11 Plus Exams Forum

Ok, I give up, just how do you get them clean properly and eliminate the dirt ring on the collars? I know you cannot see it when they are wearing the shirts but I know it is there. DG

I try to make sure they only get worn for one day, and that way the dirt doesn't seem to get too ingrained. Although dd1 keeps losing shirts (no, I don't know how either) so atm they don't actually have enough for one a day without me doing small washes during the week, which I'd rather not have to. Anyway, my girls have John Lewis open-necked short-sleeved blouses and they seem to stay nicely white.

Clean neck and clean shirt daily. Only my DS wears shirts as DD's uniform has polo shirts. He's a very stinky boy at the mo' because of puberty ( he can be whiffy within three hours of showering) and to be honest, his collars are the least of my worries! His M&S shirts are washed at forty degrees and so far haven't developed grubby collars.

Does your DD use a lot of perfume on her neck? If so, perhaps it's leaving residue on her blouses.

For me it's a liberal spray at collar and cuffs (hubby!) with good old Mr Musle Kitchen Cleaner (again - see previous on grass stains ) left for 10/15 minutes to do its magic then a 50 degree wash. I find 40 degrees is ok at getting light muck/every day wear out, but for that added oomph, you need the water just that bit hotter. HTH

My DS's shirts get very dirty around the collar too despite having a change of shirt every day. I use Ariel stain remover first and rub it into the collar and then the shirts are washed with Ariel gel. It works brilliantly.

It's my DS's white PE kit that drives me mad. I've resorted to soaking it in bleach - can't be sensible really.

Who on earth ever thought white shorts & t-shirts for boys were a good idea?