The $10 supermarket hack that saved my favourite white shirt

I don’t care what anyone says: there is nothing more chic than a crisp, white cotton shirt.

So you can imagine my frustration when, no matter what I tried, I couldn’t remove a stubborn ring-around-the-collar stain from my favourite button-down. You name it, I tried it.

And no, it wasn’t makeup – it was friction from natural neck oils transferring straight onto the cotton (you might notice similar marks under the arms).

After endless trials and tribulations of white blouse maintenance, I’ve found a solution that works. It might not completely fix a stained collar, but it gets bloody close.

Better yet, the ingredients will cost you no more than $10 at most supermarkets.

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What you need

• 1 tbsp dishwashing liquid: Ideally clear or yellow to avoid further staining (a grease-cutting one works best).
• 2 tbsp hydrogen peroxide (3 per cent)
• 1-2 tbsp baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)

What to do

1. Combine all ingredients until a smooth paste forms.
2. Spread the paste over the affected area and massage it in using your fingers or the back of a spoon.
3. Leave it to sit for 30 to 90 minutes.
4. Rinse the mixture off under cold water – I like to rub the fabric together a bit as I rinse – before throwing it in the washing machine as normal.
5. Let it dry, and it should be looking MUCH better.

Why it works

To understand the science behind the magic, I spoke with laundry and lifestyle expert Leanne Neiland, who has more than 400,000 followers on Instagram.

“The stain was probably a buildup of body oils, sweat and, dare I say it, dead skin cells,” Leanne explains.

She says dish liquid breaks down those oils while 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide acts as a mild oxidising agent to tackle yellowing. Bicarbonate of soda is mildly alkaline and abrasive, helping lift the stain.

Before you try out the hack, Leanne has two important tips.

“Make sure the stain is removed before putting it in the dryer, as it will permanently set the stain,” she tells nine.com.au.

“It’s best to use on durable fabrics such as cotton. Avoid delicate fabrics like linen, silk and wool. Also, be careful with coloured fabrics.”