How do I remove a suntan lotion stain from Levis?

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Removing Suntan Lotion Stains from Your Favorite Pair of Levis

Summertime often means an increase in the use of suntan lotion, but all that protection can also mean some sticky suntan lotion stains on your favorite pair of jeans. Fortunately, there are several ways to clean up those stubborn stains and get your jeans looking good as new. Read on for tips and tricks on how to get your Levis ready for some post-summer fun.

Updated 12 Mar 2023

By Luke Smith

Step 1: Pretreat the Stain

Before throwing them into the washing machine, pretreat the stained area. Start by dabbing a damp cloth onto the stained area. This will help push the stain from interior of the fabric to the surface, as well as remove excess oils and lotion residue. Once complete, sprinkle some powdered laundry detergent onto stain and rub it in gently with your fingers.

Step 2: Machine Wash

Once the stain has been pretreated, put your jeans in washing machine. Set the water temperature for cold and select a heavy-duty cycle. After the cycle is complete, check the stain to make sure it has been removed. If not, repeat the process or move on to the next step.

Step 3: Spot Clean with a Mild Detergent

If the stain is still visible after running through the washing machine, spot clean it with a mild detergent. Be sure to read the instructions on the detergent bottle to ensure that it is safe to use on denim. Then, apply a small amount of detergent directly to the stained area and rub it in. Allow detergent to sit on the stain for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly with cold water.

Step 4: Apply a Spot Treatment

If the stain is still visible after spot cleaning with a mild detergent, try using a spot treatment. There are many commercial spot treatments available on the market, but you can also make your own using a mixture of baking soda, lemon juice and water. Simply mix the ingredients together, apply it to the stain and allow it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing with cold water.

Step 5: Re-wash with Detergent

Once the stain has been dealt with, re-wash the jeans in the washing machine. Use a heavy-duty cycle and set the water temperature to cold. Be sure to read the care instructions on your jeans and select the appropriate cycle. After cycle is complete, inspect the jeans to ensure the stain has been fully removed.

Overview

Tackling suntan lotion stains on Levis can seem like a daunting task. But with a few simple steps, you can get your jeans looking good as new. Start by pretreating the stain, then machine wash and spot clean with a mild detergent. Consider applying a spot treatment if the stain is still visible and then re-wash the jeans with detergent. With these steps, you can banish even stickiest of suntan lotion stains from your favorite pair of jeans.

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