in the first place:
- Wear protective clothing when tanning, such as a hat and beach cover up.
- Apply sunscreen before you put on any clothing and allow it to sink in for a few minutes.
- When applying sunscreen, use a towel or washcloth to catch any potential drips.
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