With summer in full swing, most people are applying suncream whenever they go outside – and perspiration often accompanies the soaring temperatures. Together, the two can leave unsightly stains on clothing, especially lighter-coloured items. Yellow marks around the underarms of shirts and t-shirts are a common complaint, while suncream can leave marks almost anywhere. These stains are not only frustrating to discover but can also be stubborn to remove.
The advice came after one woman voiced her frustration in a TikTok video, saying: "But I can't be the only one who is like losing white tank tops [...] on a daily basis to like sun cream marks and sweat, sweat stains. How are you getting rid of them? I can't. I can't throw away another." In response, cleaner Ann Russell, who has three million followers, posted a video explaining how to fix the problem.
What is oxygen bleach?
Russell recommends using Oxy Bleach, a type of oxygen bleach. Described as a safe, colour-safe and eco-friendly alternative to chlorine bleach, it is commonly powered by sodium percarbonate or hydrogen peroxide. It breaks down into water, oxygen and natural soda ash, making it biodegradable and gentle on both fabrics and skin.
How to remove the stains
While stain removers applied before washing can sometimes work, Russell says persistent stains require something stronger. She advises using "lots" of the powder – not just the scoop provided. A small cup, half a mug or a third of a mug in a bucket, sink or bowl should be enough.
Add warm water that is "as hot as you and the clothes can manage" – typically around 60C – and stir thoroughly. Submerge the white garments, then stir them so the mixture fizzes. Place a plate on top to keep the clothes under the water and leave them overnight.
The next day, pour away the water and put the damp clothes into the washing machine, laundering them as you normally would. Russell says "they should be absolutely perfect."
Washing whites together
Russell also advises always washing white clothes alongside other white items. "I now separate our whites into whites that have got dog hair on, which is my stuff, and whites which nobody wants dog hair on, which is the towels," she said.
