How to Get Rid of a Ring Around the Collar: Quick & Easy Steps

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Plus tips to prevent more staining around your shirt collar
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Nothing’s worse than picking up a crisp, clean shirt only to discover the collar is yellowed and dingy. If you have a ring around the collar of your shirt, it’s probably the result of a buildup of sweat and natural oils. Luckily, when treated properly, these stains are fairly easy to remove. For this article, we interviewed laundry specialists and dry cleaning experts to give you tips on how to remove shirt collar rings and prevent new ones from occurring. Plus, we’ll explain what causes these stains and provide stain removal product recommendations .

Cleaning the Ring Around Your Collar: Quick Tips

  1. Apply dish soap or a degreaser to the collar to remove any oil or grease.
  2. Dab an enzymatic stain remover onto the stain, and scrub it in with a brush.
  3. Let the stain remover soak for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Turn the shirt inside out and wash it as you normally would.
  5. Make sure the stain is gone, then allow the shirt to air dry.
Section 1 of 5:

Best Way to Remove a Ring Around the Collar

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  1. When it comes to cleaning a shirt collar, laundry expert Sergey Paramonov says, “most stains would probably be oil-based, coming from skin oil. I would recommend using some special chemistry to pull the oil-based stains [out].” The first thing you want to do is remove the grease so you can reach the stain underneath. There are several ways to do this, including the following:
    • Using dish detergent: Dampen the shirt and cover the collar stain in liquid dish soap, like Dawn. Let it soak for at least an hour, then rinse it out.
    • Using a degreaser: Use Fast Orange or another degreaser, which are products designed to cut through kitchen grease. Spray your degreaser on, allow it to soak for 5 minutes, then rinse it away. Be careful of very harsh products, though, as these can irritate the skin.
    • Using shampoo: Choose a shampoo that’s designed for greasy hair . Get the shirt wet, then scrub the shampoo into the stain. Let it soak for about an hour, then rinse it out.
    • Adding to the grease: Some people swear by adding more grease to the shirt collar. In theory, the new fat molecules bond to the old ones and help draw them out. Apply a product like a lanolin hand cleaner , which can be found at drug stores and car shops.
  2. Apply an enzymatic stain treatment , like Shout or OxiClean , all over the stain, following the product’s instructions. The enzymes help break down the proteins and other molecules in stains, making them easier to remove. It may be a good idea to apply some of the stain remover to your shirt’s underarms, as well, as these areas are prone to staining. [1]
    • If you don’t have Oxiclean, make your own by mixing equal parts baking soda and hydrogen peroxide together.
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  3. Use a laundry brush or an old toothbrush to gently scrub the collar and work the product into the stain. This will help the enzymes break down the buildup of dirt and oils that caused the ring. Scrub gently in circular motions so you don’t damage the fabric. [2]
    • Let the product sit for 15-20 minutes before washing.
  4. After the stain remover has soaked for at least 15-20 minutes, turn the shirt inside out and wash it as you normally would. It’s generally best to wash stained garments in cold water, as hot water may cause the stain to set and make it more difficult to remove. [3]
    • If your shirt is delicate, place it in a mesh bag before washing it.
    • If the stain is old and tough, presoak your shirt before washing it. Fill a sink or basin with tepid water and allow it to soak for 30 minutes. Then, apply more of your stain remover and toss it in the wash.
  5. 5
    Make sure the stain is gone before drying. When you take your shirt out of the washer, carefully inspect it to make sure the stain is gone. If the stain remains, do not put it in the dryer, as doing so will set it in further. Repeat the stain removal process to try to remove the ring, and allow the shirt to air dry . [4]
    • If the stain remains, another option is to soak the shirt in a bleach-water solution overnight before rinsing it out. Follow the instructions on the container of bleach to dilute it properly. Check your shirt’s care label first to make sure it is safe to use bleach.
  6. If you’re not having any luck removing the ring on your own, try taking the shirt to a professional dry cleaner. They may have better ways of removing the stain, and a single shirt rarely costs very much money at all. If your shirt is dry-clean-only, take it to the cleaner straight away rather than trying to remove the stain yourself. [5]
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Section 2 of 5:

Other Stain Removing Methods

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  1. 1
    Soak the stain in vinegar. “Use a mixture of warm water and vinegar and spray it directly on the stain,” explains laundry specialist Rani Gorgis. Mix a 1:4 ratio of white vinegar and water in a bowl, then apply it directly to the stain. If you’re dealing with a tough stain, consider soaking the whole garment in the mixture. Let it sit for an hour, then rinse and launder the garment as usual. [6]
    • Vinegar can stain some clothes, so test it in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it’s safe to use.
  2. 2
    Create an aspirin paste and apply it to the stain. It may sound odd, but aspirin may be able to remove stains from fabric. Crush two uncoated aspirin into a fine powder and mix it with water to form a paste. Use a toothbrush to apply the paste to the stain. Let it sit for a few hours, then launder as usual. Keep in mind that this is a home remedy, however, and it may not be successful for everyone. [7]
  3. 3
    Apply hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. In a small bowl, mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to form a paste. Apply the paste to the stained area, and let it sit for 20-30 minutes. Rinse and repeat as needed, then wash the shirt as you normally would. [8]
    • As an alternative, mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water and apply it to the stain using an old toothbrush. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then launder.
  4. 4
    Try lemon juice on white clothes. Lemon juice is a natural lightening agent, so it can sometimes remove yellowing from fabric . Squeeze fresh lemon juice directly onto the collar ring, and rub the area gently to work it into the stain. Then, set the garment in the sun for a few hours and launder as usual. [9]
    • Because lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent, this may not be a good option for colored fabrics, as it may lighten and discolor them.
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Section 3 of 5:

Preventing Shirt Collar Rings

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  1. If you want to make the stain easier to remove in the future, do what you can to make sure it doesn't set. As soon as you notice a stain forming, treat it. Don't put the shirt in a dryer if you notice the stain hasn't been removed completely. The more quickly you’re able to treat the stain, the less likely a ring is to form. [10]
  2. The collar stain is the result of grease and sweat mixing together, so one way to prevent the stains from forming is to make some adjustments to your hygiene routine. Shower more often, use roll-on antiperspirant on your neck, or use baby powder on your neck to help absorb the grease and sweat. [11]
    • Remember, though, that your body produces oil naturally, regardless of your hygiene. Getting a ring on your collar doesn’t necessarily mean you have poor hygiene.
  3. Different types of shampoo react differently to your unique body chemistry, including your natural oils and sweat. Some even contain harsh ingredients that can dry out your skin and cause it to flake. [12] If nothing you do seems to help prevent the stains, try switching to a different brand and style of shampoo. Using a shampoo that’s better suited to your skin and hair type can minimize the amount of residue that transfers to your shirt collar.
  4. Lean towards wearing white shirts rather than colored shirts. The stains may be more noticeable on white fabric, but they’re easier to treat . With a white shirt, all you have to worry about is removing some of the grease. After that, apply your preferred stain remover and toss the garment in the wash. [13]
  5. “The ring is usually sweat from wearing the clothes,” says laundry and dry cleaning expert Ocean Van, so reducing the amount of sweat that gets on your clothes will help minimize the stain. Sweat strips are stickers that go on your shirt collar to help prevent rings and stains. Purchase sweat strips online or in a big box store, or make your own using absorbent pads. Add a snap-in, button-in, or hook-and-loop fastener strip to the collars of the worst offenders. These can be removed and washed as needed.
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Section 4 of 5:

What causes a ring around the collar?

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  1. The ring around your collar is caused by sweat and oil buildup. If you notice a yellow, dark, or dingy ring around your shirt collar, it’s likely the result of the buildup of sweat, dead skin, sebum, and personal grooming products on the fabric. This problem can happen to anyone, but those who have particularly oily or dry skin or who use a lot of hairstyling products may see these stains develop more quickly. [14]
Section 5 of 5:

Best Stain Removal Products

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  1. 1
    Puracy Laundry Stain Remover Puracy Laundry Stain Remover is a general-purpose stain remover that contains six enzymes to help break down bio-based stains, like those from sweat, sebum, and dead skin. This makes it a great option for removing a ring around your collar. [15]
    • This product is rated 4.5 stars on Amazon.
  2. 2
    Zout Laundry Stain Remover Triple Enzyme Formula Zout Laundry Stain Remover Triple Enzyme Formula is a powerful enzyme stain remover that penetrates and breaks down even the toughest of stains, including those that have been previously laundered. Its user-friendly instructions make it an easy product for removing stubborn rings.
    • This product is rated 4.8 stars on Amazon.
  3. 3
    OxiClean MaxForce OxiClean MaxForce contains five types of stain fighters to tackle all kinds of stains, including grease and oil. It works on whites and colored fabrics, but isn’t designed for delicate fabrics like silk, wool, or leather. This product is also great for removing makeup stains ! [16]
    • This product is rated 4.7 stars on Amazon.
  4. 4
    PineSol PineSol is best known for cleaning floors and home surfaces, but when diluted, it can also remove oil-based stains from white and light-colored clothing. Most bottles of PineSol even mention this on their label, so read the instructions to apply it properly. [17]
    • Other pine-based cleaning agents, like Pinalen and Lestoil , can also work.
    • This product is rated 4.8 stars on Amazon.
  5. 5
    OxiClean Stain Remover Powder If the ring around your collar is set-in, reach for OxiClean Stain Remover Powder . This is an oxygen bleach that can be used as a soaking agent to treat deep, set-in stains. Follow the instructions on the package to apply it properly. [18]
    • This product is rated 4.8 stars on Amazon.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I use an oil-based cleaner to remove these stains?
    Ocean Van
    Laundry & Dry Cleaning Expert
    Ocean Van is a Laundry & Dry Cleaning Expert based in Long Beach, California. He is the owner and operator of Coco Laundry, a full-service Laundromat and Wash & Fold service. Coco Laundry is a family-owned laundry service that offers top-rated wash, dry, fold, and convenient pickup/delivery options. He and his experienced team of laundry professionals offer commercial and residential laundry services, plus a self-serve laundry operation.
    Ocean Van
    Laundry & Dry Cleaning Expert
    Expert Answer
    To remove collar ring stains using an oil-based cleaner, first check the clothing label for fabric compatibility. Choose a suitable oil-based cleaner, such as dish soap or baby oil. Spot-test a small area on the fabric first. Then apply the cleaner directly to the stain, gently rubbing it in, and let it sit for 15–30 minutes. Pre-treat stubborn stains if necessary, then wash the garment following care instructions. Check for complete stain removal before machine-drying, and air-dry if needed to prevent setting the stain further.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://scienceline.ucsb.edu/getkey.php?key=2173
      2. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/remove-sweat-stains-white-shirts.html
      3. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/get-rid-stains-white-clothes.html
      4. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/remove-sweat-stains-white-shirts.html
      5. ↑ https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/what-is-dry-cleaning-rcna192617
      6. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-get-yellow-stains-out-of-fabric-7852638#toc-how-to-remove-yellow-stains-with-baking-soda
      7. ↑ https://www.housedigest.com/1493961/aspirin-removes-deodorant-sweat-stains-clean-whites-laundry/
      8. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-get-yellow-stains-out-of-fabric-7852638#toc-how-to-remove-yellow-stains-with-baking-soda
      9. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-get-yellow-stains-out-of-fabric-7852638#toc-how-to-remove-yellow-stains-with-baking-soda
      1. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/remove-sweat-stains-white-shirts.html
      2. ↑ https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/advice/a41064/ring-around-the-shirt-collar/
      3. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/get-rid-stains-white-clothes.html
      4. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/get-rid-stains-white-clothes.html
      5. ↑ https://www.europeanbusinessreview.com/the-dos-and-donts-of-removing-ring-around-the-collar-common-mistakes-to-avoid/
      6. ↑ https://www.thereducereport.com/home/puracy-stain-remover-natural-laundry-stain-remover
      7. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/laundry-stain-removers/best-laundry-stain-removers-from-consumer-reports-tests-a1058254182/
      8. ↑ https://www.housedigest.com/1289373/why-consider-adding-pine-sol-to-laundry/
      9. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/g2762/best-stain-removers/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To remove stubborn ring around the collar, dampen the area with water, cover the collar stain with liquid dish soap, and let it soak for an hour before rinsing it out. Next, apply a stain removal product to the collar and use an old toothbrush to scrub the stain. Then, toss your shirt into the washing machine and run it through a regular cycle as you normally would to eliminate the stain! For tips on preventing collar stains, read on!

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      • Kaye Watson

        Mar 21, 2016

        "This how-to was awesome! I used a water and Dawn mixture to saturate the collar and washed immediately in hot water ..." more
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