How to Remove Fake Tan Stains

While a healthy dose of sunlight can help elevate your mood, relieve stress, and get your daily recommended allowance of vitamin D, prolonged exposure has been linked to health concerns including skin cancer, premature wrinkles, sunburn, and more. The solution? Fake it, using self-tanning products or treating yourself to a spray tan. Although a fake tan may help you achieve the color you desire, improper application and drying techniques can wreak havoc on fabrics. Read on for some expert tips from Molly Maid that tell you how to get spray tan out of clothes, carpeting, and more.

How to Remove Fake Tan Stains from Carpet

The same ingredients in your self-tanner that stain your skin, can stain your carpet. For best results take the following steps:

• Remove as much of the product as you can from the surface of the carpet using the rounded or flat end or a spoon and work quickly before the stain can set.
• Refrain from any attempts to wipe up the remaining solution as this will only push it further into the fibers.
• Make a solution of two cups of water mixed with one teaspoon of liquid dish soap and gently work it into the carpet, moving from the outer edges inwards to prevent spreading.
• Continue to blot the stain using a clean paper towel, until no tanner remains.
• Rinse the affected area by blotting with a clean towel dipped in clean water and blotting until no more soap remains.

How to Remove Fake Tan Stains from Bedsheets

Applying a self-tanner too close to bedtime can result in stained sheets, but you can get them clean again using these tips:

• Get to work the second you see the stain, allowing cold water to run freely over the back side of the affected area to separate the tanner from the fabric.
• Make a solution of warm water and liquid dish soap and blot the stain with it, working from the outer edges inwards.
• Rinse the area well with cold water and launder as usual by using a heavy-duty detergent.
• Check the affected area before placing the sheets in the dryer. If the stain remains, continue on to the next step.
• Soak the sheets overnight in a solution of cold water and oxygen-based bleach mixed according to package directions.
• Repeat if necessary until the stain is gone.

How to Remove Fake Tan Stains from Clothing

The secret for how to get spray tan out of clothes or other washable fabrics is perseverance and avoiding the dryer until you are certain the stain has been removed. Steps include:

• If you know or suspect that you have transferred your self-tanning product to your clothing, the faster you act, the greater your chances of success.
• Self-tanner is an oil-based product with added dye, and both components must be addressed separately using different methods.
• Begin by removing the oil by turning the clothing inside out and flushing the stain under cold running water.
• Make a solution of warm water and liquid dish soap and blot the stain with it, working from the outer edges inwards.
• Rinse the area well with cold water — then launder as usual, using a heavy-duty detergent.
• Avoid placing clothing in the dryer until you are certain the stain has been removed.
• If further treatment is required soak the clothing overnight in a solution of cold water and oxygen-based bleach, mixed according to package directions.
• Repeat if necessary until the stain is gone.

For help with all the cleaning tasks around your home, contact your local Molly Maid today!