Protecting clothes from the sun Posted on September 23, 2019 under Blog, Cleaning Tips, Garment Care. | no comments.
Most of us are aware of the dangers surrounding prolonged sun exposure, particularly when it comes to caring for our skin. We practice good skincare and cover sensitive areas with clothing. But, we often overlook the ways in which the sun and heat can damage these precious garments. Protecting clothes from the sun and heat will help them last longer.
This is a particular concern for people living or taking a vacation in sun-soaked areas such as Southwest Florida. Indeed, sunny days can bring clothes into contact with a number of harmful things, including:
1. Deodorants and antiperspirants
Some antiperspirants and deodorants can cause light-colored cotton and silks to become stiff and yellowed. Of course, these products are necessary during hot days as they prevent clothes from becoming smelly and sweat-stained. To minimize damage from deodorants, therefore, it is advisable to launder clothes immediately after they have been worn.
2. Sunblock and suntan lotion
Sunblock and suntan lotions can leave oily stains on clothes. While these stains are usually easy enough to get out, this is not the case if you are using hard water. Indeed, some of the ingredients in sun-care products can react with hard water to leave brown stains that are difficult to remove. If you have hard water, try putting softener in your washer or sending your sunblock-stained clothes to a dry cleaner.
3. Chlorine
When it’s hot outside, there’s nothing better than taking a dip in the pool. Unfortunately, most pools contain high levels of chlorine that can bleach clothes (including swimwear!). While it is almost impossible to get rid of chlorine stains, you can minimize damage to your clothes by avoiding prolonged exposure to pool water and laundering clothes as soon as they have been in contact with chlorine.
