While sunscreen is an important part of protecting our skin from damaging UV rays, it can leave behind stubborn stains on fabric and other materials. So, how can we clean sunscreen off car interiors? Here are some simple methods that can prevent sunscreen damage to cloth and leather seats and trim. Let’s get started.
💡 Here is my favorite product for removing sunscreen from leather seats.
Importance of Immediate Treatment of Sunscreen Stains
The first thing you do in treating sunscreen stains immediately is crucial.
The longer these stains sit, the more challenging they become to remove.
The second reason to treat sunscreen stains immediately is aesthetics. These spots can become unsightly, particularly on black car interiors. They can be a glaring contrast to the sleek, clean look of your car, reducing the overall appeal and value.
Ways to Remove Sunscreen from Inside Car
There are three effective ways to tackle sunscreen residue on your car’s interior:
Soapy Water
This is one of the easiest ways to tackle sunscreen stains. With a bit of dish soap, warm water, and a microfiber towel, most stains can be wiped away.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
These common household items pack a punch when it comes to cleaning sunscreen stains. The combination of baking soda and white vinegar can dissolve and lift stubborn stains from your car’s interior.
Alcohol
Alcohol is another powerful cleaning agent. Rubbing alcohol or alcohol wipes can be particularly effective at getting rid of sticky sunscreen residue, especially from leather interiors.
Getting Sunscreen Residue off Your Car with Soapy Water
1. Mix a small amount of soap with warm water in a spray bottle. A few drops of soap should be sufficient.
2. Spray the solution onto the affected area, ensuring it’s thoroughly dampened but not soaking wet.
3. Wipe the area using a damp cloth, applying a gentle circular motion.
4. Dry the area with a clean microfiber cloth.
Additional tip: Always test the soap and water solution on an inconspicuous area of the car interior first, to ensure it doesn’t discolor or damage the material.
Getting Sunscreen Residue off Your Car with Baking Soda and Vinegar
1. Create a paste with equal parts of baking soda and white vinegar.
2. Apply the paste to the stained area using a non-abrasive sponge or soft brush.
3. Allow the paste to sit on the stain for 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Wipe off the paste with a damp cloth, then dry with a clean towel.
Additional tip: It’s a good idea to vacuum up any loose dirt or debris before applying the paste, to avoid scratching your car’s interior.
Removing Sunscreen Residue off Your Car with Alcohol
1. Dampen a soft cloth with a small amount of rubbing alcohol.
2. Blot the sunscreen-stained areas with the cloth. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain.
3. Let the alcohol sit for a few minutes, then wipe with a clean cloth dampened with water.
4. Dry the area with a dry microfiber cloth.
Additional tip: As with soapy water, it’s crucial to test the alcohol on a hidden area first, to avoid any potential damage
How to Get Sunscreen Out of Fabric Seats
Apply detergent or cleaner
The first step is to apply a mild detergent or all-purpose cleaner to the stained area on the interior of the car. Let it sit for a few minutes.
Use a soft scrubber
Work area using a soft brush or scrub pad to gently scrub the affected area.
Rinse area
Use a cloth dampened with clean cold water to rinse off the cleaning product. Dry the area with a clean, dry cloth.
Additional tip: If the stain persists, consider using an upholstery cleaner designed for car fabrics.
Removing Sunscreen Stains from Car Trim
Sunscreen stains can mar the car trim, including areas around the door handles and the steering wheel.
Using a mild soap and warm water solution, scrub the affected area with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge. If the stain is stubborn, an alcohol-based cleaning product can be helpful.
Once clean, rinse the area with cool water, then dry with a clean microfiber cloth. Make sure all residue is removed to prevent a sticky or greasy feel.
Why Is Polyethylene Glycol Bad for Leather Seats?
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) is a popular ingredient used in many sunscreens. While is it quite effective at blocking ultraviolet light, it can damage leather car interiors by penetrating the surface and leaving a sticky residue that attracts more dirt.
This residue embeds into the clear polyurethane topcoat protecting leather seats, making it difficult to remove. Over time this will lead to discoloration and other damage.
Thus, immediate action is necessary to remove sunscreen stains from leather car interiors.
Does Sunscreen Damage Leather Interior Seats?
Sunscreen can indeed damage leather car seats, particularly if left untreated for a long time. The oily residue can seep into the pores of the leather, leading to discoloration and, in severe cases, cracking.
That said, quick action, using appropriate leather cleaners and conditioners, can mitigate this damage.
In particular, a leather cleaner followed by a leather conditioner helps to remove the sunscreen and replenish the natural oils in the leather, preventing drying and cracking.
Why Sunscreen Stains Car Interiors?
Sunscreen stains car interiors due to its oil-based product formula. It is designed to adhere to the skin and resist washing off in water.
When transferred onto the interior of your car, the same properties that make it effective for skin protection make it a tough stain to remove.
Additionally, many sunscreens contain titanium dioxide, a common ingredient that can leave a rust-colored stain, particularly noticeable on black automobile interiors.
Tips to Avoid Sunscreen Stains
For easy ways to prevent sunscreen stains, consider the following:
1. Apply Sunscreen Outside the Car
Applying sunscreen outside the car is a great way to avoid sunscreen getting onto your car’s leather seats or fabric interior in the first place.
2. Use Seat Covers or Towels
Placing seat covers or towels on your car seats before your sunscreen-covered self or kids get in is a good idea. This provides a barrier between the sunscreen and the car interior.
3. Let Sunscreen Dry Before Getting into the Car
Allowing sunscreen to fully dry on your skin before entering the car can reduce the likelihood of transferring the product onto the car’s interior. The
Professional Cleaning Services for Sunscreen Stains
For stubborn stains or for an extra helping hand, professional cleaning services can be an option.
Cleaning experts use advanced cleaning agents and equipment, allowing them to effectively and safely remove sunscreen stains from your car interior.
Using a professional service can also save you time and effort, not to mention ensuring that the job is done right the first time, preserving the longevity and appearance of your car’s interior.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, it’s important to remember that understanding how to clean sunscreen off car interiors is just as important as applying the sunscreen itself.
The best way to avoid sunscreen damage to your car interior is to prevent excess sunscreen from coming in contact with it in the first place!
So, the next time you’re heading out for a fun day at the beach, remember these tips. With a little elbow grease and the right cleaning solution, you can keep your car looking its best all summer long!
