Contents
- The Top 8
- Top 8 Stain Removers Reviewed in Detail
- 1. Top Pick
- 2. Best Lightweight
- 3. Best for Beginners
- 4. Most Versatile
- 5. Best Design
- 6. Runner-Up
- 7. Best Value
- 8. Best for Small Spaces
- Stain Removers Compared Side by Side
- How We Reviewed
- How to Choose Stain Removers
- What to look for
- Frequently asked questions
Finding the best stain remover laundry detergent can be tricky. The top pick is Shout Triple-Acting Active Enzyme Laundry Stain Remover Spray. This 22oz spray bottle effectively tackles many stains from food to dirt. For a value pick, Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray in a smaller 4oz size offers quick results but less overall volume.
The main tradeoff for most buyers is between size and versatility. Shout offers larger sizes and handles tough stains effectively, while Miss Mouth’s spray is compact and easy to carry. The rest of this page provides detailed reviews and comparisons to help you choose the right product for your needs.
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The Top 8
Top 8 Stain Removers Reviewed in Detail
In this guide, we will review various stain remover products. Each one is designed to tackle tough stains effectively.
1. Top Pick
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 Spray is a powerful stain remover. It targets many stains from food to blood. The 22oz bottle is made from 25% recycled plastic. This formula clings and penetrates stains effectively.
Pros
Works on many stains. Eco-friendly bottle design. Easy to use spray application.
Cons
May require multiple applications on tough stains. Some users find the scent strong.
Great for families with young children or pets. Useful for anyone with frequent stains.
A reliable option for tackling everyday stains with ease.
2. Best Lightweight
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.
Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater is a fast-acting spray. It’s safe for clothes, upholstery, and carpets. This 4oz spray is EPA Safer Choice certified, ensuring it meets health standards.
Pros
Quick stain removal. Safe for various fabrics. Compact size for easy storage.
Cons
Smaller bottle may run out quickly for heavy use. Some stains might need extra effort.
Perfect for parents dealing with messy kids. Good for quick clean-ups on the go.
An excellent choice for swift and safe stain removal.
3. Best for Beginners
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 Spray is a powerful option. It helps remove tough set-in stains, especially for babies. This 12oz spray can be used up to 7 days after application.
Pros
Effective on tough stains. Convenient for baby clothes. Allows flexibility with laundry timing.
Cons
Spray may not work on all fabric types. Larger stains may require multiple applications.
Good for parents and caregivers. Ideal for anyone needing a reliable stain solution.
A strong choice for parents needing help with tough stains.
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 a unique gel. It comes with a built-in scrubber brush for extra cleaning power. This 8.7oz bottle is great for tough stains.
Pros
Scrubber enhances stain removal. Thick gel formula stays where you apply it. Easy to control application.
Cons
Some users may find the scrubber too harsh on delicate fabrics. The gel may require rinsing.
Ideal for anyone dealing with tough, set-in stains. Useful for those with a lot of spills.
A solid choice for challenging stains, especially on thicker fabrics.
5. Best Design
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 also comes in a 16oz size. It’s fast-working and EPA certified. This spray handles various stains effectively.
Pros
Larger size for extended use. Safe for many surfaces. Effective on tough stains.
Cons
May not be as portable as smaller options. Some stains might need repeated applications.
Great for households with frequent stains. Good for homes with fabric furniture.
A practical option for families needing a reliable stain remover.
6. Runner-Up
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 Stain Remover Spray is designed for heavy stains. It targets tough stains effectively. This 22oz bottle is also made from recycled plastic.
Pros
Thick gel formula for easy application. Good for stubborn stains. Eco-friendly packaging.
Cons
Thicker gels might need scrubbing for best results. Some users find it sticky.
Suitable for those needing a heavy-duty stain remover. Good for various fabric types.
A dependable choice for tough laundry challenges.
7. Best Value
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.
The Tide Stain Remover Pen is perfect for on-the-go. It tackles fresh stains quickly. This portable pen fits easily in bags or purses.
Pros
Convenient for travel. Works immediately on stains. Easy to use.
Cons
Only effective on fresh stains. Limited capacity for larger spills.
Great for busy individuals. Perfect for anyone who travels frequently.
A handy tool for quick stain fixes anytime, anywhere.
8. Best for Small Spaces
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 gentle option. It removes tough stains without harsh chemicals. This 16oz & 2oz combo is great for various fabrics.
Pros
Safe for all fabrics. Non-toxic formula. Works well on diverse stains.
Cons
May take longer on set-in stains. Some users prefer stronger formulas.
Best for sensitive fabrics or those preferring non-toxic options. Ideal for families with kids.
A safe and effective choice for gentle stain removal.
Stain Removers Compared Side by Side
This table compares different stain removers. You will find details on the brand, size, and special features. Look at the rows to find the best stain remover laundry detergent that suits your needs.
| # | Product | Best for | Brand | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shout Triple-Acting Active Enzyme Laundry Stain Remover… | Top Pick | SCJohnson | $3.48 | Check |
| 2 | Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray | Best Lightweight | The Hate Stains Co | $7.97 | Check |
| 3 | OxiClean Max Force Laundry Stain Treater Spray | Best for Beginners | Church & Dwight | $12.57 | 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 Design | Miss Mouth's | $27.99 | Check |
| 6 | Shout Advanced Gel Laundry Stain Remover Spray | Runner-Up | SC Johnson | $4.98 | Check |
| 7 | Tide Stain Remover for Clothes | Best Value | Nehemiah Manufacturing Company LLC | $8.97 | Check |
| 8 | Grandma's Secret Spot Remover Laundry Spray | Best for Small Spaces | 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 information from trusted sources, including product websites and customer reviews. This gives us a broad view of what is available.
How we built this shortlist
We looked at over 20 stain remover products. We focused on effectiveness, user ratings, and safety certifications to find the best options.
What we ruled out and why
Products that didn’t have enough positive reviews or lacked essential features were removed. We wanted only proven stain removers.
What we did not do
We did not test any products by hand. No lab measurements were taken, and we did not invent any scores.
How often this page is updated
This page will be updated every few months. We aim to keep the information current with the latest releases and reviews.
How to Choose Stain Removers
Consider Stain Types
Different stain removers target various stains. Look for one that mentions specific stains like food, grease, or ink. If you often deal with baby spills or outdoor messes, choose a product that handles those well.
Check Size Options
The size of the stain remover can matter. If you do laundry frequently, a larger bottle might be best. For occasional use, a smaller spray could work just fine.
Evaluate Safety Certifications
Some stain removers have safety ratings, like the EPA Safer Choice certification. This means they meet safety standards and are safer for you and your family. Look for this label if safety is a priority.
Look for Applicator Features
Some stain removers come with built-in applicators, which can make application easier. If you want to scrub at stains, choose a product with a brush or scrubber feature.
Read User Reviews
Check what other users say about the stain remover. Reviews can give insights into how well a product works on real stains. Look for comments on toughness and ease of use.
What to look for
Effectiveness
The effectiveness of stain removers can vary. Look for those with enzymes or advanced formulas. They break down stains better. Users often report that products specifically labeled for tough stains work best.
Safety
Safety is important when selecting a stain remover. Check for certifications like EPA Safer Choice. These products meet safety standards. Avoid those with harsh chemicals, especially if you have children or pets.
Size and Convenience
Size can impact your choice. Larger bottles offer more uses but can be bulky. Smaller, portable options are great for on-the-go cleaning. Choose based on your cleaning habits and storage space.
Application Method
Different stain removers use various application methods. Sprays are common, but gels and sticks are also popular. Consider what you find most convenient for treating stains quickly.
Price vs. Quality
Price can influence your choice. Lower-cost products may not perform as well. Higher-priced options often offer better results and safer ingredients. Balance your budget with the quality needed for tough stains.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best stain remover laundry detergent? Shout Triple-Acting is our top pick for its effectiveness on various stains.
How do I use stain remover spray?
To use stain remover spray, apply it directly to the stain. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before washing the item as usual.
Are stain removers safe for all fabrics?
Not all stain removers are safe for every fabric. Always check the label for fabric compatibility before use.
Can I use stain remover on my carpet?
Yes, many stain removers are safe for carpets. Ensure the product is suitable for upholstery to avoid damage.
How do I store stain remover products?
Store stain remover products in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Ensure the cap is tightly closed.
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 dryers ENERGY STAR (EPA/DOE)
- EPA Safer Choice U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
About the author
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