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I have read (in a blog, referencing a call to Coppertone customer service) that avobenzone is the ingredient responsible for those stains. The reason it doesn't show up until after you wash your clothes is that it reacts with the iron in your water. I would assume that people with treated water ("city water", we call it) would not have these stains, while those of us with well water do.
I went to the drug store and bought some sunblock WITHOUT avobenzone. I took some of several sprays and one lotion and applied directly to an old white t shirt, then washed the t- shirt. Guess what? Some of the sunscreens WITHOUT avobenzone still stained! Here are the results, summarized.
*PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THIS AS A GUARANTEE! These are my results, with my water and detergent, etc.
BEST:
- Coppertone Oil Free lotion SPF 15, (white bottle) NO AVOBENZONE left no stain.
- NO-AD lotion SPF 15 (pink bottle) NO AVOBENZONE left a very faint "off white" stain that would not be noticed on anything except white - I suspect it's more the oil in the lotion that the sunblock.
OK: I would use these when I had on colored fabrics, NOT WITH WHITE!!!!!
- Coppertone Dry Spray SPF 10 (brown can) NO AVOBENZONE left a faint stain that came out with bleach.
- Neutrogena Spray SPF 45 WITH Avobenzone left a faint stain. NO-AD Spray Lotion 30 (kids, Tinkerbell can) NO AVOBENZONE left a faint stain.
- Rite-Aid (white can with purple letters) NO AVOBENZONE left a faint stain.
WORST:
- NO AD lotion SPF 50 (orange bottle) NO AVOBENZONE!?! left an orange stain. Light, but wanted to list it here because it did NOT have Avobenzone.
- Coppertone Ultraguard Spray SPF 15 (white can with blue top) WITH AVOBENZONE left horrible dark orange stains that would not come out with bleach.
- Walmart store brands of SPF 30 spray (white and purple can) WITH avobenzone.
- Coppertone Sport Lotion SPF 30 (Blue bottle) WITH Avobenzone .
SO - No avobenzone does not equal no stains, but it seems to mean the stains will be lighter. Lotions also seem to be better than sprays. Bummer. I am trying to apply and let it sink in before dressing, and when we go to the beach when we HAVE to use sprays to chase down a kid and a husband who hate sunscreen application, I guess we will wear old/colored clothes. I am going to call my local Avon rep and see what she's got for me - I'm willing to pay for something that won't stain!
That said, for stains you already have, I have used "The Works" bathroom cleaner, spraying onto wet clothes (usually right after I take them out of the washer and find new stains) and letting them sit for 15-30 minutes. I have not had any clothes damage - clored and white cotton t-shirts, bathing suits, everything seems fine. I think any cleaner that is made to remove rust stains would work, so try what you have before running out and buying "the Works".
What else can I help you with?
What causes sunscreen stains on white fabrics?
Sunscreen stains on white fabrics are typically caused by the oils and chemicals in the sunscreen that can react with the fabric, resulting in discoloration. The combination of ingredients in the sunscreen, exposure to sunlight, and the material of the fabric can all contribute to the staining. It is important to wash the stained fabric as soon as possible using appropriate stain removal methods.
How do you avoid sunscreen stains on clothing?
I have very few tips on how to avoid it, but if you do get the stains, I do have a remedy that works to get them out. Before I note that remedy, if you are experiencing orange or brown stains as a result of sunscreen, it MAY be due to a reaction between an ingredient avobenzone in the sunscreen product and the iron in the water (hard water, usually). If the above interaction seems to be what's causing it, then you can try to avoid the stains by not using sunscreen products that have avobensone. There are some very common brands of sunscreen that don't have that ingredient. You just need to read the label. You also need to try to avoid hard water. Get a water softener, etc. If you do get the stains, here's what's worked for me on some really, really bad sunscreen stains: 1) Buy a bottle of BIZ stain remover (in you local grocery store's detergent aisle). BIZ has enzymes that help remove these "reaction" stains. 2) directly apply a bit of BIZ to the stain and work it into the clothing. 3) Mix 1/4 cup white vinegar and 1/4 cup of biz with hot or very warm water. The vinegar will help neutralize the iron if you have hard water. 4) Let clothing soak in this mixture for a few hours. Periodically check the clothing and if you still see affected areas, gently scrub that area and then let soak longer. 5) Dump soaking clothing in washer and use BIZ in place of your regular detergent and wash with HOT water. 6) At end of wash cycle, check clothing. If stains still exist, do not dry them. Repeat above until they are out.
Does vinegar and water stain clothes?
Neither white vinegar nor water stains clothes. Red wine vinegar may though, as it is made red wine which stains.
How do you remove sunscreen stains from white cotton?
To remove sunscreen stains from white cotton, try applying a mixture of equal parts liquid dish soap and hydrogen peroxide to the stained area. Gently scrub the mixture into the fabric and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with cold water. Launder the garment as usual after treating the stain.
How do you get smoke stains from white clothes?
Smoke stains are difficult because they affect the entire garment. Since the clothes are white, you can probably soak them in bleach for 10 minutes. Read the tag of the clothes to check that the fabric can withstand bleach.
How can I effectively remove black stains on white clothes after washing?
To effectively remove black stains on white clothes after washing, try soaking the stained area in a mixture of water and white vinegar, then scrubbing with a paste of baking soda and water. Rinse thoroughly and repeat if necessary before washing again.
What difference does white clothes make to period?
It doesn't affect the girl's period at all, but it would be suggested to avoid wearing white pants during that time of the month, just in case of spotting or little stains. Those would show up very well on white pants.
Do you wash white clothes in hot or cold water?
It is recommended to wash white clothes in hot water to help remove stains and bacteria more effectively. Additionally, hot water can help to keep white clothes looking brighter and cleaner.
When was White Stains created?
White Stains was created in 1898.
Dry-clean what is the benefit?
PRO's No shrinkage. Minimal fade. Longer-lasting clothes. Some stains can be removed that washing will not remove. CON's White clothes may yellow over time. Expense/Inconvenience. Water-soluble stains may not come out.
What does Clorox do?
Clorox is a company that has detergents that helps whiten your whites (helps keep your white clothes white) and brightens your brights (gets rid of stains in your colored clothes and keeps it looking new).
Why use bleach?
Bleach is used to get stains of of white clothes and mostly towels. But if you put colored clothes ad towels in the wash with bleach it can make white spots on them. (Trust me. I have experienced that!) Please feel free to improve my answer everyone!
