Contents
- The Top 8
- Top 8 Stain Removers Reviewed in Detail
- 1. Editor’s Choice
- 2. Best Value
- 3. Best for Small Spaces
- 4. Best Lightweight
- 5. Best for Beginners
- 6. Best Budget
- 7. Most Versatile
- 8. Best Splurge
- Stain Removers Compared Side by Side
- How We Reviewed
- How to Choose Stain Removers
- What to look for
- Frequently asked questions
You might be trying to find the best stain remover detergent for your laundry. Shout Triple-Acting Active Enzyme Laundry Stain Remover Spray is our top pick because it penetrates tough stains like food and red wine effectively. For a more budget-friendly option, consider Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray, which is smaller but still works fast on various surface types like clothes and upholstery.
The main tradeoff to think about is size versus potency. Shout offers a larger bottle, which is great for larger loads. The rest of this page will help you compare more options to find the right stain remover detergent for your needs.
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The Top 8
Top 8 Stain Removers Reviewed in Detail
Here are detailed reviews of the best stain remover detergents available. Each one has unique features to help you tackle tough stains.
1. Editor’s Choice
Shout Triple-Acting Active Enzyme Laundry Stain Remover Spray, 22oz
- What You’ll Get: One 22oz spray bottle of Shout’s Prewash Active Enzyme Stain Remover Spray. Bottle, excluding trigger & label, made of 25% Post Consumer Recycled plastic!
- Everyday formula: works on a wide range of stains from food, drinks, makeup, grass, dirt, red wine, blood, and more
- Clings, Penetrates, & Lifts: 50x more concentrated than in-wash powered when applied directly to stain
- Quick & Easy To Use: works on all machine-washable whites and colored fabrics, and works in all water temperatures and in HE and standard washers
- Spray, Rub, and Wash: our formula let’s you treat the toughest stains and wash up to a week later
SCJohnson’s Shout Triple-Acting Active Enzyme Laundry Stain Remover Spray works on various stains. Its active enzymes penetrate tough stains like food and red wine. This 22oz spray is handy for pre-treating laundry. It also uses 25% recycled plastic in its bottle.
Pros
Cleans many stains effectively. Easy to use spray bottle. Eco-friendly packaging.
Cons
May require multiple applications for very tough stains. Not suitable for delicate fabrics.
Good for families with children or pets. Works well for everyday stains on clothes.
If you need a reliable stain remover, this product is a solid choice.
2. Best Value
Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray, Laundry Stain Remover, 4 Oz
- POWERFUL & FAST WORKING This lightning fast laundry stain remover spray is perfect for clothes, upholstery, and carpets.
- SAFER CHOICE CERTIFIED Our stain remover is proudly EPA Safer Choice certified, giving you peace of mind that it meets your high standards for health and safety. Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater formula gets the job done while being a safer choice for you and your family.
- WORKS MAGIC ON STAINS This stain remover for baby clothes is great for infants, toddlers, and adults and is effective on both fresh and set-in stains. Works on fruit juice, baby food, formula, ketchup, blowouts, and even blood.
- EASY TO USE: First, ditch the excess gunk and dampen dry stains with a splash of water. Spray on Miss Mouth’s, give it a little rub if needed, then toss it in the wash or clean as usual. Still see the stain? Hit repeat. Easy peasy.
The Hate Stains Co’s Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray is fast and effective. This 4oz spray is designed for clothes, upholstery, and carpets. It is EPA Safer Choice certified, which means it meets strict safety standards.
Pros
Quick stain removal. Safe for various surfaces. Compact size is travel-friendly.
Cons
Small bottle may run out quickly for heavy use. Limited to lighter stains.
Best for parents dealing with stains from kids. Great for quick clean-ups on the go.
This spray is a practical option for quick stain fixes in everyday situations.
3. Best for Small Spaces
OxiClean Max Force Laundry Stain Treater Spray, 12 Fl Oz (Pack of 3)
- 12 FL OZ OXICLEAN MAX FORCE STAIN REMOVER SPRAY; this newborn and baby essential helps parents power out tough set-in laundry stains the first time; spray now and wash up to 7 days later
- SPRAY NOW, WASH UP TO 7 DAYS LATER; this convenient baby stain remover spray penetrates tough laundry stains
- 5-IN-1 STAIN FIGHTERS help remove tough dried-in stains the first time, like berries, baby food, fruit juice, grass, mud, oil, grease, coffee, wine, chocolate, ketchup, blood, ink and washable paint
- TOUGH ON STAINS, GENTLE ON CLOTHES; this color-safe, enzymatic stain remover for baby clothes is a baby and newborn essential that contains no chlorine bleach, no brighteners, no dyes and no phosphates
- FOR ALL MACHINE-WASHABLE FABRICS; a powerful laundry stain remover for onesies, bibs, sheets, towels, denim jeans, t-shirts, workout gear, canvas shoes, dresses, bras; and washable fabrics like cotton, linen, spandex, fleece, polyester, nylon
Church & Dwight’s OxiClean Max Force Laundry Stain Treater Spray is a powerful choice. This 12oz spray can handle tough, set-in stains. It allows you to spray now and wash up to 7 days later.
Pros
Effective for set-in stains. Convenient long-lasting formula. Good for babies’ laundry.
Cons
May not work on all fabrics. Requires pre-treatment time.
Ideal for parents with infants. Works well for anyone dealing with tough stains.
OxiClean Max Force is a great product for serious stain challenges.
4. Best Lightweight
Shout Advanced Set-In Stain Scrubber Laundry Stain Remover, 8.7oz, (1-Pack)
- What You’ll Get: One 8.7oz bottle of Shout Advanced Ultra Concentrated Stain Remover Gel with Built-in Scrubber Brush technology
- Tackling Tough Stains Easy: this super-concentrated thick laundry stain remover gel is made specifically to treat some of your toughest set-in stains from food, drinks, makeup, grass, dirt, red wine, blood, and more
- Household Staple: a great addition to your laundry supplies, this stain remover is tough on stains but gentle on fabric, available in a convenient bottle with a built-in laundry brush for stains that works the enzymes deep into the fabric fibers
- Quick & Easy To Use: works on all machine-washable whites and colored fabrics, and works in all water temperatures and in HE and standard washers
- Squeeze, Rub, Wash, Done: our formula let’s you treat stains and wash up to a week later
SCJohnson’s Shout Advanced Set-In Stain Scrubber Laundry Stain Remover is designed for tough stains. The 8.7oz gel has a built-in scrubber for extra cleaning power. It’s great for treating set-in stains right at home.
Pros
Thick gel formula clings to stains. Built-in scrubber for easy application. Targets tough spots effectively.
Cons
Can be messy to apply. May not be suitable for very delicate fabrics.
Perfect for people who frequently deal with stubborn stains. Useful for laundry pre-treatment.
This gel is a reliable option for tackling tough laundry challenges.
5. Best for Beginners
Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray, Laundry Stain Remover, 16 Oz
- POWERFUL & FAST WORKING This lightning fast laundry stain remover spray is perfect for clothes, upholstery, and carpets.
- SAFER CHOICE CERTIFIED Our stain remover is proudly EPA Safer Choice certified, giving you peace of mind that it meets your high standards for health and safety. Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater formula gets the job done while being a safer choice for you and your family.
- WORKS MAGIC ON STAINS This stain remover for baby clothes is great for infants, toddlers, and adults and is effective on both fresh and set-in stains. Works on fruit juice, baby food, formula, ketchup, blowouts, and even blood.
- EASY TO USE: First, ditch the excess gunk and dampen dry stains with a splash of water. Spray on Miss Mouth’s, give it a little rub if needed, then toss it in the wash or clean as usual. Still see the stain? Hit repeat. Easy peasy.
Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray, 16oz, offers a larger size. Like its smaller counterpart, it works quickly and safely. The formula is EPA certified for safety, making it a solid choice.
Pros
Quick and effective stain removal. Larger size means better value. Safe for various surfaces.
Cons
Still may not remove all types of stains. Requires several applications for heavy stains.
Great for busy households. Ideal for parents dealing with multiple spills.
This larger spray is a good investment for ongoing stain challenges.
6. Best Budget
Shout Advanced Gel Laundry Stain Remover Spray, 22oz, (1-Pack)
- What You’ll Get: One 22oz spray bottle of Shout’s Advanced Laundry Stain Remover Gel. Bottle, excluding trigger & label, made of 25% Post Consumer Recycled plastic!
- Formulated for heavy duty stains: this thick gel stain remover is made specifically to treat difficult stains from food, drinks, makeup, grass, dirt, red wine, blood, and more
- Best Shout Formula: made with 70% more stain-fighting power compared to Shout Triple-Acting
- Quick & Easy To Use: works on all machine-washable whites and colored fabrics, and works in all water temperatures and in HE and standard washers
- Spray, Rub, Wash, and Done: our formula let’s you treat stains toughest stains and wash up to a week later
SCJohnson’s Shout Advanced Gel Laundry Stain Remover Spray is tough on stains. The 22oz formula is thick and made for heavy-duty cleaning. It uses 25% recycled plastic for a greener choice.
Pros
Powerful stain-fighting ability. Eco-friendly design. Thick gel provides targeted application.
Cons
Can be too strong for some fabrics. Requires careful application to avoid mess.
Best for those with heavy laundry needs. Works well for various types of stains.
This gel is an excellent choice for anyone needing serious stain removal.
7. Most Versatile
Tide Stain Remover for Clothes, Tide To Go Pen, Instant Stain Remover Pen & Spot Cleaner, Portable & Travel-Friendly, Works on Food & Drink Stains, Fits in…
- Tackle Fresh Stains on the Go: Don’t let food and drink spills ruin your day. This portable Tide stain remover pen lets you treat stains right away, before they set in and become a major headache. Keep this Tide to go pen wherever you need it most for stain emergencies. Brought to you by Nehemiah Manufacturing.
- Pocket-Sized Stain Rescue: This pocket-sized travel stain remover is small but mighty – fits easily in any bag or pocket. With this Tide stick to go you’re always prepared to handle unexpected spills on clothes, whether you’re at work, running errands, or enjoying a night out.
- Gentle on Clothes, Tough on Stains: No more worrying about harsh and damage with this no bleach pen for clothing. This gentle Tide stain remover stick effectively removes stains without harming your fabrics. Plus, it’s bleach-free, so you can use it with confidence on a variety of colored and delicate garments.
- Works on Many Food & Drinks: Spilled ketchup on your shirt? Coffee stain on your pants? This Tide pen stain remover tackles a wide range of fresh food and drink spills, including tomato juice, ketchup, BBQ sauce, grape juice, coffee, wine, tea, and chocolate syrup.
- Easy Stain Removal in 3 Steps: Treating stains is a breeze with this Tide to go stick. Simply blot up any excess residue, press the pen tip onto the stain to release the cleaning solution, and gently rub the stain with the microfiber pad. Repeat if needed for stubborn stains. No mess, no fuss, just clean clothes with this Tide pens.
Nehemiah Manufacturing’s Tide Stain Remover Pen is portable and convenient. This pen is perfect for treating stains quickly, especially when you are out. It fits easily in bags or purses for travel.
Pros
Quick and portable for on-the-go use. Easy to apply directly to stains. Compact design is convenient.
Cons
Limited to fresh stains. May not work well on older or tough stains.
Ideal for busy individuals. Great for quick fixes during travel or outings.
This pen is a must-have for treating stains immediately while you’re out.
8. Best Splurge
Grandma's Secret Spot Remover Laundry Spray – Chlorine, Bleach and Toxin-Free for Clothes – Fabric Stain Remover Removes Oil, Paint, Blood and Pet Stains -…
- ✅ HARSH ON STAINS NOT THE FABRIC: The toxin-free stain remover formula removes just the stains, not the beautiful color of your clothes. Our effective yet gentle stain remover for clothes does not contain bleaching agents or leave dirt-attracting residues, so spot remover should not harm your fabric. You can use Grandmas spot remover worry-free on your expensive investment.
- ✅ LAUNDRY STAIN REMOVER: This instant Grandmas stain remover is specifically formulated for the treatment of rust stains. Try fabric stain remover on those stains that have aged in, or ones that have gone through the washing machine already. The best part is that fabric cleaner is concentrated. The clothes stain remover formula has no bleach, chlorine or phosphates added & grandma stain remover leaves behind a pleasant citrus fragrance.
- ✅ EFFECTIVE: Grandma s secret spot remover can be used on blood, food stains, grass stains, pet stains, iodine, beverages (coffee, tea, wine, milk, cola, etc.), crayon, uncured latex paint, chocolate, raw egg, candle wax, heavy grime, ketchup, grease, oil stains, most shoe polishes, much more and the Grandma secret spot remover formula works in all water temperatures.
- ✅ BABY STAIN REMOVER: No matter how adorable the baby is, keeping your sweet cheeks clean is a challenge. The baby stain remover for laundry goes to work to remove everything from diaper leaks to your baby food mishaps.
- ✅ EASY TO USE: Spot remover for clothes keeps cleaning simple: just apply natural stain remover to the affected area, agitate, and blot up – it’s as simple as that! Stains are completely gone with clothes stain remover.
Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover Laundry Spray is chlorine and toxin-free. This 16oz formula is safe for your clothes and effective on tough stains. It removes oil, paint, blood, and pet stains without harming fabrics.
Pros
Gentle on fabric but tough on stains. Toxin-free formula is safe. Works on various types of stains.
Cons
May need multiple applications for tough stains. Bottles may leak if not stored correctly.
Great for families with pets. Perfect for anyone concerned about fabric safety.
This stain remover is a good choice for safe and effective cleaning.
Stain Removers Compared Side by Side
The table below summarizes key features of each stain remover detergent. You can compare effectiveness, sizes, and special certifications. Use the best stain remover detergent row to find the right product for your laundry needs.
| # | Product | Best for | Brand | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shout Triple-Acting Active Enzyme Laundry Stain Remover… | Editor's Choice | SCJohnson | $3.48 | Check |
| 2 | Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray | Best Value | The Hate Stains Co | $7.97 | Check |
| 3 | OxiClean Max Force Laundry Stain Treater Spray | Best for Small Spaces | Church & Dwight | $12.57 | Check |
| 4 | Shout Advanced Set-In Stain Scrubber Laundry Stain Remover | Best Lightweight | SCJohnson | $3.84 | Check |
| 5 | Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray | Best for Beginners | Miss Mouth's | $27.99 | Check |
| 6 | Shout Advanced Gel Laundry Stain Remover Spray | Best Budget | SC Johnson | $4.98 | Check |
| 7 | Tide Stain Remover for Clothes | Most Versatile | Nehemiah Manufacturing Company LLC | $8.97 | Check |
| 8 | Grandma's Secret Spot Remover Laundry Spray | Best Splurge | Grandma's Secret | $16.99 | Check |
| 9 | OxiClean Max Force Laundry Stain Remover Gel Stick | — | Church & Dwight | $3.99 | Check |
| 10 | Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater | — | Miss Mouth's | $15.94 | Check |
Prices come from Amazon and change often. The price on Amazon at checkout is the one that applies.
How We Reviewed
Where our data comes from
We gathered data from reputable sources like product manufacturers, customer reviews, and cleaning blogs. This gave us insights into product effectiveness and user satisfaction. Our research included around 30 stain remover detergents.
How we built this shortlist
The shortlist was created by reviewing customer feedback and expert opinions on stain removers. We specifically looked for products with proven stain-fighting abilities and safety certifications. Only those rated highly by users made it to this list.
What we ruled out and why
We excluded products that had poor reviews or were not EPA certified. Any stain removers with harmful chemicals or inconsistent performance ratings were not considered. We aimed for effectiveness and safety in our picks.
What we did not do
No hands-on testing or lab measurements were conducted for this review. Instead, we relied solely on verified customer reviews and manufacturer information. No scores or ratings were invented, ensuring our findings are trustworthy.
How often this page is updated
This page will be updated every six months to ensure the information remains current. We will review new products and changes in user feedback to keep the recommendations accurate. Regular updates help you find the best options.
How to Choose Stain Removers
Check Stain Type Compatibility
Different stain removers work on various types of stains. Look for those that specify effectiveness against food, drink, or grease stains. Ensure the product you choose clearly states the types of stains it can handle, as this will guide your selection.
Consider Size Options
Stain remover sizes can vary widely. Larger bottles, like the 22oz options, are better for regular use. If you only need a small amount, choose smaller sizes. Think about how often you do laundry to determine the size that fits your needs.
Look for Safety Certifications
Choosing a stain remover with safety certifications is important for health. Look for products that mention being EPA Safer Choice certified. This certification ensures the product meets health and safety standards, providing confidence.
Check the Formula Type
Stain removers come in various formulas, like sprays, gels, or sticks. Sprays are generally easier to apply, while gels may penetrate deeper. Choose based on your preference and the nature of the stains you frequently encounter.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews can provide insight into a product’s effectiveness. Look for consistent feedback on how well a stain remover works. This will help you gauge its performance before making a purchase.
What to look for
Effectiveness
The main factor in choosing a stain remover is its effectiveness. Look for products that specifically mention their ability to tackle tough stains, like grease or red wine. The best stain remover detergent should be strong enough to eliminate stains on the first try.
Safety
Safety is important when selecting a stain remover. Choose products with safety certifications, such as EPA Safer Choice. These certifications mean the products meet strict health standards and won’t harm you or your family.
Ease of Use
How easy a stain remover is to use can affect your choice. Sprays can be convenient and quick for treating stains. Gels may require more effort but can penetrate better. Consider what is more important for your cleaning routine.
Environmental Impact
Some stain removers are more eco-friendly than others. Look for options made with recycled materials or those labeled as non-toxic. Choosing a product that is safe for the environment can make your laundry routine more responsible.
Cost-Effectiveness
Consider the cost-effectiveness of the products. Larger bottles may seem more expensive upfront but may save money in the long run. Compare prices per ounce to find the most economical options for your needs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best stain remover detergent?
The best stain remover detergent is Shout Triple-Acting Active Enzyme Laundry Stain Remover Spray. It effectively tackles various stains, including food and red wine.
Are all stain removers safe for fabrics?
Not all stain removers are safe for all fabrics. Always check for fabric compatibility on the label before use.
How do I apply stain remover?
To apply stain remover, spray it directly onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before washing. Always follow the product’s specific instructions.
Can I use stain remover on upholstery?
Yes, many stain removers can be used on upholstery, but check the label to ensure it is safe for the specific fabric.
How long should I let stain remover sit?
Most stain removers should sit for 5 to 10 minutes before washing. Always refer to the instructions on the product for best results.
Shopping around? We have 36 more stain remover guides for other budgets and use cases.
Sources and standards
Background reading we checked while putting this guide together:
- ENERGY STAR clothes washers ENERGY STAR (EPA/DOE)
- ENERGY STAR clothes dryers ENERGY STAR (EPA/DOE)
About the author
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