Have you already tried how much product is in the bleach in the supermarket and are the stains on the cuffs and collars of your shirts still there? This can certainly give you a headache.
If this is your case, don’t worry. In this article we explain how to clean shirt cuffs and collars to win the battle against those indomitable stains.
How to wash shirt cuffs and collars?
They are, without a doubt, the part of a shirt that tends most to get stained or to acquire that characteristic yellowish colour. It is logical: for example, shirt collars are in direct contact with perspiration. Plus, it’s also easy to get smudged with makeup.
On the other hand, fists suffer and get dirty almost as much as our hands, becoming one of the parts of T-shirts that attract dirt and stains the most.
For this reason, it is important to pay particular attention to the cuffs and collars of the shirts, and we perform some tasks before incorporating them into the washing machine. In this way, we’ll make sure they come out completely clean and no traces of stains.
Next, we give you some tips. Take note and choose the one that seems simplest or most appropriate to you.
White vinegar

The whitening effect of white vinegar on clothes is well known and used in many homes. Indeed, acts as a cleansing booster and, moreover, it is particularly effective against sweat stains.
To whiten the parts of the shirts you want with this ingredient:
- First, before putting the garment in the washing machine, dissolve 2 tablespoons of white vinegar in a glass of water.
- Then, apply with a toothbrush to the stained area.
- Then, leave it on for 30 minutes.
- After this time, rinse well with plenty of running water.
- Finally, you can put the shirt in the washing machine, always following the instructions on the label of your garment.
Sodium bicarbonate
Like white vinegar, baking soda can also whiten clothes. Take note:
- First, dissolve 4 tablespoons of baking soda in 1/4 cup of water.
- Then, as in the previous tip, apply the mixture to the cuffs and collars of your shirts with the help of a toothbrush. In fact, brush where necessary to make them disappear, always in a circular and delicate way.
- Then rinse with plenty of water.
- Finally, of course, put the shirt in the washing machine and wash it according to the washing instructions on the label.
Ammonia
- First, mix equal proportions of water and ammonia in a container.
- Then, as in the previous cases, apply gently with a toothbrush.
- Finally, put the garment in the washing machine at the temperature indicated on the care label.
Dishwasher for washing shirt cuffs and collars

The detergent you wash dishes with can also be very effective at fighting stains on shirts. Indeed, for this:
- First, apply the detergent with water to the stain. You should make a lather and scrub it well.
- Also, if needed because the stain is tough, you can let it soak in the dishwasher.
- Finally, put the shirt in the washing machine. You will check the result!
Dishwasher, ammonia, bicarbonate or vinegar: you choose which of these options is best suited for washing shirt cuffs and collars. However, always be careful. In fact, some delicate fabrics (such as silk, for example) could be affected by contact with ammonia or bicarbonate.
For this reason, we recommend that you first apply these products to an invisible part of the garment. This way, you can check whether or not they will damage it before using them on cuffs and collars.
Finally, you must remember that the best remedy is prevention. Therefore, if you didn’t know they exist, you could acquire and use shirt neck and wrist protectors available in the market. They are quite efficient and, moreover, disposable.
In any case, we are sure that one of these remedies will help you and you will finally get rid of those stubborn stains that are like that tarnish a good shirt. Furthermore, as you have seen, they are easy to apply, cheap and natural. What worked for you?
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