Summer Stains 101: Beating Sweat, Sunscreen, and Chlorine on Your Clothes

Summertime means sunshine, beach days, and outdoor adventures. But it also brings some of the toughest laundry challenges—sweat stains, greasy sunscreen smudges, and chlorine damage. If you’ve ever pulled your favorite summer outfit out of the wash only to find it still looking stained or faded, you know how frustrating seasonal fabric disasters can be.

At Schaible’s Clean Team, we’ve seen it all and know exactly how to tackle these stubborn summer stains. Here’s your guide to keeping your clothes fresh, bright, and stain-free all season long.

Sweat Stains: Say Goodbye to Yellow Marks

Nothing ruins a crisp white shirt like sweat stains. The combination of body oils, deodorant, and heat leads to those pesky yellow underarm stains, and if not treated properly, they can set in permanently. Plus, the more you wear and wash a garment, the deeper those stains seem to settle. Whether it’s your favorite white t-shirt, work shirt, or delicate summer blouse, dealing with sweat stains should be a top priority to keep your clothes looking fresh.

How to Remove Sweat Stains:

• Baking Soda and Water: Make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before washing. This helps lift the sweat and deodorant buildup from fabric fibers.
• White Vinegar: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, soak the garment for 30 minutes, then wash as usual. Vinegar helps break down the acid in sweat and neutralizes odor.
• Hydrogen Peroxide Solution: Combine hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap, scrub gently, and let it sit before laundering. This works well on older stains that have set in.
• Aspirin Trick: Crush two aspirin tablets, dissolve them in warm water, and soak the stained area before washing. The salicylic acid in aspirin helps break down sweat residue.
• Avoid Heat Until Stains Are Gone: Drying clothes before confirming the stain is gone can set it permanently, making removal much harder. Always check your garment before tossing it in the dryer!

Sunscreen Smudges: The Greasy Stain Dilemma

Sunscreen is essential for skin protection, but it’s a nightmare for clothes. The oils and UV-blocking ingredients leave greasy stains that can be hard to remove, especially from lighter fabrics. Even worse, some sunscreens contain avobenzone, a chemical that reacts with hard water and can leave rust-like stains on fabric. If you’ve ever noticed orange or brownish marks on your swimsuit or favorite summer top, that’s likely the culprit. Acting fast and using the right techniques can make all the difference in keeping your clothes spotless.

How to Remove Sunscreen Stains:

• Pre-treat with Dish Soap: Apply dish soap directly to the stain and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with warm water. This breaks down the oils in sunscreen.
• Use Cornstarch or Baby Powder: Sprinkle on the stain to absorb excess oil before washing. Let it sit for 30 minutes before brushing off and washing normally.
• Rub with Baking Soda: For extra stubborn stains, make a paste with baking soda and water, scrub lightly, and rinse. This method works well for greasy residue left behind by lotions.
• Lemon Juice and Sunlight: For white or light-colored fabrics, applying lemon juice and letting the fabric sit in the sun can help naturally bleach out sunscreen stains.
• Avoid Heat Until the Stain is Gone: Drying a stained garment can set the stain permanently, so always air dry and check before using the dryer. If necessary, repeat the process before attempting another wash cycle.

Chlorine Damage: Protecting Your Swimwear

Chlorine helps keep pools clean, but it can do a number on your swimwear and other summer fabrics. Over time, it can cause fading, fabric breakdown, and lingering odors. Swimsuits are particularly vulnerable, as chlorine weakens the elastic fibers, causing them to stretch out and lose their shape. Even if you don’t swim daily, exposure to pool water can drastically shorten the lifespan of your favorite suit. Taking preventive measures can help keep your swimwear looking vibrant and fitting properly throughout the summer.

How to Protect Clothes from Chlorine Damage:

• Rinse Immediately After Swimming: Rinse swimwear in cold, fresh water as soon as you get out of the pool to prevent chlorine from soaking in. The longer chlorine sits in fabric, the more damage it does.
• Soak in a Vinegar Solution: A mix of one part white vinegar and four parts water helps neutralize chlorine and remove lingering smells. Soak for 30 minutes before hand-washing.
• Hand Wash Gently: Machine washing can be too harsh on swimsuits. Instead, use a mild detergent and hand wash in cool water. Avoid twisting or wringing out swimwear to prevent stretching.
• Use a Swimsuit-Specific Cleaner: Some detergents are specially formulated to neutralize chlorine and saltwater damage. Consider using these for your swimwear.
• Avoid Drying in Direct Sunlight: Sun exposure can worsen chlorine damage, so let swimwear dry in the shade. Hanging suits inside out can also help minimize fading from sun exposure.

Grass and Mud Stains: Outdoor Fun Without the Stains

From backyard barbecues to summer hikes, dirt and grass stains are inevitable. Whether it’s from a family game of soccer, rolling around in the park, or an unexpected tumble, these stains can be tough to remove. Grass stains contain chlorophyll, which acts like a dye and binds strongly to fabric fibers. Mud, on the other hand, can carry bacteria and minerals that need extra attention during washing. Treating these stains the right way ensures your summer wardrobe stays looking great.

How to Remove Grass and Mud Stains:

• Enzyme-Based Stain Remover: These break down the organic material in grass stains. Apply it directly to the stain before washing.
• Rubbing Alcohol or Vinegar: Dab the stain with either before washing. Rubbing alcohol works best for synthetic fabrics, while vinegar is great for natural fibers like cotton.
• Use an Old Toothbrush: Scrub lightly with a mix of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide. Work it into the fibers before letting it sit for 15 minutes.
• For Mud, Let It Dry First: Scrape off dried mud before treating the stain. Wet mud can smear and push deeper into the fabric, making removal harder.
• Wash Separately: Grass and mud stains can spread, so wash affected clothes separately from other laundry to avoid cross-contamination.

When to Call the Pros

If stains persist despite your best efforts, it might be time for professional help. Schaible’s Clean Team in Warren County, NJ, specializes in tough stain removal and delicate fabric care. Whether it’s a beloved summer dress, a crisp white shirt, or your go-to swimwear, we have the expertise to make your clothes look like new again.

Our advanced cleaning techniques can lift even the most stubborn stains that home treatments can’t handle. We use fabric-friendly solutions that remove stains without damaging delicate materials, ensuring your summer wardrobe stays fresh. Drop off your items with us and let our team work its magic.

Don’t let summer stains get the best of your wardrobe. Try these tricks, and when in doubt, let the pros handle the rest!