As people spend more time in the summer sun, there’s a good chance that your clothes have seen their fair share of sunscreen stains. An expert has shared a simple hack to remove the stains
As the mercury rises, many are relishing in the sun’s rays. Whether it’s a day spent poolside or unwinding in your back garden, summer presents a unique set of wardrobe challenges. The holiday season is filled with joy, but it also means an increased workload for your washing machine. Consider sandy garments, sunscreen smeared swimwear and mud-caked trainers post-festival.
We often clean our clothes more frequently during the balmy months due to heightened perspiration and exposure to outdoor elements. However, it’s crucial to understand how to combat these summer stains without harming your washing machine.
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One of the most Googled cleaning queries during the summer is ‘how to remove sun cream’. This is because sun lotions contain oils that can easily leave yellow or orange grease marks on your attire.
The chemical avobenzone is commonly used in these products, and when mixed with water or sweat, it can result in stubborn rust-coloured stains, reports the Daily Record.
Fortunately, there’s an affordable solution to eliminate these pesky stains from your clothing, and you likely already have this product in your pantry.
According to Ian Palmer-Smith, an appliance repair specialist at Domestic and General, white wine vinegar, which can be purchased for as little as £1.65 from supermarkets like Aldi, will keep your clothes free from stains.
Ian said: “Suncreams usually have an oil base, so white wine vinegar can be really handy when it comes to breaking these stains down.
“Cover the stain in vinegar and leave for twenty to thirty minutes before rinsing. Machine wash the garment in the hottest temperature that is suitable for it, and check that the stain has gone before drying.”
He also noted that this method works wonders on sweat stains, saying: “Pre-treat the affected with vinegar for up to half an hour. Make sure to thoroughly rinse the vinegar off before machine washing as usual.
“I would not recommend using vinegar directly in your washing machine because the acidity can corrode rubber elements over time. Instead, opt for regular laundry detergent for the wash cycle to avoid needing a washing machine repair.”
For reviving trainers after a season of wear, Ian suggests placing them inside a pillowcase or wrapping them in towels during the wash to protect both the footwear and the washing machine from damage.
He continued: “Trainers made of cotton, canvas, polyester or nylon are typically more durable and able to withstand being put through a wash cycle. Some trainers’ adhesives are heat sensitive even to low temperatures so always check this beforehand.
“To ensure your trainers come out of the machine in pristine condition it’s important to spot, clean and scrub any caked-on dirt off the trainers first.”