How to Remove Sunscreen and Sweat Stains from Rhoback Polos

Quick answer

Treat sunscreen and sweat stains on your Rhoback polo as soon as you notice them. For fresh stains, rinse with cool water, apply a small amount of liquid detergent directly to the mark, and gently rub the fabric together. For set-in yellow armpit stains, make a paste of baking soda and water, work it into the stain, let it sit for 30 minutes, then wash as usual. Always check the care tag first and avoid hot water or high heat, which can set the stain permanently.

Why sunscreen and sweat leave marks on performance polos

Sunscreen contains oils, avobenzone, and other active ingredients that can bind to synthetic fabrics like polyester and elastane. When mixed with sweat and body oils, these substances oxidize and create yellow or brownish stains. The longer they sit, the harder they are to remove. Rhoback polos use performance fabrics designed to wick moisture and stretch, but those same properties mean you should avoid harsh chemicals that break down the fibers.

How to treat fresh sunscreen stains on a polo

As soon as you take off your polo, rinse the stained area with cool water to flush out as much sunscreen and sweat as possible. Apply a few drops of liquid laundry detergent directly onto the stain. Gently rub the fabric against itself for about 30 seconds. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then wash the polo on a gentle cycle with cool water. Air dry. If the stain remains after one wash, repeat the treatment before drying. Heat from a dryer can set the stain, so always check before drying.

How to remove set-in yellow armpit stains

For older yellow stains, mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste. Apply the paste generously to the stained area, especially under the arms. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For stubborn stains, add a few drops of white vinegar to the paste. Then wash the polo as usual with cool water and a gentle detergent. Do not use chlorine bleach on performance fabrics, as it can damage the moisture-wicking and stretch properties. Oxygen-based bleach (like OxiClean) is a safer alternative for white polos. Always test on a hidden area first.

What not to do when cleaning Rhoback polos

Avoid hot water, high heat in the dryer, fabric softener, and chlorine bleach. These can set stains, break down elastic fibers, or leave a residue that reduces moisture-wicking. Also, do not scrub aggressively with a brush, which can pill the fabric. If a stain persists after two or three gentle treatments, consider whether it is actually a stain or permanent discoloration from fabric damage. In that case, further treatment may not help and could harm the polo.

Diagnose your stain before you treat it

• Fresh sunscreen stain: Appears as a greasy, slightly yellowish mark within hours of wearing sunscreen. The fabric may feel slick. Rinse with cool water, apply liquid detergent directly, rub gently, and wash on a gentle cycle. Do not dry until the stain is gone.
• Set-in yellow armpit stain: A yellowish or brownish discoloration under the arms that has been there for days or weeks. Often caused by the reaction of sweat with aluminum-based antiperspirants. Make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to the stain, let sit for 30 minutes, then wash with cool water and oxygen-based bleach if needed. Repeat if necessary.
• Persistent stain after multiple treatments: The stain remains after two or three gentle treatments using detergent, baking soda, or oxygen bleach. Stop treating. The fabric may be permanently discolored or damaged. Further washing or chemicals could weaken the performance fibers. Consider replacing the polo if the stain bothers you.

Rhoback polos built for performance

• The Turn | Performance Polo | The Turn - White/Antigua Green: The Turn Performance Polo features breathable fabric with moisture-wicking and four-way stretch technology, a crisp collar that holds its shape, wrinkle-free material, and UPF sun-protection. These performance features mean you should avoid fabric softener and harsh chemicals that can clog the fabric and reduce wicking or stretch.
• The Colorado Gameday | Collegiate Polo | The Colorado Gameday - White/Old Gold: The Colorado Gameday Collegiate Polo is built with the same breathable, moisture-wicking, four-way stretch fabric, plus a crisp collar and UPF sun-protection. Whether you wear it on gameday or around town, the same gentle stain-removal steps apply to keep the fabric performing.