Laundry stains around collars and underarms can make an otherwise wearable shirt feel like it belongs in the donation pile.
But one DIY fashion expert is reminding viewers that a fix may already be sitting in your kitchen cabinet.
Here's what to know
On Sept. 13, fashion expert Sheri posted a YouTube video on Confessions of a Refashionista (@RefashionistaSheri) showing how pantry staples can treat stains around collars and underarms.
Sheri starts the video by saying: "Don't give up on stubborn stains. Do bust them with common household ingredients."
Her simple treatment begins with putting a small amount of baking soda on the stained fabric. After that, add white vinegar, scrub the area with an old toothbrush, and leave the shirt to sit.
Sheri says the timing is not always the same. Some spots fade fast, while others need to stay treated overnight before rinsing. And when one attempt isn't enough, Sheri advises rinsing the shirt and repeating the treatment.
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One TikTok commenter wrote: "This was perfect timing. I was just looking at my collars after washing them today."
More background
Because many homes already stock baking soda and white vinegar, they can serve as inexpensive stand-ins for commercial cleaners.
Saving a stained shirt instead of swapping it out can also lengthen the life of clothes people already own and keep garments from being discarded over surface-level wear.
For people who want to scale back harsher store-bought cleaners, pantry-based options like this can be especially appealing. Of course, their performance depends on the stain and the fabric, but for routine cleaning, simple ingredients are often enough and may also feel like a safer choice in many homes.
Where can I learn more?
If Sheri's baking soda and vinegar trick sounds useful, these stories cover a few more ways to tackle stains that sideline otherwise wearable clothes.
• Deodorant buildup can disappear with a two-ingredient solution before a favorite shirt gets replaced.
• Pesky underarm marks often yield to a quick and easy fix using hydrogen peroxide.
• Grease-splattered clothes can still be saved with a simple stain-lifting trick before wash day.
A stubborn stain doesn't have to send a garment to the discard pile. A few low-cost tricks can help basics last longer and cut down on unnecessary replacements.
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