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YOUR EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS
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NON-TOXIC CLEANING 101
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FEATURED
YOUR EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS
ExPLORE
NON-TOXIC CLEANING 101
Sunscreen is designed to cling to skin and resist water, which is exactly what makes it so difficult to wash out of fabric. Chemical sunscreens absorb into fibers and leave yellowish discoloration, especially on white clothing. Mineral sunscreens — the ones with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide — sit on top of fabric and leave white, chalky residue that can feel impossible to remove.
Most conventional detergents aren't formulated to break down the oils and minerals in sunscreen effectively. That's why a targeted stain treatment matters more than the wash cycle itself.
Mineral sunscreen stains need pre-treatment before they hit the washing machine. Apply Truly Free Home Laundry Stain Spray directly to the stain and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. The bio-based enzymes work to break down the oils that bind zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to fabric fibers.
Wash in warm water with a non-toxic laundry detergent. Before tossing the garment in the dryer, check the stain. If it's still visible, repeat the pre-treatment and wash again. Heat from the dryer will set a mineral sunscreen stain permanently, so air dry until you're sure it's gone.
Avoid bleach on mineral sunscreen stains, it can react with the minerals and make the discoloration worse rather than better.
Set-in sunscreen stains are trickier, but not always a lost cause. Soak the garment in warm water with a generous application of stain spray for at least 30 minutes. For stubborn spots, the Truly Free Home Enzyme Stain Remover is a stronger option — the concentrated enzyme formula is designed to break down tough, set-in stains that regular pre-treatment can't handle.
After soaking, wash as usual and check the stain before drying. Older stains may need two or three rounds of treatment. If the stain hasn't budged after three washes, the oils have likely bonded permanently with the fibers.
Bathing suits are made from delicate synthetic fabrics like spandex and nylon that don't tolerate hot water or harsh treatment. To remove sunscreen without damaging the fabric, pre-treat with stain spray, then hand wash or use a gentle cycle in cool water with Truly Free Home Laundry Wash. Never wring out a bathing suit, instead, press the water out gently and lay flat to dry.
Most conventional detergents rely on toxic or harsh fragrances and fillers rather than ingredients that actually break down the oils in sunscreen. A detergent that's effective on tough, oil-based stains while remaining gentle on fabric and skin is what makes the difference between a stain that comes out on the first wash and one that's still there after three.
Truly Free Home Laundry Wash is free from harmful dyes, fillers, and toxic fragrances. Paired with the Laundry Stain Spray or Enzyme Stain Remover for pre-treatment, it gives you the best shot at getting sunscreen out of any fabric without leaving behind residue of its own.
Let sunscreen absorb fully into skin for at least 15 minutes before getting dressed. When possible, apply sunscreen before putting on clothes rather than after. If sunscreen does get on fabric, rinse the spot with cold water immediately, even before you have access to stain spray. That quick rinse keeps the oils from bonding as deeply with the fibers and makes the full wash much more effective later.
