How to Remove Self-Tanner from Clothes

Self-Tanner Stains: Stubborn but Removable

Self-tanner stains are notoriously difficult to remove because the active ingredient — DHA (dihydroxyacetone) — reacts with proteins in both skin and fabric, creating a brown-orange discoloration that bonds deeply to fibers. The key is acting fast before the DHA fully reacts, and using the right combination of enzyme cleaner and oxygen bleach.

What You'll Need

• Shout Active Enzyme Laundry Stain Remover Spray
• Carbona Liquid Stain Devils
• OxiClean White Revive Power Paks (for white fabrics)
• Dawn Ultra Dish Soap
• Microfiber cloths
• Cold water

Step-by-Step: Fresh Self-Tanner on Clothes

1. Rinse immediately with cold water from the back of the fabric. The faster you act, the less the DHA has time to bond to the fibers.
2. Apply Shout Enzyme Spray. Spray Shout Active Enzyme Stain Remover generously onto the stain. The triple-enzyme formula breaks down the DHA compounds. Let sit 5–10 minutes.
3. Apply Dawn dish soap to cut through any oil base in the self-tanner formula. Work in gently and let sit 5 minutes.
4. Blot with a clean microfiber cloth from outside in.
5. Rinse with cold water and check. Apply Carbona Stain Devils if discoloration remains. Let sit 10–15 minutes.
6. Machine wash cold. For white fabrics, add an OxiClean White Revive Power Pak. Check before drying — heat permanently sets self-tanner stains.

For Dried or Set-In Self-Tanner Stains

1. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes to rehydrate the stain.
2. Apply Shout Enzyme Spray generously and let sit 15–20 minutes.
3. Apply Carbona Stain Devils on top and let sit another 15 minutes.
4. For white fabrics: Soak in OxiClean White Revive solution for 1–6 hours before washing.
5. Machine wash cold and check. Repeat if needed — self-tanner stains often need multiple treatments.

Why Self-Tanner Stains Are So Hard to Remove

DHA — the active ingredient in self-tanner — works by reacting with amino acids in proteins. Fabric fibers contain proteins too, which is why self-tanner stains so deeply. This is also why enzyme-based cleaners like Shout Active Enzyme Spray are the most effective — they break down the protein-DHA bond directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can self-tanner stains be removed from white clothes?

Yes, though it takes effort. Use Shout Enzyme Spray and Carbona Stain Devils as pre-treatments, then soak in OxiClean White Revive for several hours before washing. Multiple treatments are often needed.

Will self-tanner stains come out in the wash?

Not without pre-treatment. The washing machine alone won't remove self-tanner stains — always pre-treat with Shout Enzyme Spray first, and never put in the dryer until the stain is completely gone.

How do I prevent self-tanner from staining clothes?

Allow self-tanner to fully dry and develop on your skin (usually 6–8 hours) before dressing. Wear loose, dark clothing immediately after application, and avoid tight waistbands or straps that can rub off the product before it's fully absorbed.