How To Clean Shirt Collars: Step-by-Step Guide For White And Coloured Shirts

Cleaning a shirt collar often troubled by the dreaded ‘Ring Around the Collar’ requires a different approach depending on whether you are handling a crisp white dress shirt or a vibrant colored one. The stain is a combination of sweat, skin oils, and dead skin cells, which act like a glue for dust. Here is your definitive guide to restoring your collars without damaging the fabric.

How To Clean Shirt Collars

1. The Pre-Treatment ‘Golden Rule’

Never place a soiled shirt in the dryer. The heat will set the oils and proteins in the fibres, making the stain permanent. Always inspect the collar of the shirt after washing, while it is still damp.

2. Step-by-Step Guide For White Shirts

White dress shirts can be treated more aggressively, but they are also more likely to yellow if the oils are not removed completely.

• Step 1: Apply a liquid laundry detergent or a stain remover directly to the dry collar. For a hack that works, a clear dish soap such as Dawn Dish Soap is great at dissolving skin oils.

• Step 2: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to work the cleaner into the fabric. Move in a circular motion.

• Step 3: To remove tough yellowing, mix Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide to make a paste. Apply it to the collar and let it sit for 30 minutes.

• Step 4: Wash in hot water using a brightening detergent.

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3. Step-by-Step Guide For Coloured Shirts

The objective in this case is to remove the oils without dye or leaving a lightened area where the fold is.

• Step 1: Do not use bleach or peroxide. For this, you will need a stain stick or a liquid detergent specifically formulated for coloured items.

• Step 2: Mix one spoon of white vinegar with two spoons of water. Soak a cloth in the solution and blot the collar. The acid in the vinegar will break down the salt from the sweat without affecting the colour.

• Step 3: Rub the fabric against itself using your fingers or a very soft cloth. Do not use stiff brushes, it will dull the colour.

• Step 4: Wash the item in lukewarm water. Hot water can cause the dye to bleed, even if the item is dark.

4. Comparison of Cleaning Agents

Image credits: Freepik

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