Stains on the collar are a common problem that arise naturally from sweat and oil. You can deal with it easily if you know how. The key is prevention, but you can get rid of collar stains yourself, no matter how stubborn they are. Get started with Step 1 below to learn it.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Removing Stains
Step 1. Remove the oil
The first thing you should do is remove the oil first, so you can remove the stain under the oil. There are several ways to do this and you can choose the method according to your wishes and abilities. Try:
- Soaking clothes in liquid detergent. Apply regular liquid soap (such as Mama Lime) to the stain on the collar. Let it soak for an hour (or more) then rinse. It's a good idea to soak the shirt in water first so that the collar is wet and it's easier for the soap to absorb.
- Using an oil-removing product (such as Sunlight). Products like these are specially made to remove kitchen grease. Spray it on the stain and let it soak for 5 minutes then rinse. Be careful when using this product, because it can cause skin irritation.
- Use shampoo for oily hair. How to use it is the same as soaking clothes in liquid detergent. This method can also be very effective.
- Add oil. If all these methods do not work, there are some people who actually add oil to the collar. In theory, the new fat molecule can bind to the old fat molecule and then remove it. Use a product such as lanolin hand sanitizer, which you can buy at a drugstore or auto accessory store.
Step 2. Use a stain remover
Once the oil is gone, now all that's left is the dirt stain. Removing non-greasy stains will be easier to do. And again, there are two different ways to remove stains.
- Use Shouts. Shout is a common stain remover product found in most grocery stores. Spray onto the stain, leave it on, then wash the clothes normally.
- Use Oxyclean. Oxyclean is another cleaning product. If you don't have Oxyclean, you can make your own: just mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide. Oxyclean should be applied to the stain and may need to be scrubbed to completely remove the stain. Just rub the clothes by hand.
Step 3. Brush off the dirt
Even if brushing your clothes isn't your first choice, you can get better results if you brush off the dirt. Use an old toothbrush to gently brush after the dirt has been applied with an oil or dirt remover. As long as you don't do this too often, your clothes won't be damaged and can continue to be used.
Step 4. Wash the clothes
After you use the grease and stain remover, you can wash your clothes normally. Don't dry the shirt until you've completely removed the stain. Use the dryer after the stain is completely gone.
Step 5. Leave it to the experts
If you can't get rid of the stain, take it to a professional washer. They may be able to remove the stain. In addition, the price you have to pay to wash just one shirt may not be too expensive.
Method 2 of 2: Preventing the Stain Problem from Recurring
Step 1. Don't let the dirt settle for too long
The next time you want to remove the stain easily, don't let the stain settle for too long. As soon as you see a stain, immediately clean the stain. Don't put the clothes in the dryer if the stain hasn't gone away. In general, remove stains immediately before they turn darker.
Step 2. Change your cleaning habits
Stains on collars are the result of a mixture of oil and sweat present, so one way to prevent stains from forming is to improve your personal hygiene. Bathe more often, apply sweat deodorant to the neck, or apply baby powder on the neck to absorb oil and sweat.
Step 3. Change shampoo
Some types of shampoo can chemically mix with your body. If everything you've done hasn't prevented the stain from forming, try changing your shampoo brand and type.
Step 4. Wear a white shirt
Wear white clothes instead of other colored clothes. Stains can be seen immediately making it easier to clean. If you're wearing a white shirt, the only thing you have to worry about is removing the grease. Once the oil is gone, bleach can be used to remove any excess oil along with the stain.
Step 5. Use sweat strips
If possible, you can purchase sweat strips, which are stickers that cover the collar to prevent smudging. You can make it yourself if you're diligent enough, or ask an acquaintance who knows how to make it. Add a snap-on, button-down, or velcro strip on the dirtiest collars. These strips can be replaced and washed if needed.
Tips
- Never dry clothes with remaining dirt using a tumble dryer. The dryer will press the dirt into the fabric and you will have a harder time cleaning it. Always start washing by hand first and tumble dryer at the end of the wash.
- Use sparkling water on the stain on the collar. The foamy nature of the sparkling water will help remove the stain.
- Always use warm or hot water for washing, because cold water is difficult to remove stains!
