Stains on clothes can be really frustrating. Whether it’s coffee, ketchup, grass, or ink, stains often don’t come out with regular washing. But with the right stain remover, you can make your clothes look clean and fresh again.
Cleaning experts have tested many stain removers to find out which ones work best. In this article, we’ll share the 9 best laundry stain removers. These products have been tested on different types of stains like food, grease, dirt, blood, and more. We’ll also explain how to use each one.
Here are the best stain removers you can trust.
1. OxiClean MaxForce Spray
Good for: All kinds of stains
OxiClean MaxForce is one of the most powerful stain removers out there. It works on many types of stains like grease, grass, blood, sweat, and makeup. It comes in a spray bottle, so it’s easy to apply.
Why it’s great:
- Has five different stain-fighting ingredients
- Works on both fresh and old stains
- Safe for whites and colors
How to use: Spray directly on the stain. Wait 5 to 10 minutes before washing. For tough stains, you can leave it on for a few hours or even a few days before washing.
2. Shout Advanced Gel
Good for: Oily stains and old stains
Shout Advanced Gel is great for removing grease and oil stains, like those from food or car work. It’s also great on shirt collars and underarm stains. The gel is thick, so it stays on the stain and doesn’t run.
Why it’s great:
- Thick formula that clings to fabric
- Comes with a built-in brush for scrubbing
- Good for set-in stains
How to use: Squeeze the gel on the stain, rub it in with the brush, and wait a few minutes or longer. Then wash as usual.
3. Zout Laundry Stain Remover
Good for: Protein stains like blood, sweat, baby food, and milk
Zout is made with special ingredients called enzymes that break down tough stains. It works very well on protein-based stains like blood and formula. It also helps with food and drink stains.
Why it’s great:
- Breaks down stains fast
- Works on both fresh and dried stains
- Safe for colored and white clothes
How to use: Spray on the stain and wait 5 to 10 minutes. Then wash as usual. Repeat if needed.
4. Puracy Natural Laundry Stain Remover
Good for: Natural and gentle cleaning
Puracy is a plant-based stain remover. It doesn’t have strong chemicals and is safe for sensitive skin, babies, and pets. Even though it’s gentle, it still works on tough stains like coffee, red wine, and berries.
Why it’s great:
- Made from natural ingredients
- Safe for babies and people with allergies
- Works on over 100 types of stains
How to use: Spray on the stain and wait 15 to 30 minutes before washing. For older stains, let it sit longer.
5. Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar Soap
Good for: Pre-treating tough stains on a budget
This is an old-school stain remover that still works today. It’s a bar of soap that you rub directly on the stain. It works great on greasy stains, dirt, and sweat.
Why it’s great:
- Very affordable and long-lasting
- Good for work clothes and uniforms
- No fancy packaging, just results
How to use: Wet the stained area. Rub the soap bar on the fabric. Scrub gently with a brush or your hands, then wash.
6. The Laundress Stain Solution
Good for: Delicate clothes like silk, wool, and cashmere
If you have fancy or soft clothes, you don’t want to use something too strong. The Laundress Stain Solution is gentle but still powerful. It even works on red wine, ink, and tea.
Why it’s great:
- Safe for delicate fabrics
- Has a light, clean scent
- A little goes a long way
How to use: Put a few drops on the stain and rub gently. You can also mix it with water to soak the fabric. Then wash carefully, following the care label on your clothes.
7. Spray ‘n Wash Laundry Stain Remover
Good for: Daily stains from food and drinks
Spray ‘n Wash is a common stain remover that’s been around for a long time. It works well on everyday messes like spaghetti sauce, juice, and mustard. It’s simple and quick to use.
Why it’s great:
- Easy to use
- Works fast
- Great for school and work clothes
How to use: Spray on the stain, wait 5 minutes, then wash. That’s it!
8. Carbona Stain Devils (Set of 9)
Good for: Special stains like ink, glue, rust, and makeup
Carbona makes different bottles for different stains. For example, one bottle is for ink, another for grass, and another for cooking oil. Each formula is made for a specific type of stain, which makes it very strong and effective.
Why it’s great:
- Made for specific stain types
- Very effective when used correctly
- Great for weird or hard-to-remove stains
How to use: Pick the right number for your stain. Follow the instructions on the bottle. Usually, you apply the liquid, wait a few minutes, then wash.
9. Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover
Good for: Small, stubborn stains like ink, grass, and lipstick
This tiny bottle may look simple, but it’s very strong. It’s great to keep in your laundry room, purse, or suitcase. It’s gentle on clothes but tough on stains.
Why it’s great:
- Very strong for its size
- Safe on colors and fabrics
- Perfect for travel or home
How to use: Put a small drop on the stain. Rub it in gently and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Then wash.
Easy Tips for Removing Stains
Here are some helpful tips to make your stain remover work better:
Act quickly: Try to treat the stain as soon as you can. Fresh stains are easier to remove.
Blot, don’t rub: Rubbing can make stains go deeper into the fabric. Use a paper towel or cloth to blot the stain gently.
Let it soak: Many stain removers work better when they sit on the fabric for a while. Don’t wash it off too fast.
Check before drying: If the stain is still there after washing, don’t put the item in the dryer. The heat can make the stain permanent.
Test first: Try the stain remover on a small hidden area of your clothing before using it on the stain. This helps make sure it won’t damage the fabric.
These 9 stain removers are trusted by cleaning experts and work on many types of stains. Whether you need something strong, gentle, natural, or budget-friendly, there’s a product here that can help you keep your clothes clean and fresh.
