Contents
- The Top 10
- Top 10 Stain Removers Reviewed in Detail
- 1. Best Overall
- 2. Best Premium
- 3. Best for Beginners
- 4. Best Budget
- 5. Best Compact
- 6. Best for Daily Use
- 7. Best Value
- 8. Runner-Up
- 9. Best for Small Spaces
- 10. Most Versatile
- Stain Removers Compared Side by Side
- How We Reviewed
- How to Choose Stain Removers
- What to look for
- Frequently asked questions
Choosing the best stain remover can be hard. Our top pick is the SCJohnson Shout Triple-Acting Active Enzyme Laundry Stain Remover Spray. This 22oz spray works on many stains like food, dirt, and makeup. For a value option, try the Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray. It is smaller at 4oz and costs less, but it may not handle larger stains as effectively.
For most buyers, the main choice is between a larger bottle like Shout’s or a smaller spray like Miss Mouth’s. This page will help you understand the best options available, so you can find one that meets your cleaning needs.
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The Top 10
Top 10 Stain Removers Reviewed in Detail
Our guide reviews top stain removers to help you make the right choice.
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
The SCJohnson Shout Triple-Acting Stain Remover Spray is a strong option for many types of stains. It works well on food, drinks, and even blood. The formula penetrates and clings to stains, making it effective. The bottle is made of 25% recycled plastic, which is a nice touch for the environment.
Pros
Effective on a variety of stains. Clings to and penetrates stains well. Eco-friendly bottle.
Cons
The spray may require some scrubbing for tough stains.
Great for households with kids or those who frequently deal with stains.
This stain remover spray is a reliable choice for everyday messes.
2. Best Premium
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 known for its fast-acting formula. It works on clothes, upholstery, and carpets. This stain remover is also EPA Safer Choice certified. This means it meets strict safety standards for health and the environment.
Pros
Fast-acting and effective on multiple surfaces. Safe for health and the environment.
Cons
The smaller 4 oz size may not last long for heavy users.
Best for families with young children or anyone who needs quick stain solutions.
An excellent choice for quick touch-ups on fresh stains.
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
OxiClean Max Force Stain Remover Spray is designed for tough, set-in stains. It can tackle stains that are up to seven days old. The formula works well on baby clothes and other tough messes. This makes it a good pick for parents.
Pros
Works on old, set-in stains. Convenient for busy parents.
Cons
May not work as well on very delicate fabrics.
Ideal for parents or anyone facing tough laundry challenges.
A powerful option for removing stubborn stains quickly.
4. Best Budget
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
The SCJohnson Shout Advanced Set-In Stain Scrubber combines a gel formula with a scrubber brush. This allows it to tackle tough stains effectively. The thick gel is easy to apply and helps lift stains from fabrics. It is convenient for treating specific areas.
Pros
Great for targeting specific, tough stains. Comes with a built-in scrubber for easy use.
Cons
The gel may not cover larger areas as effectively as a spray.
Best for users who need to treat specific stains rather than large areas.
A strong choice for tackling specific tough 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 in a 16 oz size is similar to the smaller version. It offers the same fast action and EPA certification for safety. This larger size is great for families with many stains to manage.
Pros
Larger size for more frequent use. Safe formula for kids and pets.
Cons
Still may require multiple applications for very tough stains.
Perfect for families that need a reliable stain solution for larger messes.
A solid option for those needing a larger, safe stain remover.
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 Stain Remover Spray offers a thick gel formula. It is made to handle heavy-duty stains like food and grass. The gel allows for better control when applying to stains. The eco-friendly packaging is a plus.
Pros
Thicker formula allows for better control. Effective on tough stains.
Cons
May not spray as easily as a traditional liquid stain remover.
Ideal for users wanting a powerful, controlled application for tough stains.
A great choice for demanding stain removal tasks.
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 portable and travel-friendly. This pen allows you to treat fresh stains on the go. It is perfect for quick fixes before spills set in. The compact design makes it easy to keep in a bag or purse.
Pros
Portable and easy to use. Great for quick stain treatment.
Cons
Limited effectiveness on older or set-in stains.
Best for people who often eat or drink on the go.
A handy tool for fresh stains while traveling.
8. Runner-Up
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 formula that removes tough stains. It is free from harsh chemicals like bleach. This makes it safe for most fabrics. The combination pack includes two sizes for different cleaning needs.
Pros
Gentle on fabrics and free of harsh chemicals. Comes in two sizes for versatility.
Cons
May require more effort on extremely tough stains.
Good for users wanting a safe and gentle stain remover for delicate fabrics.
A reliable gentle option for sensitive fabrics and various stains.
9. Best for Small Spaces
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 Gel Stick is designed for tough stains in a convenient stick format. It allows for direct application on the stain. This helps to pretreat stains effectively. The stick is easy to store and use.
Pros
Easy to apply directly to stains. Convenient for quick fixes.
Cons
Not suitable for larger areas without additional product.
Great for users needing a powerful stain treatment in a compact form.
A practical solution for quick stain removal on the spot.
10. Most Versatile
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 4 oz size, available as a two-pack, is similar to previous options. It remains fast-working and safe. This pack is convenient for those who need multiple stain removers.
Pros
Two bottles for extended use. Fast-acting formula is effective.
Cons
Smaller size may not be enough for heavy users.
Suitable for families needing extra stain removers for frequent messes.
A practical choice for families wanting more product on hand.
Stain Removers Compared Side by Side
The following table compares key features of the best stain remover options. Each column highlights important specs, such as size and specific features. This information helps you decide which product suits your needs best.
| # | 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 Premium | 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 | Best Budget | 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 Value | Nehemiah Manufacturing Company LLC | $8.97 | Check |
| 8 | Grandma's Secret Spot Remover Laundry Spray | Runner-Up | Grandma's Secret | $16.99 | Check |
| 9 | OxiClean Max Force Laundry Stain Remover Gel Stick | Best for Small Spaces | Church & Dwight | $3.99 | Check |
| 10 | Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater | Most Versatile | 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 various online sources, including brand websites, consumer reviews, and trusted cleaning product guides. This gave us a wide view of what makes an effective stain remover. We considered over 25 products to ensure we covered the best options available.
How we built this shortlist
We focused on stain removers that are well-reviewed and known for their effectiveness. Products needed to have at least 100 positive reviews or be highly rated by consumers. We also looked for versatility, ensuring they could handle various stains.
What we ruled out and why
We excluded products with low ratings, poor customer feedback, or those that did not meet safety standards. Any stain removers that contained harmful chemicals or did not specify their cleaning capabilities were also removed from our list.
What we did not do
No products were tested by hand, and no lab measurements were taken. We did not create any scoring systems. All information is based on available data, reviews, and product specifications.
How often this page is updated
This page is updated regularly to ensure accuracy. We check for new products and changes in availability approximately every three months. Any major updates are implemented immediately to reflect the best current information.
How to Choose Stain Removers
Size Matters
Consider the size of the bottle when choosing a stain remover. If you have many stains to treat, a larger bottle like the SCJohnson Shout Triple-Acting Spray (22oz) may be best. Smaller bottles are great for occasional use, but larger ones often provide better value.
Stain Types
Different stain removers are designed for specific types of stains. For food and grease stains, OxiClean Max Force is powerful. If you deal with a variety of stains, a versatile choice like Shout may be better for general use.
Application Method
Look for stain removers with easy application methods. Spray bottles, like Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater, allow for quick and direct application. Gel sticks, like OxiClean Max Force Gel Stick, offer precision but may take longer to work.
Safety Certifications
Check for safety certifications like EPA Safer Choice. This indicates that the product meets health and safety standards. Choosing certified options can give you confidence, especially if you have children or pets.
Multi-Surface Use
Some stain removers are made for specific fabrics, while others can be used on multiple surfaces. If you need something for clothes, upholstery, and carpets, choose a versatile product like Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater.
What to look for
Effectiveness
Effectiveness is key when choosing a stain remover. Look for products that specifically mention they can tackle tough stains like grease, red wine, or blood. A product like OxiClean Max Force Laundry Stain Remover is designed to work on set-in stains, making it a solid choice.
Safety
Safety should always be a priority. Look for stain removers that are free from harsh chemicals. Options like Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater are EPA Safer Choice certified, meaning they meet high safety standards for health.
Ease of Use
Choose a stain remover that is easy to apply. Spray bottles like Shout Triple-Acting allow for quick application. Gel sticks are precise but may require more effort. Make sure the product fits your cleaning style.
Versatility
Versatile stain removers can handle multiple types of stains. Look for products that can clean various surfaces, like clothes and carpets. This ensures you only need one product for different situations.
Environmental Impact
Consider the environmental impact of the stain remover. Products made with recycled materials, like Shout’s bottles, are better choices. Choosing eco-friendly options helps reduce waste and is better for the planet.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best stain remover?
The best stain remover depends on the type of stain and fabric. SCJohnson Shout Triple-Acting is highly rated for food and dirt stains, while OxiClean Max Force is effective for set-in stains.
How do I use stain remover?
To use stain remover, apply it directly to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wash as usual. Always follow the instructions on the product label for best results.
Are stain removers safe for all fabrics?
Not all stain removers are safe for every fabric. Test on a small area first. Products like Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater are safe for various surfaces, but always check the label.
Can stain removers remove old stains?
Yes, some stain removers can remove old stains, but results may vary. OxiClean Max Force is designed to tackle set-in stains effectively.
Do I need to rinse after using stain remover?
In most cases, you do not need to rinse after using stain remover. Just apply it, let it sit, and then wash the item as normal. Always check the product instructions.
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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