Sunscreen is our summer hero against UV-rays, but also the enemy of white towels – its combination of oils, mineral filters and emulsifiers makes the enriched fibers look like “golden fries” (read: yellowish-orange stains). If you don’t tame the stains before washing, hot drying will only harden them, as if the towels wanted to become mechanical engineering for permanent art. It’s time to show them who’s boss!

How to remove sunscreen stains

1. Pre-preparation and pre-treatment

1.1 Removing excess cream
Gently remove excess cream with a paper towel – no drama or smearing all over the towel.

1.2 Liquid detergent as a rocket
Apply 1–2 tablespoons of liquid detergent (approximately 15–30 ml) directly to the stain. Gently “rub” it into the fibers with your fingers or a soft toothbrush. The result? The stain will already be starting to loosen.

1.3 Dish soap or dishwashing detergent
Rub a drop of mild dish soap into the stain, leave it for 10 minutes, then rinse under lukewarm water. This way you tell the stain: “Nothing personal, just business!”

2. Irrigation with natural allies

2.1 Baking soda + white vinegar
In a bucket or large sink, boil 2 tablespoons (≈ 30 g) of baking soda in 1 liter of warm water, then add ½ cup (≈ 120 ml) of white vinegar. Let the bubbles fight the stains for at least 1-2 hours - shaking gently from time to time. In the summer, bubbles (and towels) don't want to get bored! The natural way - how to remove sunscreen stains from bath towels.

2.2 Lemon + salt
Squeeze the juice of one lemon onto the stain and sprinkle with a teaspoon of salt. Leave overnight – your morning inspection will be like opening a present: hopefully the surprise is a shot of the stain disappearing.

3. Enzymatic and oxygenated stain removers

Enzyme superheroes (e.g. Resolve)
Rub them directly onto the stain, wait 5-10 minutes, and wash. These little helpers love to work under a microscope. The fastest way to remove sunscreen stains from bath towels.

Oxygen bleach (e.g. Oxiclean)
Follow the instructions on the packaging, soak the towels for up to 12 hours, then wash at the highest temperature allowed (e.g. 60°C). The bleach will make each fiber shine with health again.

4. Washing and Drying – Final Episode

1. Washing: Choose the highest temperature allowed by the towel label and a detergent without fabric softener. Wash towels separately – no unwanted “turtles” to transfer stains elsewhere.
2. Checking the results: Before drying, check to see if the stain is really gone. If it still persists, repeat the pre-treatment – persistence is rewarded!
3. Drying: Best left to air dry – freshness and less risk of setting in remaining stains. If you use a dryer, select a low temperature to keep towels soft and fluffy.

5. How to keep your towels as soft as a cloud

Since no one wants to rub a hard towel on their skin (except maybe an ice skater), treat yourself to this simple ritual:

1. White vinegar instead of fabric softener
   Instead of liquid fabric softener, use ½ cup of white vinegar in the fabric softener compartment. The vinegar will break down detergent residue and mineral deposits, keeping the fibers pleasantly fluffy – without that “plastic” feel.
2. No excess detergent
   Too much foam means too much residue. Use only the dosage recommended by the manufacturer and the towels will not stick together.
3. Washing at a lower temperature
   Although towels may look durable, higher temperatures dry them out. We recommend 40°C–60°C – enough for cleanliness, but no less for softness.
4. A little trick with tennis balls
   Put 2-3 clean tennis balls in the dryer: they will restore volume to the towels during the spin cycle and keep them fluffy and airy.
5. Leeward shaking
   Shake the towels vigorously once before hanging them up or putting them in the dryer. This will loosen the fibers and prevent them from “falling into” the fabric.
6. Natural drying – the king of softness
   If possible, hang them to air dry. The sun's rays and wind will further soften the fibers, resulting in a soft idyll without dryer smells.

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Conclusion: How to Remove Sunscreen Stains

By following these tried-and-true steps, your bath towels will be as good as new again: white, fragrant, and free of yellowish sunscreen residue. Have you tried any of these methods? Share your experiences and secrets in the comments and help other readers with your tips! If you found this article helpful, share it on social media – let people know that you are a real stain fighter!