If you've ever noticed that the inside of your shirt collar is dingy and discolored, you've encountered what's known as a "ring around the collar." Over time, stains from body oils and personal care products can build up on shirt collars and cuffs, leaving unsightly brown or yellow discoloration.
Fortunately, it's fairly easy to treat. Even a deeply set-in stain can be eliminated without too much time or effort. Read on to learn more about what causes ring around the collar stains, how to remove them, and the best stain removal agents to use for the job.
What Is 'Ring Around the Collar'?
Ring around the collar stains are caused by the buildup of dead skin, sebum (the oily substance that gives skin a layer of protection and hydration), sweat, and personal grooming products on fabric. They show up as a darkening, yellowing, and/or dinginess of the fabric on the inside of shirt collars and cuffs. People who have particularly oily or dry skin or who use a lot of hair styling products may notice that these stains develop more quickly.
Here's how to treat ring around the cuff as well as ring around the collar.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Laundry brush
Materials
- Enzyme stain remover
- Laundry detergent
- Oxygen bleach
Instructions
How to Treat Ring Around the Collar Stains
This method involves pretreating the stained areas, giving the stain remover time to work, and then laundering the shirt as usual. It's best to treat stains as soon as you notice them, so inspect your collars and cuffs each time you take your shirt off. If you notice stains, start the pretreatment process right away.
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Apply Enzyme Stain Remover
Apply an enzyme stain remover to the stained collar (and cuffs, if necessary). Enzyme stain removers are usually liquids that come in spray bottles.
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Use Laundry Brush to Agitate Stain
Use a laundry brush to work the stain remover into the collar and agitate the soils, which will help the enzymes break down the buildup of dirt and oils that causes ring around the collar.
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Wait 15 to 20 Minutes
Enzyme stain removers are slower-acting than other stain treatment products, so it is important to allow time for them to work. Wait at least 15 to 20 minutes after applying the stain remover before laundering the garment as usual.
Launder Inside Out
After pretreating the stain, if you haven't already done so, turn the shirt inside out before putting it in the washer. Washing shirts with stained collars or cuffs inside out allows water and detergent to make more contact with the dirtiest part of the garment.
Check Stain Before Drying
After washing the shirt, check that the stains came out of the collar before putting it in the dryer. The heat from the dryer can set stains, making them more difficult to remove. If the stains are still present, proceed to step 6. If the stains are gone, dry the shirt as usual following the instructions on the care tag.
Soak in Oxygen Bleach If Needed
If, after washing, ring around the collar stains are still present, make a solution of oxygen bleach and water and soak the shirt in it for an hour up to overnight.
Sources:
- All photos used in this blogpost are sourced from the internet, and the rights belong to their respective owners
- Kerr, J. (2025a, January 17). How to get rid of ring around the collar stains The quick and easy way. Better Homes & Gardens. https://www.bhg.com/how-to-get-rid-of-ring-around-the-collar-stains-8743677