How To Remove Sun Stain From Washable Fabrics

January 29, 2023

Sun stains on washable fabrics can occur when clothes, curtains or other fabrics are left hanging in the sun for too long. The sun's UV rays can cause discoloration, fading, and other types of damage. Removing sun stains can be a bit tricky, but with the right techniques and products, it's possible to restore your fabrics to their original condition. Keep reading to learn more.

COLOR

Yellow

APPEARANCE

These stains appear as discoloration of the fabric that can come in various colors depending on the intensity and duration of sun exposure. They can be dry or slightly damp to the touch and may not have any specific smell. These stains are often caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight or other UV rays.

WATER TEMP

Cold (65° to 75°F)

RATIONALE FOR WATER TEMP

Cold water helps to prevent the sun from causing further damage to the fabric.

The Science Behind Sun Stains

The sun can cause stains on clothes because the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can break down the fibers in the fabric, causing them to discolor or fade. This process is called photodegradation. The UV rays can also cause the colors in the fabric to change, leading to stains or discoloration. Additionally, if there are any substances on the fabric, such as sweat or lotions, the UV rays can cause chemical reactions that can lead to stains.

sun

What You'll Need To Get Rid Of Sun Stains

  • Lemon Juice
  • Borax
  • Baking soda
  • Vinegar
  • Dish soap
  • Oxygen bleach
  • Laundry detergent

Step By Step Process To Remove Sun Stains

  1. Mix a solution of equal parts lemon juice and water. Apply it to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes.
  2. Mix a solution of 1/2 cup borax and 1/2 cup water. Apply it to the stain and let it sit for an additional 30 minutes.
  3. Mix a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it to the stain and gently rub it in. Let it sit for another 30 minutes.
  4. Rinse the garment thoroughly with cold water.
  5. If the stain remains, mix a solution of 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water. Apply it to the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes.
  6. Apply a small amount of dish soap to the stain and gently rub it in. Let it sit for another 15 minutes.
  7. Rinse the garment again with cold water.
  8. In a washing machine, wash the garment using oxygen bleach and the hottest water recommended on the garment's care label.
  9. If the stain is still visible after washing, it can be treated with laundry detergent and rewashed in the washing machine using the hottest water recommended on the garment's care label.
Note: Before attempting to remove the stain, it is important to check the care label on the garment to ensure that it can withstand the water temperature and products recommended in this process. Also, it's recommended to test a small, inconspicuous area of the garment before applying any of the solutions or products to the entire stain to ensure that they do not cause any damage or discoloration to the fabric.

In Brief

Sun stains on clothes happen due to UV rays breaking down the fibers, leading to discoloration or fading. To remove the stain, a combination of lemon juice, borax, baking soda, vinegar, dish soap and oxygen bleach can be used. The process includes applying the solution, rubbing, rinsing and washing the fabric in the washing machine with the hottest water recommended on the care label. It's important to check the care label and test a small area before applying the solution.

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