Beach Day Blues? No More! Learn How To Clean Suntan Lotion Stains from Scarves
As summer heats up, days spent at the beach are a much welcomed treat. But suntan lotion stains don't have to be a lasting reminder of your fun in the sun. Here are some tips on how to remove suntan lotion from your favorite scarves.
Updated 13 Mar 2023
By Luke Smith
Directions for Cleaning and Preserving
- Using cold water, rinse the stained area as soon as possible. Avoid using hot water, as this can cause the stain to set in.
- If the scarf is made of natural fibers like cotton or wool, add one teaspoon of white distilled vinegar to eight ounces of water. Place the scarf in mixture and let it soak for thirty minutes.
- Gently scrub the fabric together to help loosen the stain, then rinse.
- Run the scarf under warm water while pressing your fingers into the stained area. This helps to flush out the excess oil from the lotion.
- Soak the scarf in cool water with a mild laundry detergent that does not contain bleach for at least thirty minutes.
- Rinse the scarf in cool water until the suds are gone.
- Air dry scarf over a towel.
Additional Tips
- The sooner the fabric is treated, the better chance you have of removing the stain completely.
- Never rub an area with suntan lotion; this will cause the stain to spread.
- Depending on the fabric, a mild laundry detergent may be used instead of white vinegar.
- If the scarf is made of delicate fibers, spot clean the area with a soft cloth dampened with cool water instead of soaking it.
- Do not use any chlorine bleach products; they may discolor scarf.
- Color-safe hydrogen peroxide may be gently poured onto the stain to help remove it.
Conclusion
No one wants to keep a reminder of their beach day that doesn't include memories of fun in the sun! With these easy steps, you'll never have to worry about suntan lotion stains on your scarves again.