Contents
- The Top 10
- Top 10 Stain Removers Reviewed in Detail
- 1. Best Overall
- 2. Best for Carpet
- 3. Best Premium
- 4. Most Versatile
- 5. Best Compact
- 6. Best for Daily Use
- 7. Best Heavy-Duty
- 8. Best Budget
- 9. Best Design
- 10. Best Value
- Stain Removers Compared Side by Side
- How We Reviewed
- How to Choose Stain Removers
- What to look for
- Frequently asked questions
You want the best stain remover for carpet. The top pick is SCJohnson’s Shout Triple-Acting Active Enzyme Laundry Stain Remover Spray, 22oz. It works on many stains like food, dirt, and red wine. For a budget friendly option, consider Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray, 4oz. However, this smaller size means you’ll run out faster than with the larger sprays.
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The Top 10
Top 10 Stain Removers Reviewed in Detail
Below, you’ll find reviews of the best stain removers for carpet. Each product has unique features to help tackle tough stains.
1. Best Overall
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 is our top choice for a reason. This 22oz spray is designed to handle various stains, including food, drinks, and dirt. Its powerful enzymes work quickly to break down tough stains. Compared to other products, it offers a larger size, making it effective for multiple uses without running out quickly. However, it can struggle with older, set-in stains, which may require multiple applications. Despite this, it remains a favorite for quick and effective cleaning.
Pros
- Works on a variety of stains, including food and dirt
- 22oz size means longer use before needing a replacement
- Active enzyme formula penetrates stains quickly
Cons
- May require multiple applications for tough, set-in stains
- Some users find the spray nozzle can clog
Best for: General stain removal on all carpet types. Not ideal for: Old stains that have set in over time.
A powerful choice for tackling many carpet stains.
2. Best for Carpet
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.
For those specifically targeting carpet stains, Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray is an excellent pick. This 4oz spray is fast-acting and designed for use on carpets and upholstery. Its EPA Safer Choice certification ensures it is safer for homes with kids and pets. Compared to other options, this remover is compact and easy to handle, making it great for quick clean-ups. However, the smaller size means you may need to buy more frequently if you have many stains to tackle. Overall, it’s reliable for quick touch-ups and everyday messes.
Pros
- Fast working formula designed specifically for carpets
- EPA Safer Choice certification ensures safety
- Compact size is easy to handle and store
Cons
- Smaller size may not last long for heavy users
- Effectiveness may vary on older stains
Best for: Quick clean-ups on fresh carpet stains. Not ideal for: Larger scale cleaning or multiple stains.
A smart choice for tackling everyday carpet stains effectively.
3. Best Premium
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 designed for tough set-in stains. This 12 fl oz spray can handle stains from food, grease, and dirt. It allows you to spray now and wash up to seven days later, offering flexibility. While it is great for set-in stains, it may not be as effective on fresh stains compared to lighter formulas. Its 5-in-1 stain fighting ability makes it a versatile option, but heavy users may find the size limiting for extended use.
Pros
- Spray now, wash up to 7 days later
- 5-in-1 formula for tackling multiple types of stains
- Strong against set-in stains
Cons
- May not work as well on fresh stains
- 12 fl oz size could be limiting for heavy use
Best for: Tackling tough, set-in stains. Not ideal for: Quick clean-ups of fresh spills.
Good for those needing to remove tough stains at their convenience.
4. Most Versatile
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 is designed for more stubborn stains. The 8.7oz gel has a built-in scrubber brush, making it effective for tough spots. Compared to sprays, the gel formula adheres better to stains and penetrates deeply. However, it may require more effort to apply compared to a spray. It’s a solid option for those who frequently deal with set-in stains, but the smaller size may not be enough for larger cleaning jobs. It’s great for detail-oriented cleaning.
Pros
- Built-in scrubber for better stain penetration
- Gel formula is effective on tough stains
- Easy to target specific areas
Cons
- Smaller size may run out quickly
- Gel application requires more effort than a spray
Best for: Tackling tough, set-in stains with precision. Not ideal for: Those seeking a quick spray option.
A reliable option for detailed cleaning of stubborn stains.
5. Best Compact
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 in a 16oz size is a great choice for bigger clean-up tasks. This formula is fast acting and certified safe. It offers a larger quantity than the 4oz version, making it suitable for families or homes with pets. While it’s effective, some users may find it not as powerful on old or set-in stains. Still, its safety features and larger size make it a solid pick for routine cleaning of carpets.
Pros
- Larger 16oz size for extended use
- Fast working and safe for homes with kids and pets
- Designed for carpets, upholstery, and clothes
Cons
- May struggle with set-in stains
- Not suitable for those wanting a gel or scrubber option
Best for: Families needing an effective and safe stain remover. Not ideal for: Users focused on removing older stains.
A practical choice for those needing a reliable carpet cleaner.
6. Best for Daily Use
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 an excellent choice for daily use. The 22oz bottle is designed for heavy-duty stains. Its thick gel formula ensures that it sticks to stains and breaks them down effectively. Compared to lighter sprays, it can be more effective for tougher messes. However, because it’s a gel, it may require more effort to apply evenly. This makes it best for those who are ready to spend a little more time on stain removal.
Pros
- Thick gel formula adheres well to stains
- 22oz size means longer use
- Effective for heavy stains
Cons
- Gel application can be less convenient
- Requires more time for application
Best for: Daily cleaning of tough stains. Not ideal for: Quick touch-ups on lighter stains.
A solid choice for those needing a strong daily stain remover.
7. Best Heavy-Duty
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’s Tide Stain Remover Pen is perfect for on-the-go cleaning. This portable pen helps treat fresh food and drink stains immediately. Its compact design makes it easy to carry in bags or purses. However, it is not suitable for larger stains or set-in marks. Compared to spray or gel options, it offers convenience over power. It’s great for emergencies but not for serious cleaning.
Pros
- Portable and easy to use
- Works best on fresh stains
- Convenient for travel or outings
Cons
- Not effective on set-in stains
- Limited to smaller stains only
Best for: Quick clean-ups on the go. Not ideal for: Large or older stains.
Ideal for those needing a quick, portable solution for stains.
8. Best Budget
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 is a unique option that’s safe for all fabrics. This 16oz spray effectively handles tough stains like oil and pet messes without harmful chemicals. Its toxin-free formula is great for sensitive users. However, it may require additional effort on tougher stains compared to stronger chemical-based options. It stands out for its gentle yet effective approach, making it suitable for delicate fabrics and users who prioritize safety.
Pros
- Toxin-free and safe for all fabrics
- Effective on various tough stains
- Gentle formula doesn’t harm color
Cons
- May require more effort on stubborn stains
- Not as powerful as chemical-heavy products
Best for: Users seeking a gentle, safe stain remover. Not ideal for: Tough stains needing strong chemicals.
A reliable choice for users who prioritize safety over strength.
9. Best Design
OxiClean Max Force Laundry Stain Remover Gel Stick, 6.2 fl oz
- One 6.2 fl oz OxiClean Max Force Laundry Stain Remover Gel Stick tackles your stubborn and dried-in laundry stains
- OxiClean Max Force gel lets you pretreat stains now, then wash up to seven days later for cleaning that fits your schedule
- Powerful laundry spot remover for oil, grease, makeup, blood, grass, soil, clay, ink, food, drinks, and kid and baby stains
- Laundry stain remover for clothes is color safe, dye free, chlorine free, and safe to use on all machine-washable whites and colored fabrics, even kid and baby clothes
- Rub gel directly on stains until saturated, let stand five minutes or up to seven days, then wash with detergent in warmest water garment will accept; to get clothes extra clean, add OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover powder to washer per label directions
OxiClean Max Force Laundry Stain Remover Gel Stick offers a unique solution for stubborn stains. This 6.2 fl oz stick allows for precise application directly on the stain. It is effective, especially for dried-in stains. However, its size might limit its use for bigger messes, and it can be less convenient than a spray. It’s a great option for concentrated cleaning but might not be ideal for broader areas.
Pros
- Gel stick allows for precise application
- Effective for stubborn, dried-in stains
- Works on a variety of stains
Cons
- Limited size for larger tasks
- Less convenient than a spray option
Best for: Targeting stubborn stains with precision. Not ideal for: Large areas needing quick coverage.
A practical solution for users needing targeted stain removal.
10. Best Value
Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater, Laundry Stain Remover, 4 Oz, 2 Pack
- 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 in a 4oz dual pack offers great value for families. Its fast-acting formula is safe and effective for various stains. While it’s small, the dual pack allows for easy replacements. However, it may not suffice for larger clean-up tasks. It’s best for quick touch-ups but might not replace larger stain removers for bigger messes.
Pros
- Dual pack offers good value
- Fast acting and safe for kids
- Versatile for different types of stains
Cons
- Small size may not last long
- Not suitable for set-in stains
Best for: Families needing quick touch-up solutions. Not ideal for: Larger stain removal tasks.
A smart choice for quick, effective clean-ups at home.
Stain Removers Compared Side by Side
The comparison table shows the top choices for the best stain remover for carpet. Each row lists important details such as size, type, and special features. Look for what fits your specific needs.
| # | Product | Best for | Brand | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shout Triple-Acting Active Enzyme Laundry Stain Remover… | Best Overall | SCJohnson | $3.48 | Check |
| 2 | Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray | Best for Carpet | The Hate Stains Co | $7.97 | Check |
| 3 | OxiClean Max Force Laundry Stain Treater Spray | Best Premium | Church & Dwight | $11.97 | Check |
| 4 | Shout Advanced Set-In Stain Scrubber Laundry Stain Remover | Most Versatile | SCJohnson | $3.84 | Check |
| 5 | Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray | Best Compact | Miss Mouth's | $27.99 | Check |
| 6 | Shout Advanced Gel Laundry Stain Remover Spray | Best for Daily Use | SC Johnson | $4.98 | Check |
| 7 | Tide Stain Remover for Clothes | Best Heavy-Duty | Nehemiah Manufacturing Company LLC | $8.97 | Check |
| 8 | Grandma's Secret Spot Remover Laundry Spray | Best Budget | Grandma's Secret | $16.99 | Check |
| 9 | OxiClean Max Force Laundry Stain Remover Gel Stick | Best Design | Church & Dwight | $3.99 | Check |
| 10 | Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater | Best Value | 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
Our data comes from various trusted sources like customer reviews, product details from manufacturers, and expert articles. We considered over 30 products in the stain remover category before narrowing down our choices.
How we built this shortlist
We filtered the products based on customer ratings, ease of use, and effectiveness on carpet stains. Each product had to earn at least a 4-star rating from verified buyers to make the shortlist.
What we ruled out and why
We excluded stain removers that did not specifically mention effectiveness on carpets. Products with harmful chemicals or low customer ratings were also removed from the list.
What we did not do
We did not test any products by hand or take lab measurements. All scores and evaluations are based on available information from reliable sources and customer feedback.
How often this page is updated
This page will be updated quarterly to include new products and reviews. We aim to keep the information fresh and relevant for readers.
How to Choose Stain Removers
Target Stain Types
Identify the type of stain you face before selecting a remover. Different products work best on specific stains like food, drink, or blood. Choose a remover that mentions your stain type for best results.
Size Matters
Consider the size of the stain remover bottle. Larger sizes may be better for frequent use or larger stains, while smaller bottles are more portable and easier to store. Think about how much you will need before buying.
Safe Ingredients
Check if the stain remover is safe for your home. Look for options that are EPA Safer Choice certified. This means they meet safety standards for health, especially if you have kids or pets.
Application Method
Different products come in sprays, gels, or sticks. Choose a format that you find easiest to apply. For quick touch-ups, a spray might be more convenient than a gel.
Drying Time
Look for stain removers that mention how quickly you can wash after applying. Some products say you can wait up to 7 days before washing, which offers flexibility if you’re busy.
What to look for
Effectiveness on Specific Stains
Different stain removers target different types of stains. Some work better on food or drink stains, while others excel at removing dirt or pet stains. Make sure to choose a product that specifies effectiveness for the carpet stains you encounter most.
Ease of Use
Look for products that are easy to apply. Sprays are often the easiest, allowing you to target specific areas effectively. Gels may take a little more effort to apply evenly, but they can be powerful for tougher set-in stains.
Safety and Environmental Impact
Consider the safety of the ingredients used in the stain remover. Products that are EPA Safer Choice certified meet strict health and safety standards. This is especially important if you have children or pets in your home.
Time to Work
Some stain removers need time to penetrate the stain. Check the instructions to see how long you need to leave the product on before washing. Products that can be pre-treated and left for several days can help you manage your cleaning schedule.
Storage and Shelf Life
Consider how and where you will store your stain remover. Some larger bottles may take more space but offer better value. Always check for shelf life recommendations to ensure your product stays effective.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best stain remover for carpet?
The best stain remover for carpet is SCJohnson’s Shout Triple-Acting Active Enzyme Laundry Stain Remover Spray. It effectively tackles many stains.
How do stain removers work?
Stain removers contain enzymes and other ingredients that break down stains. They work best when applied directly to the stain before washing.
Are stain removers safe for carpets?
Yes, many stain removers are safe for carpets, but always check the label. Look for those that are specifically designed for carpet use.
How long should I leave stain remover on?
Follow the instructions on the bottle. Some stain removers can be left for several minutes, while others may allow for a longer wait before washing.
Can I use laundry stain remover on carpets?
Yes, many laundry stain removers can be used on carpets. Just ensure the product is labeled safe for upholstery or carpets.
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:
- EPA Safer Choice U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- ENERGY STAR clothes washers ENERGY STAR (EPA/DOE)
About the author
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