How to Remove Collar Stains

If you've ever had to retire or toss a collared shirt because of a stain on the collar, we've got you covered. Learn the most effective way to clean those pesky rings around the collar, as well as ways to prevent them in the first place.

1. Lay the shirt flat, collar-up
2. Apply laundry detergent directly on the affected area.
3. Allow the detergent to sit for up to 30 minutes.
4. Wash the shirt according to fabric care instructions.

Step-By-Step Guide to Removing Collar Stains

Follow these steps for tackling even the toughest ring around your collar.

Ring Around the Collar Stains

1. Lay the shirt flat so that the collar faces up.
2. Pour liquid detergent onto the affected area.
3. Let the detergent sit for up to 30 minutes.
4. Wash the shirt according to fabric care instructions.

Pro tip: Never use chlorine bleach on sweat stains (or protein stains in general) as this will only cause the stain to yellow.

Older Collar Stains

1. Soak the shirt in white vinegar for up to an hour.
2. Rinse the shirt thoroughly in cold water.
3. Wash the shirt according to fabric care instructions.

Pro tip: You can also use aspirin to break up older stains. Dissolve aspirin in lukewarm water and submerge the shirt for up to an hour.

Sweat Stains on White Shirts

1. Mix 1 part Dish Soap and 2 parts hydrogen peroxide. Apply to the affected area.
2. For deep set stains, sprinkle on baking soda.
3. Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to gently scrub in the mixture.
4. Allow the mixture to sit for up to an hour.
5. Wash the shirt according to fabric care instructions.

Pro tip: For dark stains, you can apply lemon juice directly on the stain and then let the shirt dry in direct sunlight. The lemon juice's acid and sunlight will bleach the stain.

Sweat Stains on Dark Shirts

1. Run the affected area under warm water until it is thoroughly wet.
2. Create a paste from 4 tablespoons of baking soda and 1/4 cup warm water. Apply it to the stain.
3. Gently rub the shirt together to set the paste into the fibers.
4. Allow the mixture to sit for up to 45 minutes.
5. Wash the shirt according to fabric care instructions.

Pro tip: Hydrogen peroxide can bleach certain fabrics, so don’t use it on darker hues.

Blood Stains

1. Completely saturate the blemish using an enzyme-based Stain Remover.
2. Gently rub formula into the fabric with an old toothbrush.
3. Let the solution sit for up to 15 minutes.
4. Wash the shirt according to fabric care instructions.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 as necessary.

Oil-Based Stains

1. Heavily sprinkle baking soda on the affected area and let it sit for up to 45 minutes.
2. Brush away the baking soda.
3. Pour Dish Soap directly on the stain and let it sit for up to 10 minutes.
4. Wash the shirt according to fabric care instructions.

Mustard or Grass Stains

1. Remove as much of the stain material as possible with a spoon.
2. Apply a small amount of alcohol or lighter fluid.
3. Soak the affected area with a solution of white vinegar, water, and dish soap.
4. Gently scrub the stain with a soft brush.
5. Thoroughly flush the area with water.
6. Apply a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to the affected area.
7. Apply a few drops of ammonia to the affected area.
8. Rinse the stain with cool water and apply a few drops of vinegar, followed again with cool water.
9. Wash the shirt according to fabric care instructions.