Act quickly by first scraping off excess sunscreen with a dull knife or plastic card. Then, use a combination of a grease-fighting dish soap solution and a dedicated upholstery cleaner for the best results. The key is to break down the oily components without spreading the stain or damaging the interior materials.
Sunscreen stains are tricky because they combine oils and waxes that bind to fabric and plastics. Your first step is always to blot, don't rub, any liquid residue. Rubbing grinds the stain deeper into the fibers. For fresh stains, a simple mix of dish soap like Dawn and warm water is highly effective. Dish soap contains surfactants designed to cut through grease. Apply a small amount of the solution to a clean, white microfiber cloth, blot the stain, and rinse the area by blotting with a cloth dampened with plain water.
For older, set-in stains or sensitive materials like leather, you'll need a more targeted approach. Leather interiors require a pH-balanced leather cleaner and conditioner to avoid drying and cracking. For cloth upholstery, a spray-on upholstery cleaner with a built-in scrub brush can lift the stain from the fibers. Always test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area first, such as under a seat or on a door jamb, to check for colorfastness.
| Cleaning Solution | Best For | Key Consideration | Effectiveness (1-5) |
|---|
| Dish Soap & Water | Fresh stains on most surfaces | Cheap, readily available; requires rinsing | 4 |
| Rubbing Alcohol | Tacky residues on plastic/vinyl | Can damage some plastics; test first | 3 |
| Commercial Upholstery Cleaner | Set-in stains on fabric | Follow product instructions precisely | 5 |
| Leather Cleaner | Leather seats & dashboards | Must be followed with a conditioner | 4 |
| All-Purpose Cleaner (APC) | Vinyl, plastic, rubber | Dilute properly to avoid streaking | 3 |
After treating the stain, use a dry microfiber towel to blot away as much moisture as possible. Let the area air dry completely with the car's windows down or a fan running to prevent mildew. For persistent stains, repeating the process is better than using excessive force on the first attempt.
