Simple Steps to Prevent Yellowing on White Shirt Collars (and Rescue Stained Ones)

Once a yellow stain sets into a collar, regular washing won’t always get it out. But don’t worry—you don’t have to toss out your favorite white shirts just yet. With the right stain removal techniques, you can restore collars to their original bright white. Here’s how to do it effectively.

01 | Pretreat the Stain Before Washing

Best Pretreatment Options:

• Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda Paste – Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and baking soda with a few drops of dish soap. Apply directly to the stain and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before washing.
• White Vinegar Soak – Soak the stained area in a solution of one part white vinegar to two parts warm water for 30 minutes. This breaks down oils and deodorant residue.
• Lemon Juice and Sunlight – For a natural alternative, rub fresh lemon juice onto the stain and lay the shirt in direct sunlight for a few hours. The combination of citric acid and UV rays helps break down yellowing.
• Oxygen-based Stain Remover – Commercial stain removers with oxygen bleach (like OxiClean) are great for lifting deep stains. Apply to the collar and let it sit for an hour before washing.

02 | Wash with the Right Method

Regular detergent alone won’t always be enough to lift set-in yellow stains. Follow these laundry best practices:

• Use warm (not hot) water – Hot water can set stains permanently. Stick to warm or cold washes for better results.
• Choose an enzyme-based detergent – These are specifically designed to break down sweat and body oils.
• Add boosters – Throw in a half cup of baking soda or a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle to help break down residues.
• Run an extra rinse cycle – This ensures all detergent and stain residues are completely washed out.

03 | Try a Deep Soak for Stubborn Stains

If yellowing is still visible after washing, a deep soak may be necessary.

• Fill a basin with warm water and add:
  • 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide
  • ½ cup of baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon of detergent
• Let the shirt soak for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight for tough stains.
• Wash as usual the next day.

04 | Dry with Caution

Never put a stained shirt in the dryer until you’re sure the stain is gone. Heat sets stains, making them much harder to remove later. Instead, air dry the shirt in sunlight if possible—sun exposure acts as a natural whitener.

By using these targeted stain removal techniques, you can rescue even the most stubbornly yellowed collars and extend the life of your favorite white shirts.

The best way to deal with yellowing collars? Prevent them from happening in the first place. With the right care routine, you can keep your white shirts looking crisp and clean without fighting stains later.

1. Wash After Every Wear

One of the biggest mistakes people make is wearing a white shirt multiple times before washing it. Even if it looks clean, sweat and body oils are still present—and the longer they sit, the more likely they are to turn yellow.

• If you wore a shirt all day, toss it into the laundry that night.
• If you only wore it briefly, give the collar a quick spot clean before hanging it back up.

2. Pretreat Collars Before Washing

Even if you don’t see stains, it’s a good habit to pretreat collars before every wash.

• Apply a small amount of enzyme detergent, hydrogen peroxide, or dish soap to the collar and gently rub it in.
• Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before putting the shirt into your washing machine.
• This prevents oils from soaking into the fabric and turning yellow over time.

3. Use the Right Detergent (and the Right Amount)

To keep collars clean:

• Use an enzyme-based detergent – These break down sweat and oils before they set in.
• Avoid excessive detergent use – Too much detergent can leave a residue that attracts dirt and makes yellowing worse.
• Skip fabric softener – Softener coats fabric fibers, making it easier for sweat and dirt to cling.

4. Choose the Best Deodorant

Believe it or not, your deodorant may be causing yellow stains. Many antiperspirants contain aluminum, which reacts with sweat and creates those tough yellow rings.

• Avoid deodorants with aluminum.
• Choose aluminum-free, clear, or gel-based formulas instead.
• Let deodorant fully dry before putting on your shirt.

5. Store White Shirts Properly

Even clean shirts can develop yellowing over time if they’re not stored correctly. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Make sure shirts are completely dry before storing – any lingering moisture can cause oxidation, which leads to yellowing.
• Use breathable garment bags instead of plastic covers.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and humidity.

6. Schedule Regular Deep Cleans

Even with careful washing, some buildup can still occur over time. That’s why it’s a good idea to deep clean your white shirts once a month.

• Try a vinegar soak (one cup of white vinegar in a bucket of warm water for an hour).
• Use oxygen bleach instead of chlorine bleach to brighten whites without damaging fabric.
• Take white dress shirts to a professional dry cleaner every few months for a thorough refresh.

7. Use Protective Barriers

If you wear white shirts regularly, taking an extra step to protect your collars can save you from stains.

• Wear an undershirt to absorb sweat before it reaches the collar.
• Use collar guards or disposable sweat pads to prevent oils from transferring.
• Shower and dry off completely before putting on a white shirt to reduce oil and sweat transfer.

Yellowing stains on collars—who hasn’t dealt with them? It doesn’t matter if you wear an expensive dress shirt to a business meeting or a simple cotton tee on the weekend—those stubborn stains always seem to show up.

At Major Cleaners, we specialize in professional laundry services that restore and preserve the brilliance of your whites, along with dry cleaning, wedding dress cleaning and preservation, and comforter cleaning. Our state-of-the-art cleaning facility in Greenville, South Carolina, has been a trusted name in garment care since 1950. Since our founding, we’ve worked tirelessly to refine our cleaning process, ensuring the very best care for your clothing items, linens, and more.

Interested in our services? Call our customer service team at 864.675.9499, or send us an email at info@majorcleaners.com—we’re here to help!