What has happened to suncream?

10 replies

NewDayNewColour · 27/09/2025 12:42

I've just got all the kids holiday clothes, and mine out to go on holiday, and they are all covered in brown stains, or have changed the swimming costumes a funny colour.
How do I remove these stains? I tried a light bleach solution and it turned it bright pink!!!

OP posts:

B1anche · 27/09/2025 12:48

Someone told me that washing up liquid and vinegar works on suncream stains.

I've not tried it though.

Original poster

NewDayNewColour · 27/09/2025 12:51

Thank you! I need a tried and tested solution, haven't got time to trial and error!

OP posts:

B1anche · 27/09/2025 13:00

Just realised it was on here I'd seen it. I saved the post so I could try it when I have time.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/housekeeping/5400223-yellow-sunscreen-stains-on-white-t-shirt?reply=147248146

Aparecium · 27/09/2025 13:23

Once the stain has appeared, the only thing that works IME is sunshine. Not UK sunshine at this time of year, but hot, strong holiday sunshind to bleach out the stains.

Sunscreen is a bastard for surprising you with stains. The clothes look fine when they go in the washing machine, but come out with yellow stains at neckline or wherever sunscreen has touched them. Or even, as you have discovered, months later. Laundering sets the stains. The only solution is to prevent the stain developing in the first place by pretreating the laundry. I spray oxygen cleaner on all the collars and cuffs, and anywhere I suspect may have been contaminated with sunscreen, before I put the items in the washing machine.

Do88byisfree · 27/09/2025 13:29

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1VwdAUeYBA/

Try Nancy's method.

123K views · 1K reactions | I had a battle with sunscreen stains but got there in the end. Pure magic recipe available to screenshot at the end. GLME page 261 : https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/nancy-birtwhistle/green-living-made-easy/9781529088...

I had a battle with sunscreen stains but got there in the end. Pure magic recipe available to screenshot at the end. GLME page 261 :...

https://www.facebook.com/Nancybirtwhistle/videos/1469267110703732/?rdid=2AZ5svchzah4Yq8y&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2Fv%2F1VwdAUeYBA

inamo · 27/09/2025 13:36

Using throw away cheapo T shirts/vest tops/shorts are the only way for me now. The cost and time of trying to get rid of the stains is just not worth it anymore. No one cares if your T shirt is from Primark or the charity shop. They are clean going on.

Then put on the glad rags for night time when sun cream is not required. Sorted.

Ladybugheart · 27/09/2025 13:38

I wish I knew. My daughter's PE uniform is a white top and within one war in summer they're yellow and I can never get it out. It's infuriating.

unsync · 27/09/2025 13:57

Do you use Nivea by any chance?

Original poster

NewDayNewColour · 27/09/2025 14:51

No not Novea

OP posts:

toonananana · 27/09/2025 22:58

Sunshine is the only thing that works.

Flip