Sunscreen is an essential skincare product, but when it comes into contact with bleach or naturally occurring minerals in the water supply, it can leave ugly orange or pink stains on white clothing, towels, and other items. Unfortunately, due to the complex chemistry of these stains, they can also be quite difficult to reverse.

While these are tricky stains to remove, there are two equally good methods for treating rust-like orange or pink sunscreen stains when they happen. Here, we explain how these stains occur, how to reverse them, and how to prevent them from recurring.

Why Sunscreen Stains Appear Orange or Pink After Washing

Avobenzone, an ingredient found in most sunblock formulas, causes a chemical reaction when exposed to chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach (also called color-safe bleach, non-chlorine bleach, or oxygenated bleach), resulting in orange or pink stains. The stains may appear rust-like, and that’s because, in a sense, they are—they are caused by oxidation that occurs when avobenzone comes in contact with bleach. 

To complicate matters, avobenzone reacts similarly with naturally occurring minerals in our water supply, especially in areas that have hard water. 

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How to Reverse Sunscreen Stains Caused by Bleach

To remove sunscreen stains on clothing and other fabrics, treat them in the same way as rust stains. It’s best to treat sunscreen stains before laundering. The following instructions apply to fabrics that can be safely washed in water; sunscreen-stained fabrics like rayon, silk, or triacetate that cannot tolerate water should be dry cleaned.

Avoid soaking items with sunscreen stains in water or water-based stain removers, as prolonged exposure to the water’s minerals can worsen the stains.

Use a Rust Stain Remover

Commercial rust stain removers formulated for laundry, such as Carbona Stain Devils #9 Rust & Perspiration, as well as multi-purpose rust removers that are fabric-safe, like Whink Rust Stain Remover, are a good choice for removing rust-like stains caused by sunscreen.

When using a commercial rust stain remover, always follow the package instructions for use on fabric. Apply the rust stain remover, and use a laundry brush, an old toothbrush, or a nail brush to gently work the product into the fabric and break down the stain. Then, launder the garment as usual. Before drying, check that the stain has been eliminated, as the heat from the dryer can set stains.

Use a DIY Solution of Lemon Juice and Salt

Lemon juice and salt will also remove orange or pink sunscreen stains from clothing and other fabrics.

Start by flushing the stain with cool running water to saturate the area. Lay the garment flat on a surface where it can remain undisturbed for several hours; place a folded towel between the garment and the surface it’s on to prevent it from getting wet.

Squeeze lemon juice directly onto the stain until it is fully saturated, then pour a pile of salt on top of the lemon juice. Allow the lemon juice and salt mixture to sit for four hours up to overnight to penetrate and break down the stain. Then, brush the salt into the trash and launder the garment as usual.

How to Avoid Rust-Like Sunscreen Stains

Avoiding orange or pink sunscreen stains can be challenging in the summer, but there are steps and precautions you can take to protect your clothing, towels, and other items.

• Apply sunscreen and allow it to dry before putting on clothing.
• Avoid using chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach when washing items that have been in contact with sunscreen.
• Avoid using detergent formulas that contain oxygen bleach or hydrogen peroxide when laundering items that have been in contact with sunscreen.
• Use a short washer cycle to reduce the amount of exposure sunscreen-stained items have to minerals in water.