Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is SunGuard?

A. SunGuard is a revolutionary laundry aid that washes sun protection into clothing and helps block more than 96% of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from reaching your skin.

Q. Why do I need SunGuard?

A. Lightweight, light colored summer clothes are sometimes not thick enough to absorb UV rays to give adequate protection from the sun. For example, a white cotton T-shirt only has an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating of 5. SunGuard will increase your sun protection 6 times, providing a UPF rating of 30.

Q. What is UPF?

A. UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It's a measurement of a fabric's capability to prevent harmful UV rays from reaching your skin. It is similar to SPF ratings for sunscreen.

Q. How does SunGuard work?

A. SunGuard's active ingredient is TINOSORB® FD, a new UV protectant produced by Ciba Specialty Chemicals. By adding one package of SunGuard to a warm or hot water laundry load along with laundry detergent, SunGuard penetrates your clothes' fibers. Now, your clothes will absorb UV light rather than allowing it to pass through fabric. SunGuard works best in warm and hot water washes without the addition of chlorine bleach. You can, however, use bleach during future launderings.

Q. How much protection does SunGuard provide?

A. A single treatment of SunGuard will block out over 96% of UV rays from passing through your clothes and provide a UPF protection of 30.

Q. Will SunGuard change the texture, color, comfort or breathability of clothing?

A. SunGuard will not change the texture, color or comfort of your clothes, even after repeated treatments.

Q. Is SunGuard recommended for children's clothing?

A. SunGuard is safe for children's clothing and can be used on clothing for children 6 months and older.

Q. Is SunGuard recommended for people with sensitive skin?

A. SunGuard is safe to use for people with sensitive skin.

Q. If clothing becomes wet, does SunGuard still work?

A. The effectiveness of SunGuard on fabrics is the same wet or dry.

Q. Can SunGuard be sprayed onto a beach umbrella to reduce sun penetration?

A. We would not recommend spraying SunGuard onto a beach umbrella to reduce sun penetration. To achieve full protection, it is necessary for the fabric to be immersed in a solution of SunGuard and warm water for a minimum of 15 minutes.

Q. How often should I use SunGuard?

A. One treatment with SunGuard will provide protection for up to 20 washings.

Q. How do I know SunGuard is effective in blocking the sun's harmful rays?

A. SunGuard has the The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, which assures consumers that the product meets the rigorous criteria of the Foundation's Photobiology Committee and achieves the ultraviolet protection factor rating indicated. Additionally, SunGuard is recommended by the Good Housekeeping Institute.

Q. Is SunGuard recommended by dermatologists?

A. Yes, SunGuard is recommended by dermatologists who encourage their patients to make every effort to protect their skin from the sun.