Say Goodbye to Sunscreen Stains
Picture this: a beautiful sandy beach, a good book, and nothing to do. It’s the beach lover’s ideal weekend. However, sunscreen stains can ruin the mood and your favourite swimwear if not treated properly. Do lather up, but make sure to avoid sloppy applications of sunscreen.
Sunscreen stains are typically oily, but can also leave rust-coloured stains thanks to avobenzone. It’s an ingredient found in sunblock that can react with iron in hard water. If possible, apply sunscreen before you put on your bathing suit, and take care when re-applying mid-day or after a swim.
If you do get some sunscreen on your favourite suit, don’t panic. It happens to everyone. Just be sure to rinse off sunscreen at the end of your beach day. If the stain persists, rinse and repeat, or squirt a little dish soap on the area and gently wash it before tossing in the regular cycle. Rinsing will also remove chlorine and salt, which can break down fibres and elasticity over time.
Skip the washer and dryer dance. The washing machine and dryer will quickly shorten the life of your favourite beach wear. The best way to wash your bathing suit, bikini or swim trunks is in the shower. Drop them on the shower floor, let them soak up the shampoo and body wash that waterfalls off your body. Just remember to rinse and drip dry.
Interesting note: Avoid wringing out your suit after wearing/washing! Although a common practice around the world, it can damage the elasticity in your swimsuit.
Photo by BATCH by Wisconsin Hemp Scientific on Unsplash
