Self-tanners provide a safe, easy way to achieve beautifully bronzed skin. But they can also leave behind stubborn stains if they transfer onto your carpets, rugs, or upholstery. Don’t panic – removing self-tanner stains is possible with the right techniques and products. Here’s how to banish those pesky tanning stains for good.
What Causes Self-Tanner Stains?
Self-tanning products impart color using an active ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This reacts with dead skin cells on the surface of your body, staining them brown. However, DHA is not designed to bind with carpet or upholstery fibers in the same way.
When transferred onto these surfaces, DHA molecules stain them through a process called oxidation staining. This causes a stubborn, unsightly discoloration that can be tricky to remove. The color also darkens over time as oxidation continues.
So what causes the transfer in the first place? Self-tan residue on your hands is usually the culprit if stains appear after an application. However, staining can also occur if you sit or lie on a surface before the product has fully dried. Perspiration and moisture can also cause excess tanner to rub off onto furnishings.
How to Remove Stains from Carpet
Carpets are prone to all kinds of staining, and self-tanner is no exception. Fortunately, you can tackle these stains through prompt and thorough cleaning. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Blot Excess Tanner
As soon as you notice a transfer stain, grab a clean white cloth or paper towels. Gently blot at the affected area to soak up any excess self-tanning product still sitting on the surface of the carpet.
Avoid rubbing or scrubbing motions, as this could grind the stain further into the carpet fibers. Careful blotting is the key here.
Step 2: Spray with Stain Remover
Once you have blotted up all visible residue, saturate the stain with a specialist carpet stain remover spray. Look for a formula designed to tackle oil-based stains.
Alternatively, you could use hairspray, rubbing alcohol, or vodka – the high alcohol content of these products helps break down stubborn stains. Avoid using water at this stage, as it can set the stain.
Let the spray or cleaning solution sit for 2-3 minutes to penetrate the fibers.
Step 3: Blot Again
After allowing time for the cleaner to work, blot the area again using clean sections of your cloth or paper towels. Press gently to lift the stain without scrubbing.
You should see the stain begin to transfer onto the cloth as you blot. Keep going until no more color lifts.
Step 4: Vinegar Rinse
For stubborn remnants of self-tanner stain, make a solution of one part white vinegar to two parts water. Dampen a clean cloth with this mixture and gently dab at the area. The mild acidity in the vinegar will help remove additional traces of stain.
Step 5: Flush with Water
Once no more color transfers to the cloth, rinse thoroughly with clean water. Use a cloth or towels to press and soak up the water. This flushes away any vinegar solution and dissolved staining.
Repeat the rinse as needed until the water runs clear. Allow the carpet to air dry fully before vacuuming.
Step 6: Repeat if Needed
Check on the stained area over the next couple of days. If any staining remains, repeat steps 2-5 until no more discoloration is visible. With prompt treatment, most self-tanner stains can be removed with 1-2 cleaning sessions.
Tackling Upholstery Stains
Self-tanner stains on upholstered furniture can be a little trickier to handle. But don’t worry – you can lift these stains too with the right approach. Here is a simple step-by-step process:
Step 1: Blot Excess
As with carpet stains, immediately blot away any excess tanner on upholstery using a clean white cloth or paper towels. Avoid excessive rubbing.
Step 2: Use a Stain Remover
Spray the stain generously with a specialist upholstery stain remover. Or use rubbing alcohol, hairspray or vodka. Allow 2-3 minutes of dwell time.
Step 3: Rinse with Water
Use a damp cloth to rinse away the cleaning solution. Avoid saturating the upholstery – just a light dampening is fine.
Be extra cautious with leather, suede and other delicate fabrics. Check care labels first and test on an inconspicuous area before rinsing.
Blot gently with a dry section of the cloth to soak up excess moisture.
Step 4: Dry Immediately
It’s crucial to dry upholstery quickly after rinsing to prevent water marks or mold developing. Place several layers of absorbent towels over the damp section and weigh them down with a heavy book or similar object. This will draw out the moisture.
You can also use a hair dryer on a low, cool setting to speed up drying. Just avoid any direct heat on delicate fabrics like leather or suede.
Step 5: Repeat if Needed
Inspect after drying. If any stain remains, repeat the blotting, cleaning and rinsing steps until the blemish lifts completely. Take extra care not to oversaturate the fabric.
Helpful Self-Tanner Stain Removal Tips
- Act quickly! The sooner you treat self-tanner stains, the easier they will be to remove. Leaving them for longer than a few hours will make them much more stubborn.
- Don’t use very hot water when rinsing. Lukewarm is ideal – hot water can set some stains.
- Ensure the stained area is completely dry before using the surface again. Any remaining moisture could cause the stain to reappear.
- Test cleaning products on a small, inconspicuous area first to check for colorfastness and fabric compatibility.
- Avoid applying excessive force when blotting. Gentle pressing is recommended to avoid damaging fibers.
- Try not to saturate the stained material too much. Over-wetting can spread the stain and cause water marks.
- For heavy staining, you may need to repeat the treatment steps 2-3 times for total removal. Patience and perseverance are key!
Can Self-Tanner Stains Be Prevented?
While staining can sometimes be unavoidable, you can take steps to minimize the risks:
- Wait until self-tanner is completely dry before sitting on upholstery or carpets. At least 2 hours drying time is recommended.
- Rinse hands thoroughly after application and avoid touching surfaces until the tanner develops.
- Wear gloves during the tanning process to prevent product transferring to hands and fingers.
- Cover upholstery with an old sheet or towel when self-tanning nearby. Equally, you could apply your tan in the bathroom to avoid drips.
- Wipe down any tanning mists that settle on nearby surfaces using a damp cloth before they develop and stain.
When to Call a Professional
While the methods described here will lift most self-tanner stains, ingrained or heavy discoloration sometimes requires professional intervention. Contact a reputable carpet cleaner or upholstery cleaning service if you’ve tried removing the stain unsuccessfully several times.
Professionals have access to stronger cleaning solutions and extraction methods to draw out stubborn tanning stains. However, this does come at a greater cost. With prompt action, you can often banish those pesky tanner stains at home.
Conclusion
Self-tanner stains don’t have to become a permanent fixture – with the right techniques, you can successfully remove them from carpets, rugs and upholstery. The key is to act quickly as soon as you notice the stain. With some strategic blotting, targeted stain removers and thorough drying, you can outsmart those stubborn tanning stains.
A few simple precautions can also minimize the risk of staining in the future. But even if an accident does happen, rest assured you have the knowledge to tackle it. Keep your treasured soft furnishings looking their best, without having to sacrifice your golden glow.