How To Get Lotion Out Of Clothes

How to get lotion out of clothes? I get this question quite frequently because of the inconveniences these gooey products bring to your favorite garments. With my instructions, you will get them off quickly, and your clothes will be just fine.

Lotion is one of the must-have skincare products that can maintain and strengthen your skin health. When you use the lotion, your skin needs time to absorb the cream paste, so there is a great chance it will get to your clothes.

So follow me; I will help you bring back the color of your favorite outfits.

Do Not Underestimate The Stain From Lotion

Lotion is no longer a strange beauty product; it has various uses, from moisturizing, perfuming, or even softening your skin. Lotion also has lots of forms depending on how it is produced. With high water content, the lotion will have a gel or cream texture.

Now, you need to be aware that the lotion has a high amount of oil content, which can leave an annoying stain on your clothes (especially white clothes). The stain can not magically disappear if you just simply put the clothes in the washing machine.

Both common types of lotion like body lotion or hand lotion can easily stick to your daily outfit and cause unpleasant stains. Once the stains stay on the fabric long enough, removing 100% stain is now becoming an impossible task.

Therefore, you should take action immediately when the lotion first touches your garment. If the cream dries, dealing with the stain at this time is challenging.

An Ultimate Guide On How To Remove Lotion Out Of Clothes

Now, what do you need to prepare before embarking on cleaning the lotion on your clothes? The preparation is simple; all you need is to follow my instructions.

What Do You Need To Prepare?

• Butter knife (or credit card)
• Soft-bristled brush
• Enzyme-based stain remover
• Light-colored cloth

Here Is How You Should Do It.

Step 1: Identify the location of the attached lotion on your clothes.

Step 2: Turn your garment inside out.

Now, you have to be careful at this step! Because the lotion could spread out to other areas of your clothes, causing more stains to your clothes. Treating the lotion mark from underneath will avoid more cream being absorbed into the fabric.

Note: If you treat the stain at the direct side, the lotion will likely spread through your garment.

Step 3: Place a light-colored cloth underneath the stain.

Use a light-colored fabric under the stained area to prevent the lotion from spreading out to other nearby areas. You should use the bright-colored cloth because the dark-colored one might change your garment color.

Step 4: Scrape the excess lotion off.

Use a butter knife or a credit card (or anything with a thin edge) to take the excess lotion out. You don’t want to use a pointy or sharp knife because it might harm your clothes. Don’t rush during this step because you might expand the affected area.

Step 5: Apply stain remover and scrub the area.

Apply the stain remover by spraying the substance directly to the stained area and wait for around one minute. I suggest you use the enzyme-based stain remover because it works perfectly for clothes that are stained with oil.

Gently scrub the area with a soft-bristled brush, don’t use too much force if your fabric is fragile.

Step 6: Rinse the fabric with water.

Rinse your stained garment with water to wash out all the lotion from the scrubbing step. You can use both cold or warm water to rinse, but I suggest using warm water to soften the fabric.

Step 7: Wash your clothes.

After treating the strain, you can now wash your garment as usual. I also recommend using warm water on this step too. Don’t use water that is too hot; it might ruin your clothes.

When you finish washing, check the stain again if it is still visible or not. In case the stain is too stubborn, you can repeat step 5 and step 6 until the stain is gone.

Step 8: Dry your garment

Only move to this step if the stain is gone or unnoticeable because the dried stain is impossible to remove entirely. Put your clothes in the dryer, and I’m sure you will love the final product.

Having suntan lotion stains on your clothes? This expert will show you how to remove the stain quickly.

Great Alternative Choices At Home To Remove Lotion Stain

There are other alternatives to clean the unpleasant stains from lotion, and the good part is you can find these “weapons” inside your home. Now, let’s arm yourself with these ingredients to fight the annoying lotion stains.

Option 1: Glycerin

Glycerin is a type of sugar alcohol that is commonly used for skincare or culinary purposes. Surprisingly, this ingredient has a great impact on dealing with stains. If you have any used bottles of glycerin, try using it to clean the lotion stains.

Preparation

• Light-colored cloth
• Cotton cushion or paper towels
• Bottle of glycerin

Instructions

Step 1: Locate the stained area

Try to spot all the affected areas on your fabric so as not to miss any place.

Step 2: Test the glycerin with your fabric.

Glycerin is not a really strong cleansing agent, but it can discolor your clothes in some cases. So, try with just a small amount of glycerin on your garment and wait for around 2-3 minutes. If there are any changes in the color of your fabric, stop using glycerin.

Step 3: Place the cloth underneath the stained area

Step 4: Dab a few glycerin drops on the affected area of the fabric and let it sit there for about an hour to loosen the stain.

Step 5: Pour a small amount on the cotton cushion or paper towel and wipe gently in the circular motion on the fabric. At this point, you will see the stain is slowly blurred, and the cotton is darkened due to absorbing the stain.

Step 6: Rinse the fabric in water and check if the stain is removed or not. If not, you should keep doing step 5 for a couple of minutes.

Step 7: Wash and dry your clothes.

Option 2: Plain Club Soda

Club soda is a great choice if you are in an emergency situation. Just grab a bottle of club soda in your refrigerator and apply it with a piece of paper towel; the stain should come out quickly.

Preparation

• Light-colored cloth
• Paper towels or a wet cloth
• Bottle of plan club soda
• Running water (from your faucet)

Instructions

Step 1: Moisten your clothes with the running water. Remember to turn the garment over before moistening it. The water should wash most of the excess lotion away.

Step 2: Put the prepared light-colored cloth right under the stain.

Step 3: Wet the paper towel with club soda and dab the stain gently. The stain should slowly fade away as you continue to wipe the stain.

Step 4: You can now wash your clothes as you usually do. Hang the clothes on and let it air dry.

Option 3: Bleach

If you need to remove lotion stains on white garments, consider using bleach to remove the stain. Make sure the care label says that your clothes can endure the bleach; if not, this is not a suitable option for your clothes.

Preparation

• Bottle of oxygen-based bleach
• Cold water
• Plastic gloves
• A large plastic bowl

Instructions

Step 1: Wear your plastic gloves on. Bleach is a really strong chemical, so it is better if you wear plastic gloves to protect your hand.

Step 2: Prepare bleach solution from mixing bleach with cold water in the plastic bowl. You should follow the instructions on the bleach package to mix the solution with the precise ratio.

Step 3: Soak the garment in the bleach solution for around 8-10 minutes; after soaking, the stain should be dissolved and discolored. You can let your clothes in the substance for another 5 minutes if the stain is still visible.

Note: Submerging your garment overnight is not recommended as the bleach can harm the fabric of your favorite outfit ⁽¹⁾.

Step 4: Rinse your garment with water to wash away the bleach solution. However, if the stain is still visible, soak the garment in the bleach solution again until the stain is gone.

Step 5: Wash the garment alone in the washing machine. Don’t wash it with other clothes due to the excess bleach solution in the soaking step.

Step 6: Air-dry your clothes.

How to remove tiny stains by using bleach? Fascinating instructions.

Option 4: Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a very effective cleaning agent when it comes to oil-based stains. This method could lighten the color of your clothes, so make sure you use it for white clothes or bright-color clothes.

Preparation

• Bottle of hydrogen peroxide
• Plastic gloves
• A cotton swab
• Paper towels
• Light-colored cloth

Instructions

Step 1: Put on your plastic gloves

Step 2: Test the hydrogen peroxide on your garment. Choose an area that is not noticeable or inconspicuous, apply some drop of hydrogen peroxide on the cotton swab.

Then rub it on the fabric for a few minutes. If the garment’s color transfers to the cotton swab, stop using the hydrogen peroxide. It will discolor your entire garment.

Step 3: Put the prepared cloth under the stained area. You don’t want to spread the hydrogen peroxide all over your clothes.

Step 4: Apply the hydrogen peroxide to the paper towel and gently dab at the discoloration. This way, the stain will gradually disappear.

Step 5: Launder your garment with other white clothes to wash out the hydrogen peroxide.

Watch this video to know more:

Option 5: Dishwashing Liquid Solution

Using a mixture of dishwashing and water is a super convenient way to get rid of the stain. Any commercial dishwashing bottle is perfect for this method; if you don’t believe me, I’ll prove it.

Preparation

• Dishwashing bottle
• Plastic gloves
• Light-colored cloth
• Running water (from your faucet)
• Small plastic bowl
• Soft brush (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Always wear your plastic gloves to protect your hands from chemicals.

Step 2: Make the detergent solution from dishwashing and water. You should use an equal amount of dishwashing and water to make this solution. Only make a sufficient amount of solution unless the stain is huge.

Step 3: Place the cloth under the affected area.

Step 4: Rub the solution on the stained area. You can choose to use your fingers to massage the solution or use a soft brush to rub the stain. I usually use a soft brush because the tiny bristles can help clean the stain better.

Step 5: Rinse the garment with water and repeat rubbing it with the solution until the stain is inconspicuous. It should take you a couple of times to successfully remove the annoying stain.

Step 6: Wash the garment and let it air dry.

How To Get Rid Of Calamine Lotion Stain?

Calamine lotion is a special lotion that is used for medical purposes. It is good for treating certain skin problems like bug bites, stings, and rashes. Calamine lotion is an antipruritic lotion that has zinc oxide or zinc, which can leave stubborn stains on your clothes.

You can easily find a bottle of calamine lotion in any medical store around you. You should notice that it has a light pink color. Once the color is set on the fabric, there is not much you can do to remove it from your garment, especially with white garments.

Again, the point here is that you should act as fast as possible; the sooner you remove the lotion, the less stubborn the stain is. So now, here I will show you how to deal with calamine lotion stains.

Preparation

• A dull knife
• A bottle of liquid laundry detergent
• Aerosol pretreatment stain remover
• Plastic gloves
• Light-colored cloth
• Small plastic bowl
• Dry cleaning solvent
• Paper towels
• A bottle of chlorine bleach (only for white garments)

Instructions

Step 1: After arming yourself with plastic gloves, use a dull knife to remove the excess lotion.

Step 2: Don’t forget to put a light-colored cloth underneath the stained fabric.

Step 3: Pretreat the stain with the stain remover.

Apply a sufficient amount of stain remover on the stain and give the product roughly a minute to dissolve the stain.

Step 4: If the stain is still there, pour laundry detergent directly on the discoloration and rub gently.

Step 5: Wash your garment as usual and check if the stain is gone or not.

Step 6: This step only applies to stubborn stains. Soak the garment into the bleach solution and leave your clothes there for around 10 minutes.

Step 7: Wash your garment with water and wring out all the excess water.

Step 8: Pour the dry cleaning solvent on a paper towel and start dabbing at the discoloration. At this step, the stain should fade away or be unnoticeable.

Step 10: Wash your garment as usual and hang it air dry.

Calamine lotion stains are hard to deal with, so you should use the strongest products which are suitable for your clothes.

How About Dry Clean Only Clothing?

Well, removing stains from dry clean only clothes is always a challenging mission. If your fancy blazer or suit got some lotion paste on it, here is how you should deal with the problems.

Preparation

• Baking soda
• A dull knife
• Dish detergent (Citrus-based)
• Paper towels or cotton balls
• Absorbent cloth
• Light-colored cloth
• Dry cleaning solvent

Instructions

Step 1: Locate the stain and put the light-colored cloth right under it.

Step 2: Remove the excess lotion with a dull knife.

Step 3: Absorb the oil in the lotion with baking soda. Sprinkle a great amount of baking soda on the stain to drain out all the oil. This should take a few minutes; after the oil is drained, shake off the baking soda.

Step 4: Dab the mixture of water and dishwashing into the stain with a cotton ball. Citrus-based dishwashing is recommended to wash out the lotion stain.

Step 5: If the stain is still there, pour dry cleaning solvent in a cotton ball and gently wipe the stain out of the garment. Remember you are dealing with the dry clean only garment, so don’t use too much force.

Step 6: Rinse the garment with water to wash out all the leftover chemicals.

Note: Do not wash the whole clothes because the fabric requires dry clean so you just need to wash the discoloration area.

Step 7: Air-dry your clothes.

Your fancy outfits will look like a new-bought one after you follow precisely the recommended steps. For tough stains or fragile fabric, you should take your garment to the professional dry clean service near you.

Some Essential Notes While Dealing With Lotion Stains

Getting lotion stains out of your clothes is simple; however, there are some vital notes that you should remember during the process.

Test Your Stain Remover/ Cleansing Agent

Be careful when applying these chemicals to your garment; some of them might be too strong that could harm and ruin your fabric. Make a spot test in an inconspicuous area of your garment; if there is no change in colors, the product is ok with your clothes.

Another place you should check is the care label on your clothes; check if the fabric can endure the cleansing products before applying these chemicals to your garment.

Moisten The Stain

Don’t let the stain dry; instead, keep it moist. The moisture will loosen the stain and reduce the effort of removing it out. Also, avoid sunlight or dry the garment with heat; the heat will make your clothes dry out and make the stain set.

Tips To Avoid Lotion Paste Attached On Your Clothes

It is undeniable that lotion is an everyday product for your skin. However, the more frequent you use it, the higher possibility it gets to your clothes. Don’t worry; I have some useful tips below for you to reduce the chance of having lotion stains.

Use A Sufficient Amount Of Lotion

Don’t pour out a bunch of lotion on your skin; the excess lotion paste will stick on your clothes. Instead, begin with a small amount and then increase until your skin is well-covered with lotion.

If you have a lotion bottle with a pump, don’t press the pump all the way down. Just go halfway down and then continue if you need more.

Massage The Lotion On Your Skin

Your skin needs time to absorb the lotion, so to fasten the process, you can massage the cream into your skin. Rub your skin gently and check if the lotion has been absorbed or not. If your skin is smooth without slimy or oily feelings, feel free to wear your clothes on.

Try Oversize Clothes

If you are not going to join in any special events or formal parties that require fit and formal clothes, you can try the oversize options. These clothes will make you comfortable and avoid direct exposure to your skin.

Extra Guide To Clean Lotion Out Of Carpet And Upholstery

Besides clothing, lotion could stain carpet and upholstery if you accidentally drop some lotion while applying it to your skin. I also have some solutions to solve this problem too, follow me.

Preparation

• Baking soda (or cornstarch)
• Absorbent cloth
• A scraper (a dull knife or a credit card)
• Dishwashing detergent
• A bottle of dry cleaning solvent
• Vinegar
• A small bowl
• A vacuum

Instructions

Step 1: Remove the excess lotion

Step 2: Put baking soda on the stain to absorb the oil. You can also use cornstarch or other absorbing powder. Let the powder stand there for around 15 minutes.

Step 3: Vacuum the powder when it drains out all the oil.

Step 4: Pour dry cleaning solvent on an absorbent white cloth and start dabbing at the affected area. Dab until the stain fades away or when the cloth can not absorb any solvent.

Step 5: If the stain is still visible, you can create a mixture from dishwashing, white vinegar, and water. You should mix one tablespoon of the detergent, a tablespoon of white vinegar, and a pint of water. Wipe the mixture to the stain with a white cloth until the stain is blotted away.

Step 6: Rinse the fabric with a wet cloth to wash out the soap. Just dab at the stain; you don’t want to wet the cushion inside (if you are washing the upholstery)

Note: You can use hydrogen peroxide to deal with the stain if the carpet is white or has a light color. Dab a small amount of hydrogen peroxide with a white cloth; you can stop dabbing when the stain color is not transferred onto the white cloth anymore.

Step 7: Let the carpet (or upholstery) air dry.

Make your sofa look brand new with this super easy method!

FAQs

Here are further related questions about dealing with lotion stains; let me help you clarify these questions.

Easy Peasy Dealing With Stain

I bet you want to know these solutions to help remove stains from your favorite clothes earlier. Always have some vital equipment and ingredients at home for urgent situations. “Prevention is better than cure”, I’m sure these lotion stains will not be a problem for you anymore.

Did you successfully remove the stains? Please let me know in the comment section below. And if you have any easier tips for loosening the stain, feel free to share them with me. Thank you for your time.

Reference

1. Ncconsumer, 2021.Are You Using Bleach Correctly in Your Washing Machine in Order to Get the Whitest Whites? [online] Available at: https://www.ncconsumer.org/news-articles-eg/how-to-get-the-whitest-whites-using-bleach.html