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Because of its effectivity and affordability , Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam is our top pick .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
There ’s nothing quite like the initial panic of disgorge red wine-colored or a glob of foundation on your favorite blouse . Thankfully , there are a variety of laundry stain remover to help you cursorily salvage your garment — no matter what type of smirch you are make do with .
“ The first key fruit to stain remotion , ” says Angela Brown , CEO of Savvy Cleaner , “ is to identify the type of stain coarse to your lifestyle so you may handle it with the proper case of remover . ” Whether you are constantly scrubbing grass stains out of baseball trouser or just have the occasional mustard spot , there is a laundry stain remover for many common stains .
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
To find the practiced laundry stain remover , we tested 30 different stain removers in our laboratory . In plus to Brown , we also confab Kathy Cohoon , operations manager at Two Maids and a Mop , for additional brainwave .
What We Tested
Using a preset methodological analysis , we rated stain removers found onease of exercise , effectiveness , and economic value . For more on how we tested laundry stain removers , seeour examination processbelow .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam
Testers noted that it was unscented and easy to use .
It was n’t effectual at removing wine stains .
Our top pickax , the Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam , exceeded our expectatations during examination . This affordable stain remover received perfect scores for ease of use , effectuality , and economic value . It feature stain - move out ingredient that dissolve tough grease stains , and it ’s safe to use on machine washable fabrics .
Credit: Amazon
To take out discolouration , bear the can six inches away from the varnished framework and spray . Then , wait one to five minutes and launder as common . Be careful not to let the spray sit for too long on the fabric so it does n’t dry out .
When our testers used this stain remover , it completely withdraw chocolate syrup , eatage , olive oil , and marker filth . The stains were removed on the first treatment without damaging the fabric . The stain remover did n’t altogether address a reddish wine blot , but because it removed the other stains so effectively , the tester were proud of with the result .
The instructions for this laundry stain remover were clear to show , and the applicator was easy to practice . Our examiner enthusiastically agree that they would recommend this merchandise because of how well it performed given how affordable it is .
The Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam was easy to use and can be used on machine-washable clothing.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
mathematical product Details : case : Spray foam |Size:18 ounces |Wait clock time : One to five minutes
Best Pen
Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover
It withdraw common fresh nutrient grunge and is small enough to keep in your bagful or railroad car .
Our tester found they had to use quite a bit of production to withdraw the discoloration .
If you ’ve ever gotten a coffee stain on your shirt before an important meeting , you know the importance of having a pen discolouration remover in your bag . It ’s no surprisal that the reliable Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover is the best pen mark remover because of its convenience and effectiveness .
This whitener - innocent stain remover is perfectly portable and well fits in a tug , briefcase , or glove box . The pattern and chemical formula are intended to be used mainly onfresh solid food stainssince those are the most plebeian stains to hap when you ’re on the go . It ’s safe to habituate on machine washable and ironic cleanable fabrics .
Even though the pen grime remover is formulated specifically for common food stain , our testers were impressed by how well it remove non - food grease , too . It easily removed brisk hot chocolate sirup and olive oil stains and also , completely dissolved weed and marker stains . When testing the playpen against a red wine stain , it importantly boil down the show of the stain but did n’t completely withdraw it . Our testers signal out that the penitentiary had a very scant chemical scent , but it was barely detectable .
Overall , because of its ability to remove fresh food stains , the Tide To Go pen earned a blot as the salutary pen stain remover on our list . Our testers stated they would commend this merchandise since it is affordable , portable , and effective .
Product detail : Type : Pen / light touch |Size:1.01 Panthera uncia |Wait meter : quick treatment
Best Travel-Sized
Method Stain Remover
The small bottle sport a built - in brush , make it convenient to use on trip or vacations .
The formula was able to murder most stains except crimson wine-coloured .
For the best soil remover to take with you on vacation or an extended employment head trip , look no further than the Method Stain Remover . This 6 - apothecaries' ounce bottleful is conveniently sized to pack in a tote bag , and it feature a built - in skirmish to facilitate tackle stain when you are n’t equipped with your normal cleaning armoury .
This spot remover is made with plant - found ingredients and does n’t stop any perfumes or dyestuff . The cruelty - destitute rule is safe to use onwashable fabricsand works on both colored and bloodless fabric . To employ , squeeze the product on the stain until it ’s totally covered , using the built - in brush if necessary . look five minute , and then wash your habiliment detail as you commonly would .
After one discourse using this product , our testers noted that both overbold and set - in grass , marking , olive petroleum , and umber syrup filth were completely removed . They were implicated that the grunge may be transferred to other areas of the cloth since the formula was so lathery . However , the mathematical product performed well and after wash the address fabric there was no trace of the smear .
The stain remover also almost totally lift a tough makeup stain , and the tester were confident it would be bump off after another handling . It was n’t able to completely bump off a red wine-coloured spot , but it did improve the stain quite a spot . Because the Method Stain Remover received unadulterated scores for ease of utilisation , potency , scent , and value , it ’s one of the good stain removers on our list .
Credit: Amazon
Product item : Type : Pen / brush |Size:6 apothecaries' ounce |Wait meter : Five minutes
Best Stick
Ingredients Matter Stain Stick
This laundry joystick is an eco - friendly selection to stain remotion .
It did n’t altogether remove most stains on the first discussion , but it reduced the appearance of stains significantly .
Laundry soap control stick are an eco - friendly choice to traditional laundry stain remover that are packaged in plastic bottle . This scoop stain stick from Ingredients Matter is the good stick washables grime remover for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint .
We were impressed that the Tide To Go pen worked well on both food and non-food stains.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
This laundry joystick looks like a streak of soap and is free of petroleum , phosphates , parabens , and dyestuff . The fragrance - destitute stain remover can be used on most fabrics include fleece , workout apparel , and delicates . Using it is simple — just wet your textile , rub the stick on the stain , and wash as usual .
When our testers used the laundry stick on invigorated stains , it completely removed weed and marking stain . The laundry stick also removed a large serving of olive fossil oil , makeup , wine , and chocolate stains on the first treatment .
On solidification - in stains , it successfully lift dope stain and significantly reduced the show of hot chocolate , olive vegetable oil , marker , and makeup stain . The laundry stick had a more difficult prison term whole remove a bent - in wine stain , but it was still able to make a obtrusive difference after the first handling .
This laundry stain remover received high scores across all try out categories , and the testers noted that the bar of soap made it easy to apply the blot remover in the exact stain area . They also noted it lathered well and smell fresh and clean but did n’t have an consuming aroma .
mathematical product particular : Type : Bar / reefer |Size:2.4 ounces |Wait Time : No wait time
Best for Food Stains
Seventh Generation Laundry Stain Remover
The flora - based convention was effective against fresh food stains .
It ’s not recommended to be used on wool or silk .
For overbold food stains , your best path of action is to handle them like a shot with the Seventh Generation Laundry Stain Remover . It ’s made with almost all plant - base ingredients and does n’t contain phosphate , fragrances , or dyestuff . The container itself is made out of post - consumer recycled publicity , and it ’s recyclable . The stigma also does n’t test on beast .
To use , spray straight off on the stigma and impregnate well . wash out your textile right away or within 24 hours for the dependable upshot . It ’s secure to apply on colorfast washable material , but you should avoid using the product on wool or silk .
Our testers found that this laundry blot remover worked well on fresh intellectual nourishment stains . After one treatment , the deep brown , olive oil , forage , and marker stains were completely removed from the stained t - shirt . The red wine-colored stain showed advance , but it was still seeable . The tester also note the spray bottle was simple to utilize , and there was no detectable scent .
This production received perfect scores for ease of use and value and garner in high spirits marks across other tested categories . Because of its effectiveness and affordability , we award this product the top smear in this family .
Product detail : eccentric : Spray |Size:16 ounce |Wait Time : quick to 24 hour
Best for Grass Stains
Defunkify Stain Remover Spray
It ’s EPA Safer Choice certified and can remove other stains in addition to skunk stains .
It ’s more expensive than other pick .
If you have a house full of budding athletes , you ’ll want to keep the Defunkify Stain Remover Spray on manus at all times . ThisEPA Safer Choice Certifiedformula will aid remove those stubborn grass smear from baseball game praxis and association football games . It ’s safe to use on all material types , and can even be used on lounge and carpet , too .
To treat blot , the teaching commend agitate the spray bottle and then spray the moved area . For better results , countenance the product to sit on the soil for 15 minute , and then launder the fabric as usual .
When test this product , our testers noticed that this production totally removed both impertinent green goddess soil and set - in skunk stains . In addition to the grass stain , the grime remover also completely lifted the marker , umber syrup , and Olea europaea petroleum stains . However , the chemical formula struggled to absent red wine and makeup stains . Testers also take down that the spraying bottle was simple to repoint and spray , and no scent was detected .
Because it was so good at treating pot stain , we recommend this as your go - to product if you have ahousehold full of sports lover . Although the price is high than other product on our leaning , it does come in a pack of two so you get double the amount of stain remover .
Product Details : Type : Spray |Size:16 ounces |Wait Time:15 minutes
Best for Makeup Stains
Shout Advanced Ultra Concentrated Gel Stain Remover
you may waitress up to a week before laundering the treated stain .
It did n’t completely remove the stain , but it lightened the spot much better than other ware we test .
There ’s nothing quite like the terror of watching a glob of foundation splat onto your pet blouse when you ’re buzz off ready for work or a night out . war paint stains are tough to take out , and while we tested more than 30 stain - removing products , none of them entirely removed foundation stains from clothing . However , the Shout Advanced Stain Remover baffle moderately close .
Credit: Amazon
This stain remover boast a blockheaded gel recipe and a ramp up - in scouring brushwood . It ’s safe to apply on colorfast framework and can be used in any temperature H2O . One of the best features of this formula is that you’re able to hold the ware without having to wash out your garment immediately — you’re able to wait up to a week before washing your varnished fabric .
To practice , apply the gel on the discolouration and hatch the stain entirely , using the brushing to influence the pattern into the fabric . Wait for one to five minutes , then wash as you unremarkably would . If you ca n’t lap the garment immediately , do n’t worry — this formula countenance you to await up to one week before laundering .
While test this product , our tester noted that this formula was capable to take out more of the constitution stains than any other intersection we tested . It did n’t entirely remove the foundation stain , but it did significantly lighten the billet . In addition to working well on the make-up stains , it also totally removed refreshful grass and deep brown sirup stains .
The Method Stain Remover is made with plant-based ingredients, so there’s no perfumes or dyes.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
ware Details : Type : Gel |Size:8.7 ounces |Wait Time : One to five moment
Best for Red Wine Stains
OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder
It ’s unscented and the only Cartesian product we tested that withdraw crimson wine stains only .
You will need a sink , container , or top - payload wash machine to hook your varnished garment .
The OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder is go - to stain remover to use when grounds of your wine dark is seeable on your dress . While several of the other discoloration removers on our list importantly lightenedred wine-coloured smear , this was the only production we tested that completely remove the stains .
This water - activated powder formula is chlorine - free and unscented . Plus , it can be used on more than stained clothes — you’re able to also use it to remove stains from carpets , upholstery , and more .
To remove stains using this product , scoop out the powder to the 2d line on the include scoop , and pour it into a gallon of water . reserve the garment to soak for one to six hours , depending on the size of it and type of filth . After soaking the stained fabric , launder your garment as you normally would .
Our examiner remark that this product completely removed both fresh and set - in ruby-red wine smear from metric ton - shirts . In addition to the obstinate red wine stains , the powder also removed fresh and set up - in grass , olive oil , and mark stain . It received a perfect score for economic value and received high marks for effectiveness .
While many other products on our list are spray or brushes that you could practice directly to the stain , note that this is a gunpowder so you will need a container or washstand to soak your garment in .
Product Details : eccentric : Powder |Size:3 - pound sterling container |Wait prison term : One to six hour
Best for Set-in Stains
Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover Laundry Spray
It ’s an easy - to - use spray formula with a low wait clip .
It ’s more expensive than other stain removers .
Sometimes we are n’t able to do by spot forthwith . When that ’s the case , Grandma ’s Secret Spot Remover Laundry Spray is the best stain remover . This bleach- and atomic number 17 - detached formula is both efficacious and gentle to use and can tackle a smorgasbord of stains including grease , rock oil , solid food , paint , and more .
For best results , plainly spray the product flat onto the filth and look five to 10 arcminute . After the product has saturated the brand , wash your garment as common .
When prove this merchandise in our lab , the mark remove worked well against tonic grease , but it stood out among the rest in damage of removing plant - in discolouration . It completely removed solidifying - in grass , marking , olive oil , and chocolate syrup stains . Though it was n’t able-bodied to fully remove makeup and red wine stains , both spot were lightened quite a bit .
The price is a bit higher than other products on our list , but our testers call up it was still a good value considering its effectiveness against readiness - in stains .
merchandise detail : eccentric : Spray |Size:16 ounces |Wait clip : Five to 10 minutes
The Bottom Line
Overall , the best washing stain remover is theShout Advanced Foaming Laundry Stain Removerbecause of its effectualness and affordability . For a convenient and portable stain remover , theTide To - Go Penis small enough to fit in a purse or briefcase and can remove food orcoffee stainswithout having to wash your garment .
Our Testing Process
To find the good stain removers , we tested 30 different brand removers at our lab in Des Moines , Iowa . Each mathematical product was get across during testing so the testers were n’t aware of the brand or monetary value .
During examination , our tester apply smoke , olive oil , marker , chocolate syrup , red vino , andmakeup stainsto t - shirts and circled each stigma with a lasting marker . After waiting at least one minute of arc , they followed the producer ’s instructions to attempt to remove each stain .
tester also assess grime removers against set - in stain that had been sitting on t - shirts for at least eight hours . Thelaundry stainremovers were evaluate on their ease of employment , effectiveness , scent , and value .
What to Know About Laundry Stain Removers Before Shopping
Type
There are many types of laundry stain remover admit pens , sprays , and powders . When trying to decide which one is best for you , deal what variety of filth you commonly remove from your clothes . If you often deal with small spots , a playpen or spray may be your best wager . However , for expectant stains , a pulverization may be more beneficial so you’re able to soak the whole garment .
“ spray and liquids are easy and usually most commodious , but powders can be effective for big jobs or items that need to douse , ” Cohoon says .
Size
you could find laundry stain removers as minor as a few ounces in a marker or as expectant as several gal in a container . To choose the appropriate size for you , see how often you are dole out with stains . If you dwell alone and just deal with the occasional deep brown ormustard smirch , a container with a few apothecaries' ounce will be sufficient . However , if you exist with ( or frequently amount in contact with)pets or children , it may be a proficient idea to have a big size on hand .
Wait Time
Whichever laundry stain remover you choose , ensure to espouse the specific instructions for that special product before chucking the regale washables into awashing machine . Some product state you may brush the product on without rinsing forthwith , while others recommend spraying the stain and allowing it to posture for a certain amount of time . Using the mathematical product wrong or depart the rule on your garment for too long could damage the fabric instead of cover it .
“ The secret to removing smear without harming your article of clothing is to follow the fabric care instructions ( the label on the clothing),”Brownsays . “ As well as the dwell time suggested by the spot remover maker ( the label on the bottleful of stain remotion atomiser or powder ) when pretreating stains . ”
Other Laundry Stain Removers We Tested
HEX Performance Stain & Stink Remover
TheHex Performance Stain & Stink Removerperformed well across all test categories , removing most discolouration except red wine and makeup dirt . The testers also appreciate that the production did n’t have a strong chemical substance smell — instead , it had a wanton lemon aroma .
Hate Stains Co. Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater Remover
Touted as an essential for parents , theHate Stains Co. Stain Removerwas in force at removing fresh coffee and mark stains during our examination . This product is also free of allergens , perfume , and dyes , and it ’s EPA Safer Choice certified . However , the tester did take note that the atomizer bottle was a morsel more difficult to use than other laundry stain remover they used .
Meliora Laundry Stain Removal Soap Stick
For another eco - friendly alternative , the Meliora Laundry Stain Removal Soap Stick does n’t use any credit card in its packaging . When put to the test , the laundry stick was capable to remove tonic smoke , chocolate , marker , and olive oil colour stains . It was also able to completely remove put - in chocolate and marker stains , but it only faded the set - in grass , red wine , and physical composition stains .
Your Questions, Answered
What should you look for in a laundry stain remover?
“ Laundry stain removers use enzyme or oxidation to break down stains and not all are create equal , ” order KathyCohoon . “ Look for stain removers that are easy yet efficient and avoid rough ingredients like dimethyl ketone and strong inebriant as they can damage coloured material . ”
Brown also notes that the good laundry stain remover are made with enzyme or surface-active agent that help address specific stain .
Which stains are the hardest to remove?
The hardest stains to take away are the ones that are n’t treated as shortly as potential . “ Lifting stains now will help reduce the likelihood of long - full term damage and stains , ” Cohoon says . To well remove tough stains , be certain to take after your garment ’s specific laundering instruction and the instruction on the laundry stain remover .
How much do laundry stain removers cost?
Likelaundry detergent plane , laundry stain removers are comparatively affordable . The most cheap product on our list is $ 4 while more expensive ones can place from $ 18 to $ 25 . dissimilar divisor such as factor , source , packaging , and plan all divisor into the monetary value . However , a more expensive stain remover does n’t needfully stand for it ’s the best — our top pick was less than $ 5 .
Who We Are
Brandi Fulleris an editor for Better Homes & Gardens who writes about the good abode and intersection . For this list , she explore important agent to look for in laundry stain remover and compared her findings with the insights provided by our testing lab in Des Moines , Iowa . She also received expert insight fromAngela Brown , CEO of Savvy Cleaner , andKathy Cohoon , operations manager at Two Maids and a Mop .
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list , you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of favorable reception . Products that earn the seal have been put through strict examination to make indisputable they ’re worth a smear in your home . We buy most of the products we test ourselves , but now and again we are provided samples by companies if purchasing is n’t an alternative . In these cases , we use the same testing criteria we utilise to test the purchased merchandise .
Looking for more products that have garner ourBHG Recommends Navy SEAL of favorable reception ? control out our pick for everything from breeze blanket to humidifiers .
Credit: Amazon
The Ingredients Matter Stain Stick fully removed grass stains and reduced the appearance of others.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Target
One treatment successfully removed chocolate, olive oil, grass, and marker stains.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
The Defunkify Stain Remover Spray removed both fresh and set-in grass stains.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
The Shout Gel Stain Remover features a thick gel formula and a built-in scrub brush.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
The OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder completely removed all stains during testing.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover Laundry Spray easily removed set-in stains during testing.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
We tested the stain removers on stains like grass, olive oil, chocolate, red wine, and makeup.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
We evaluated how well the product worked on each stain and whether it needed multiple applications.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
