Sunblock stains on pillows

[ZarquonsSandals]

I'm sure this topic has been done to death but it's hot, and my brain is frazzled, and searching isn't helping me.

We've a couple of cotton/poly mix pillows that have some patches (hand sized) of sunblock staining. I did read that eucalyptus oil might help remove it, but does that mean I need to saturate the whole stain with it? Is there anything else that might work? I've tried white vinegar, stain remover & sunlight with no joy.

Sunblock is a nightmare to get out. I would strongly recommend showering (I find double cleansing gets it off ie just applying soap it whatever twice!!) before bed to get it off (plus it blocks pores/can cause irritation if left on too long).

I'd try near washing your liquid rubbed in and left then wash. It's the best thing for anything oily.

If that doesn't work I'd try the opposite and use an oil which might break the sun cream down, followed by the neat washing up liquid to get the oil out.

Whatever you try, try on one pillowcase first in case of any issues.

Is there yellowing? If that doesn't come out you could try hydrogen peroxide first and then leave out in the sun. The sun is fantastic for bleaching fabrics and getting certain stains out.

Not tried these myself but have based this on my extensive lifetime experience of removing stains. Something I seem to be oddly good at lol! Sadly not good at much else (cling film is another one of my strengths) and can't make much money from removing stains and being excellent at tearing cling film.

Good luck!

Thanks! Handy hint about double showering.
It is yellow marks that do look pretty grim.
Will try washing up liquid neat first and see what happens.

How are you getting on?. Coincidentally just read a thread about this on FB. Some posters are saying that the yellow staining is caused by the ingredient avobenzone. So switching products (if this is true!) to one without that ingredient may help.

If it is caused by avobenzone then they also saying NOT to use oxygen based bleaching products as this apparently causes a reaction and can make the stain worse.

Lots of people recommending washing up liquid to break the grease down. Or a grease stain removing product.

Other recommendation is to try sticking a dishwasher tablet in with your wash. Sounds like it could work as it's great from breaking grease down (I use dishwasher tablets to clean my oven) but not sure what it would do to fabrics do one to use with caution.

Apparently there's also a product called HG sun lotion remover which works well.

Good luck!

Due to tackle it all tomorrow, having stockpiled all the whites.
Your update has reminded me that some long time ago I tried laundry bleach and the yellow patches turned pink!

Eucalyptus oil, applied neat. I used it on underarm deodorant staining and it worked a treat, worth a try ?