Last Updated on August 28, 2023
The summer is coming, which means you’ll be spending lots of time outdoors. Whether you’re at the beach or a park, there’s one thing every parent knows they need to pack: sunscreen. But while your kids are having fun in the sun, you might notice something else: an unpleasant smell on their clothes when they come inside.
The good news is that there are a few easy ways to learn how to get sunscreen smell out of clothes. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Causes The Smell of Sunscreen on Clothes?
Here are a few things that can cause sunscreen to smell bad:
- Some sunscreens contain ingredients that can cause an unpleasant smell, such as PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid).
- If your kids are sweating while wearing sunscreen, it can contribute to the bad smell.
- Sunscreen can also stain clothing, which can add to the unpleasant smell.
- If sunscreen is not applied correctly, it can rub off on clothes and cause an unpleasant smell.
- Finally, if sunscreen is left on clothes for too long, it can start to smell bad.
How to Get Sunscreen Smell Out of Clothes in Various Methods?
There are a few easy ways to get the sunscreen smell out of clothes. Here is our top of them:
1. Rinse Clothing in Cold Water:
As soon as your kids come inside, have them take off their sunscreen-stained clothing and rinse it in cold water. This will help remove some of the sunscreen and the bad smell.
2. Soak Clothing in Vinegar:
Fill a sink or bucket with cold water and add 1 cup of vinegar. Soak the clothing in the mixture for one hour, then rinse with cold water.
3. Wash Clothing in The Washing Machine:
Wash the clothing in the washing machine on the delicate cycle using cold water and your regular laundry detergent. You can also add 1 cup of vinegar to the washing machine for extra cleaning power.
4. Hang Clothing Outside to Dry:
Hang the clothing outside to dry in the sun and fresh air. This will help remove any remaining sunscreen smell.
5. Use Baking Soda:
Make a paste with baking soda and water, then rub it onto the sunscreen stains. Let the paste sit for 20-30 minutes, then wash the clothing as usual.
6. Use Lemon Juice:
Soak a clean cloth in lemon juice and rub it onto the sunscreen stains. Let the lemon juice sit for 25-30 minutes, then wash the clothing.
7. Use Hydrogen Peroxide:
Soak a clean cloth in hydrogen peroxide and rub it onto the sunscreen stains. Let the hydrogen peroxide sit for one hour, then wash the clothing.
8. Try a Sunscreen Stain Remover:
There are many commercial sunscreen stain removers available. Follow the instructions on the product.
9. Pre-Treat Stains with Vinegar:
Fill a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and water, and then wash the stained areas of clothing. Let the vinegar solution sit for 30 minutes, then wash the clothing.
10. Pretreat Stains with Liquid detergent:
Apply a small amount of liquid detergent to the stained areas of clothing. Rub it in, then let it sit for 20 minutes before washing the dress as usual.
These are the solutions to get rid of the sunscreen smell from clothes. Try any of these and let us know which one works best.
How to Prevent It from Happening in The Future?
To prevent the sunscreen smell from happening in the future, here are a few tips:
- Use a physical sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
- Look for sunscreens that are labeled “unscented” or “fragrance-free.”
- Apply sunscreen generously and evenly.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more often if swimming or sweating.
- Wash stained clothing as soon as possible.
- Hang stained clothing outside to dry in the sun and fresh air.
- Use a commercial sunscreen stain remover on stubborn stains.
- Pre-treat stains with vinegar or liquid detergent before washing.
- Follow the instructions on the sunscreen label.
We hope these tips help you enjoy your time in the sun without worrying about sunscreen smells.
FAQs
Why Do My Clothes Smell Like Chemicals After Washing?
This is most likely due to the type of detergent you are using. If you are using a scented or perfumed detergent, this can cause your clothes to smell like chemicals after washing. Try switching to a hypoallergenic or fragrance-free detergent and see if that helps.
What Removes Smells from Clothes?
Many products can remove smells from clothes, such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and hydrogen peroxide. Before washing, you can also try a commercial sunscreen stain remover or pre-treat stains with vinegar or liquid detergent.
Conclusion
The next time you go to the pool, consider these tips for preventing and removing sunscreen smells from your clothes. You’ll be sure to enjoy your time in the sun without worrying about sunscreen smells. Remember to apply sunscreen generously and evenly and reapply every two hours or more often if you are swimming or sweating. If you get sunscreen on your clothes, be sure to wash them as soon as possible and pre-treat any stains with vinegar or liquid detergent.
