How to Clean White Shirt Collars and Cuffs

There’s nothing quite like a crisp, freshly laundered white shirt, that is, until you take it off and see marks on the collar and cuffs. Grime, dirt, makeup, and food stains won’t hide on a white garment.

Fortunately, white shirts can be laundered at warm temperatures unless they’re a delicate fabric like silk. However, using heat too soon in the process will only set the stain and make it more stubborn.

This article provides detailed guidance on tackling fresh and stubborn stains on your favorite white shirt. We also list some valuable prevention tips to keep that shirt looking radiant for longer.

What Causes Collar and Cuff Stains and How To Spot Them

Collar and cuff stains on white shirts and blouses are caused by body soil and sweat; the hotter the day, the darker the ring! Sweat, in particular, can cause yellow and brown marks on white fabric.

Body soil is a mixture of sweat and the bacteria found naturally on your skin. These marks can appear even if you’ve not been especially active. For those participating in strenuous exercise or working outside, the stains may be very visible.

Collar stains can also be caused by cosmetic products and makeup below the jawline at the top of the neck, and grooming products that touch the top of the collar, even with short hair. Fragrance on the wrists is often a real magnet for dirt.

If you're hell bent on wearing a white shirt, you might want to adjust your choice of products on that day just to protect the fabric.

If you’re dining or socializing, spills and splashes from food and beverages can stain your cuffs and collar. Beware chocolate, tomato-based sauces, and brightly colored foods like pasta dishes.

Chocolate stains are particularly stubborn to shift due to the presence of tannins, which bind to fibers in fabrics, like silk and wool. Synthetic materials are less porous and may resist chocolate stains better.

Always check your collar and cuffs every time you remove a white shirt. If you deal with any dark marks as soon as they appear, they’re easier to get rid of.

Once body soil marks have been allowed to build up, they are harder to shift. The golden rule is to wash the shirt after each wear.

1. Start With a Cold-Water Rinse To Lift Stains

Rinsing in cold water removes any excess debris and starts to break down the stain. Heat sets stains, so don’t use warm or hot water.

2. Use the Right Amount and Method for Detergent

If you’re using a branded detergent, then consult the packaging for the right steps and amount.

With an HE (Higher Efficiency) machine, you’ll need to use a specialized detergent designed to work with lower water levels and a different cleaning mechanism. HE machines use less water and energy than regular machines and have an impeller system or tumbling action instead of a traditional agitator.

HE detergents have lower sudsing and quick dispersal. Typically, the detergent is placed directly into the drum. With a regular machine, there’s a dedicated compartment for the detergent.

3. Pre-Treat and Pre-Soak for Tough Stains

Pre-soaking or pre-treating directly onto the fabric can help loosen and lift the stain particles before laundering in the machine. Always check the care label first for instructions on how to treat the garment, and guidance on temperatures for pre-soaking.

One option is dabbing white vinegar onto the marks with a clean cloth. White vinegar is a natural acidic cleaner that will start to break down the stain. Another household favorite is making a paste using baking soda.

Baking soda has a naturally abrasive texture. A simple mix of one tablespoon of baking soda to two tablespoons of water is effective. Rub the paste gently into the marks on the collar and cuffs using a small brush or toothbrush, and leave to sit for a few minutes. Rinse in warm water.

Laundry detergent sheets, like Freddie’s, are a great option for pre-soaking, particularly for delicate fabrics. Laundry sheets or strips also work in your washer and are compatible with any machine type.

Freddie laundry detergent sheets include ingredients such as vegetable-origin surfactants and enzymes, designed to work on fabrics while minimizing residue.

They’re easy to use because they’re pre-dosed, and you can tear the sheets to adjust how much you put in the washer or pre-soak.

4. Treat Collar Stains With Color-Safe Remover and Timing

Collar stains can be treated with a commercial color-safe remover. You’ll need to find a product that works for your fabric and color. Always patch test a small, hidden area of the garment first to double-check it’s safe.

Don’t overtreat or leave the product on for longer than the manufacturer recommends.

5. Washing With the Hottest Water Allowed by the Care Label

Hot water is usually recommended for whites as the heat helps to break down sweat, oils, dirt, and bacteria. However, it does depend on the fabric.

The care label will advise on the maximum temperature for pre-soaking and washing. Using hotter water than recommended will only set the stain and could damage delicate fabrics.

6. Drying and Post-Wash Checks To Prevent Setting Stains

Post-wash, check carefully for stains before you dry. Don’t use heat to dry, including direct sunlight, if there is still a stain residue or mark on the fabric. Heat sets stains. Treat and wash again.

Everyday Stain Culprits and Prevention Tips

• Makeup and cosmetics can end up on your collar if you use foundations and powder around the jawline. Opt for lighter shades and use water-based products, which will be easier to remove if they stain the shirt.
• Hair products may leave a residue on your collar, which is a magnet for dirt. Use less or a different product. If you have long hair, consider a different style that keeps your hair away from the collar.
• Avoid certain foods like pasta sauces and soups, which can splash onto your cuffs as well as other areas of your white shirt. Tiny crumbs of chocolate can cause a surprising amount of staining.
• Check white garments thoroughly for hidden stains and wash after each wear to prevent an accumulation of dirt on the collar and cuffs.
• With new clothes, manufacturers treat garments with something called sizing agents to give a crisp, fresh appearance. There'll also be residues and other chemicals present. These can attract stains and are not good news for your skin. Always launder new clothes before wearing, even if they appear visually clean.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Clean Shirt Collars and Cuffs in a Washing Machine?

It’s most effective to pre-treat or soak the stained area before laundering in the machine. Using a washer may lift some of the mark, but not all of it. For best results, pre-soak using a Freddie laundry detergent sheet before laundering at the recommended temperature.

How Do You Get Rid of a Ring Around the Collar?

Pre-treat the collar with a stain-removing agent and/or soak using a laundry detergent sheet. Launder the garment at the temperature recommended on the care label. You may need to repeat both processes to completely remove the stain.

Freddie Laundry Sheets Simplify Washing, Support Fabric Care, and Lift Everyday Marks

Don’t avoid wearing white because you’re worried about stains or marks. With consistent care, you can keep white shirts looking bright and fresh. Freddie laundry detergent sheets are formulated without chlorine bleach, dyes, or phosphates, and can be used for both machine washing and pre-treating stains. They’re pre-measured and available in light fragrance and fragrance-free varieties.