The Best Stain Remover For Clothes
While light stains can usually be removed in the regular laundry cycle, stubborn stains often require more attention. That's where stain removers come in; these handy formulations are an easy and effective way to tackle tough stains on all types of clothing. Since you typically apply them directly to clothes, they offer a more targeted approach to removing stains than laundry detergents. With so many products promising the world, choosing the right stain remover can be difficult. To help you with your search, we've rounded up some of the best stain removers on the market.
What to Look For
We recommend keeping the following three things in mind when shopping for a stain remover for your clothes: What ingredients does it use? What types of stains do you need to remove? Is it safe for all types of fabrics? Our top pick was the stain remover from Shout, which is gentle on fabric and comes with a built-in brush for removing tough stains. We also really liked the stain remover from Hate Stains Co., which does an excellent job of going to work immediately on food stains and more. Read on to learn more about our top picks and discover the right one for you.
Shout Advanced Stain Remover for Clothes
Concentrated clean
Whether you need to remove a lipstick stain or a grass stain, this stain remover from Shout is up to the task. It’s incredibly easy to use, thanks to the top of the bottle being a scrub brush. This convenient design also means you don’t have to worry about getting the product on your hands. The thick gel formula is safe for colorfast fabrics and can be used at any water temperature. That’s not all; you can apply the product to your clothes and wait up to a week before washing them.
Pros:
- Built-in brush to help remove stubborn stains
- Can be left on fabric for up to a week
- Nice, fresh scent
- Quick and easy application
Cons:
- The scrub brush may not be suitable for delicate fabrics
Hate Stains Co. Stain Remover for Clothes
If you have kids or babies, you know how often they accidentally spill everything from ketchup to juice on their clothes. This stain remover from Hate Stains Co. was formulated with them in mind. Once you apply the spray, you’ll see it start working almost immediately. It works on all types of stains, including those that have had time to set. Moreover, it’s 100% biodegradable and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals or dyes.
Pros:
- Commercial grade formula
- All you have to do is spray, blot, and rinse to use it
- Works on all types of fabrics
- Removes fresh and set-in stains
Cons:
- It would be nice if it were available in a larger bottle
Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover Liquid Pen
Spot treatment
You won’t always be at home when you stain your clothes, so this stain remover from Tide is a must-have for on-the-go treatment. The compact pens go to work immediately to help you get rid of stains quickly and painlessly. They use a bleach-free formula to remove fresh and set-in stains from food, ink, oil, and grass. Furthermore, the gentle formula is safe to use on delicate fabrics.
Pros:
- Great for getting rid of stains on the go
- Compact and easy to take on the go
- Effective on food stains
- Safe for colorfast and dry-cleanable fabrics
Cons:
- It takes some time to apply the product
OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder
When you need to remove stubborn stains, look no further than this stain remover from Oxiclean. Its oxygen-based formula eliminates even the most difficult stains without damaging the fabric. Whether the stain is fresh or a week old, the water-activated powder can almost always get it out. Unlike the other stain removers on our list, you don’t apply this directly to your clothing. Instead, you’ll need to soak your clothes in a container with it or mix the powder in a spray bottle to apply it as a sport treatment.
Pros:
- Removes tough stains like makeup, wine, and ink
- Besides clothing, it can be used on upholstery, carpet, and other surfaces
- Can use to presoak clothes
- Has a pleasant scent
Cons:
- Requires more work than spot treatments
Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover Laundry Spray
Stay spotless
Grease stains and most others don’t stand a chance when up against Grandma’s Secret spot remover. Even grease isn’t too much for this spot remover, which efficiently removes these stains, leaving garments looking like new. It doesn’t end there; it also removes wine and makeup stains. Plus, it’s easy to use. All you have to do is dab it on the stain, wait a few minutes, and then run the washing machine. The bleach-free formula works in all water temperatures and is gentle on fabrics.
Pros:
- Comes with a travel-size bottle for taking on the go
- Gets rid of food and grease stains on all types of fabrics
- Has a pleasant citrus scent
- Easy to use
Cons:
- More expensive than similar products
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of stain is hardest to remove?
A stain that has had time to dry and set into the fabric of your clothing will be the most difficult to remove. The longer it sits, the harder a stain becomes to remove. While you may be able to remove old stains from your clothes, it’s best to treat stains as soon as you notice them. Blood stains are some of the most challenging to remove from fabric, so you should soak them in cold water before using a stain remover. If stains don’t come out after the first wash, you should rewash them. Remember that you should never place clothes in the dryer if they’re stained.
Can stain remover damage my clothes?
High-quality stain removers are completely safe for your clothes when used as directed. However, they can damage the fabric if left on a stain for too long. Be sure to read and follow the instructions on the stain remover you’re using to find out how long you should leave it on your clothing. Instead of treating your clothes and placing them in the hamper, it’s a good idea to use stain remover right before putting a load into the washer.
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