Soaking sun cream-stained clothes in citric acid before washing can effectively remove stubborn marks, according to cleaning expert Anna Louisa, who shares tips on TikTok as Anna Louisa at Home.
Why Sun Cream Stains White Clothing
White and pale garments are particularly prone to staining because they lack pigment, making dirt and grease more visible. Sun cream's chemicals can cause discolouration or yellowing on white fabric.
How to Use Citric Acid
Anna Louisa advises treating stained white clothes before machine washing. Fill a bathtub, bucket, or large basin with water and add citric acid, plus one scoop of Napisan or Oxi Action. Leave items to soak overnight, then wring out excess liquid and wash on a normal cycle.
She also recommends adding white vinegar to the machine's dispenser instead of fabric conditioner to eliminate lingering odours and residue.
Benefits of Citric Acid
Citric acid has natural bleaching properties that revive faded whites and breaks down sun cream residue on fibres. If stains are left untreated, oils and UV filters in sunscreen can react with fabric dyes and minerals in water or sweat, causing yellowish-brown patches, especially on synthetics like polyester or nylon.
Catherine Green, sustainable cleaning expert at Smol, told Woman & Home: "Citric acid is a brilliant, natural cleaner that's perfect for tackling limescale, soap scum, and mineral deposits."
