The Best Stain Removers

Staff writer Andrea Barnes covers large cleaning appliances, including washing machines and dryers and dishwashers. She also wrote our guides to dishwasher detergent and laundry detergent, and she provides tips for getting the most out of your dishwasher and laundry appliances.

For this guide, we did the following:

• We spoke with a variety of industry experts, including a fabric-care expert at Clorox, the fabric-care team at Procter & Gamble, the marketing manager of Amodex, and the CMO of The Hate Stains Co. (maker of Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater). We also interviewed a retired chemical engineer who formulated laundry detergent for decades and an assistant wardrobe supervisor for a Broadway musical.
• We studied the ingredients lists of the more than 20 stain removers we tested.
• We read multiple research papers on bleach alternatives, enzymes, and fabric-care best practices, watched online lectures addressing enzymatic stain removal and the history of laundry care, and spent time at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) library researching fabric care and reading books on the subject.

Stain removers fall into several categories based on the ingredients they contain and the types of stains they tackle. Here’s an overview:

All-purpose laundry stain removers: Sometimes called laundry presoaks, all-purpose stain removers are what you’re most likely to encounter in the laundry detergent aisle at the grocery store. Typically found in spray, rub-in, and on-the-go pen-style formulas, all-purpose stain removers usually come in either liquid or gel form. Like laundry detergent, they tend to contain a combination of enzymes and surfactants, though all formulas differ to an extent.

Laundry detergents: Formulas vary, but laundry detergents are, at a minimum, a combination of surfactants, which reduce water tension and make it possible for soap to mix with water and penetrate stains, and enzymes, biological molecules that incite chemical reactions that break down stains.

Soaps: Unlike laundry detergent, soaps, including those formulated specifically for laundry, do not contain enzymes, relying instead on surfactants and other cleansing agents. Dish soap is widely known as a hack for eliminating grease stains, and bar and hand soaps are also commonly used to treat stains. We tested soap-based stain removers in both liquid and bar form.

Bleaches: While detergents break down the physical bonds of a stain, bleaches break down its chemical bonds, changing its appearance. Bleaches are ideal for removing dye-based, tannic (tea, wine, coffee), and other highly pigmented stains (turmeric, beta-carotene) that cause a saturated discoloration of fabric. For this guide, we focused on non-chlorine bleaches, which are gentler on fabrics than chlorine bleach. We tested multiple stain removers containing oxygen bleach (often referred to as sodium percarbonate), which is the main ingredient in OxiClean. But lemon juice, baking soda, and even sunlight are all non-chlorine bleaches too.

Alcohol and other solvents: These can be the key to removing a specific, locked stain such as paint or shoe polish, and they’re ideal for handling synthetic and some dye-based stains that might not respond to more traditional removal methods like enzymatic detergents or soap. Think Goo Gone for chewing gum, for example, or acetone for nail polish.

We tested more than 20 stain removers using a protocol similar to how we test laundry detergent. Here’s how we evaluated them:

Ingredients: We closely read ingredient lists, and we tracked down safety data sheets for companies that didn’t disclose their product ingredients.

Formula type: We tested spray, rub-on, powder, liquid (designed for both soaking and direct application), and bar stain removers. We noted the consistency of each formula and how it was delivered, favoring those that easily worked into fabric and penetrated a stain entirely.

Scent and odor: While we tested many fragrance-free (or no added fragrance) stain removers, some had strong scents or emitted fumes during use. We dismissed those, depending on the severity.

Stain-removal ability and overall performance: For our initial testing, in which we ruled out many formulas, we assessed stain removers in sets based on similarities and treated prestained T-shirts and stain monitors left over from our laundry detergent testing. We tried the stain removers on both fresh and set-in stains. Formulas that performed well at this stage moved on to more extensive tests.

We tested each set of stain removers on two T-shirts that we stained with grass, pizza, pig blood, a turmeric-based sauce, barbecue sauce, mustard, blueberry, chocolate soy or almond milk, coffee, baby formula, foundation makeup, lipstick, pomegranate cherry juice, and both red and sparkling white wine.

For the first set of shirts, we let the stains set in for about an hour. We pretreated and then washed one shirt according to each stain remover’s instructions. We selected our “to-go” stain remover during this round, since those formulas are designed for fresh stains.

We left the second set of stained shirts untreated for two weeks. We then pretreated each set-in stain according to each manufacturer’s instructions and laundered accordingly.

For the remaining stain removers, we performed a final evaluation using industrial stain monitors containing 15 different stains: makeup, a turmeric-based spice blend, red wine, tomato sauce, blood, chocolate dessert, peat, tea, beta-carotene, grass, animal fat with red dye, baby food, clay, butter, and used engine oil. We pretreated each stain according to the manufacturer's instructions and then agitated the monitors in tepid water and 1 tablespoon of generic liquid laundry detergent in a stand mixer for 20 minutes. Then we rinsed the monitors and laid them out to dry. In this test we did not look for stains to be entirely removed; instead we used it to obtain comparative data on the contenders’ performance.

After analyzing the appearance of the stains, we assigned a score to each stain remover based on their overall performance in each test.

Additionally, we tested each stain remover on red fabric to check for any discoloration caused by the stain remover. For those that can work as a soak, we soaked stain monitors in a solution of 4 gallons of tepid water plus the recommended dosage of each remover. We then rinsed the monitors and laid them out to dry. We performed a similar test for grease removal with both Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Detergent and Persil ProClean Original Liquid Laundry Detergent (our two liquid picks in our guide to laundry detergent) using prestained T-shirts.

Keep in mind that most of the recommendations in this guide are meant to be used on machine-washable fabrics. Whichever stain remover or detergent you choose, be sure to test for colorfastness by placing a small amount on an inconspicuous place on your garment before pretreating. After five minutes, rinse the spot. Once it has air dried, check to see if the fabric has changed color. If the fabric looks the same, you’re good to go!

Also, most stain removers are not meant to remain in contact with skin for extended periods of time. We recommend wearing gloves when working with them.

Amodex Ink & Stain Remover was the most well-rounded stain remover we tested. It is easy to work into stains and is safe for most fabrics.

It handles a wide variety of common stains well. In our tests, Amodex made an admirable dent in some of the most stubborn stains we tried it on, including tea, red and white sparkling wine, and turmeric.

It’s one of the few stain removers that can eradicate ink—even permanent ink. Originally invented to remove ink stains from skin, Amodex is recommended by multiple pen companies, including Sharpie. (This formula can also remove ink stains on hard surfaces such as walls and tables; we have been told that teachers, in particular, like it.) In our testing, we were able to remove Sharpie ink from both cotton T-shirts and white silk pillowcases.

Keep in mind that cleaning permanent ink with Amodex still takes time. Be sure to follow the instructions. Rather than pretreating ink stains and then laundering, you need to work Amodex through the stain and blot it with a paper towel or washcloth, repeating until the ink is gone. Though the process is tedious, it does work.

But it falls short on some food stains. Amodex Ink & Stain Remover did not handle stains like baby food and mustard as effectively as other stain removers. Although it removed a significant percentage of some more stubborn pigmented stains such as red dye and red wine, its performance didn’t match that of an oxygen bleach for set-in highly pigmented or dye-based stains. Amodex’s formula does not contain enzymes, so if you encounter lots of food stains, you should supplement with an enzymatic laundry detergent.

It absorbs easily. Amodex has a lotion-like consistency (it was originally intended to be a hand soap), and you can easily work it into stains by hand or with the help of a stain brush.

It’s nontoxic. This is a soap-based stain remover (PDF). Unlike some of the other stain removers we tested, and even many laundry detergents, Amodex can safely come in contact with skin and is not poisonous if accidentally ingested.

It’s safe for wool and some silks. Unlike our other picks, Amodex is not limited to machine-washable fabrics, though you should still test for colorfastness before use.

It works best on dry fabric. This stain remover loses its oomph when it comes into contact with water. Be sure to pretreat on dry fabric.

It is not vegan. Amodex is not tested on animals, but it contains lanolin, a by-product of wool processing. If you avoid animal products, this stain remover may not be for you.

It is lightly scented. Some people may find this formula’s mild floral scent bothersome, but we didn’t mind it.

OxiClean On the Go Pen Stain Remover is lightweight enough to toss into a bag or stash in a desk drawer, and it’s especially well suited for fresh stains that you might encounter out in the wild.

It worked like a charm on fresh blood, coffee, and lipstick stains. The OxiClean On the Go Pen contains a hydrogen peroxide solution that works exceptionally well on blood stains. In our tests, it also eradicated coffee and fresh lipstick stains with ease. However, while this formula removed some food stains—including blueberry and barbecue sauce—during our testing, it struggled with greasy soilage.

But it’s not designed for set-in stains. This OxiClean remover barely made a dent on older stains in our tests, so consider it a stain remover for in-the-moment emergencies.

It’s lightweight and easy to apply. The pen is an ideal size for tossing into a bag or pocket or for storing in a desk drawer. The tip is nubby and grooved, which helps work the stain remover directly into the stain without saturating the surrounding area; spreading stains was not an issue with the OxiClean On the Go Pen.

It has a neutral scent. This formula has no added scent and a neutral smell.

In both our pretreatment and soak tests, Tide Ultra Oxi Powder Laundry Detergent removed significantly more stains than any other detergent or stain remover containing oxygen bleach. It also dissolves well, even in cold water, which makes it a great choice for fully working into stains as a soak or a pretreatment. It’s our top all-purpose powder laundry detergent pick, so you can use it for everyday laundry, too.

It dissolves exceptionally well, even in cold water. Most oxygen bleaches in powder form require warm or hot water to dissolve correctly. Tide Ultra Oxi Powder fully dissolves in any water temperature—even cold—widening the range of fabrics that you can wash or soak. This fully dissolving powder can easily become a paste for pretreating, as well.

There is no limit to its soak time. Our testing indicated that most stains will lift after soaking for an hour in a solution of Tide Ultra Oxi Powder, but there is no limit to how long garments can soak. You can leave especially stubborn stains overnight or longer; we did this informally with a number of thrifted items and were pleased with the results.

It removes a wide range of stains. In our tests, Tide Ultra Oxi Powder outperformed other powder detergents and stain removers containing oxygen bleach. We have been testing Tide Ultra Oxi Powder both in our lab and at home for almost a year. In controlled tests, it dominated the results for pretreatment with laundry detergent, and it removed more stains in a soak than any other stain-removing product we tried.

In informal testing, Tide Ultra Oxi Powder was the best at removing grime from socks; it also lifted mysterious stains from vintage clothing and came closest to erasing old and deep-set stains on T-shirts left over from laundry detergent testing.

It isn’t the best choice for oil-based stains. Though Tide Ultra Oxi Powder can clean pizza grease, for example, its powder formulation prevents it from penetrating fibers as effectively as a liquid stain remover can. Treating oil stains with this formula may require either a longer soak or an extra wash.

It’s versatile. Tide Ultra Oxi Powder is a real workhorse, capable of working effectively as a pretreatment, a presoak, and a laundry detergent.

It’s gentle on fabrics. Unlike some other stain removers such as our also-great pick from Clorox, there’s no limit to how long Tide Ultra Oxi Powder can be in contact with fabric, either as a soak or a pretreatment. (As always, be sure to spot-test for colorfastness before using.) But like most of our picks, it isn’t meant to come in contact with your skin. Wear gloves, and wash your hands after use.

Its fragrance isn’t for everyone. Tide Ultra Oxi Powder has a light scent that some people find off-putting. There is no unscented version. If you avoid fragrance for reasons such as allergies or migraines, consider other options. We hope to see a fragrance-free version from Tide one day.

Of the many stain removers we tested, including a few designed specifically for oil and grease stains, nothing worked as well on stubborn oily stains as soaking garments in a solution of warm water and Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent.

It’s excellent at erasing greasy stains. Whether used as a soak or a pretreatment, Tide Free & Gentle Liquid dissolves quickly and is easy to work into fabric when you’re pretreating stains. During testing, we soaked and washed many greasy stains, including fresh and weeks-old olive oil and pizza grease. Tide Free & Gentle Liquid removed a large amount of grease with pretreatment, but a soak in a solution of this detergent and warm water returned seemingly unsalvageable items to their previous, pristine state. Using this soak method, I even successfully removed pizza-grease stains from my daughter’s dress that had gone through at least four or five wash-and-dry cycles.

But it might take a few tries. Tide Free & Gentle Liquid penetrates and wipes away grease stains, but be patient. You’ll likely need to soak and wash an old or aggressively stained item more than once.

And it can’t get rid of other types of stains. If you find yourself frequently confronted with stubborn stains, such as blood or dyes, stock up on a supplementary stain remover such as Amodex Ink & Stain Remover or Clorox 2 Stain Remover & Color Brightener.

It’s free of dyes and scent. For those who are sensitive to fragrance or simply dislike scent, this is a great option.

If you most frequently encounter food stains, and laundry detergent isn’t cutting it, Zout is a great choice. In our tests it removed more tough food stains than other spray stain removers we tried, and its scent-free formula was pleasant to work with.

It's ideal for pretreating stubborn food stains. While Amodex, one of our top picks, eradicated a wider variety of stains overall, Zout was especially effective on combination food stains such as gravy, chocolate soy milk, and barbecue sauce. In contrast, it barely budged foundation makeup and lipstick.

It sprays on thoroughly. Zout’s spray nozzle distributes its formula in multiple streams, ensuring full coverage of stains.

But it doesn’t penetrate stains as easily as other formulas. Despite having a thinner liquid formula, Zout didn’t saturate stains quite as readily as other stain removers we assessed. We used a stain brush to help work it into stains.

It’s suitable for soaking. You can use Zout to presoak especially stubborn or old stains by mixing ⅛ cup of Zout with 1 gallon of water.

In testing, no other stain remover handled stubborn stains as quickly and effectively as Clorox 2 Stain Remover & Color Brightener, but it can be a little tricky to work with. We recommend using this liquid as a last resort for particularly challenging stains, such as old blood or other mysterious marks that remain after multiple washes.

It is the speediest liquid stain remover we tested. While other stain removers that we directly applied to stains eventually removed as many stains as Clorox 2 did, no other stain remover eliminated as many stains with as little pretreatment time. Clorox 2 also handled both lipstick and foundation makeup better than most of the stain removers we tested.

It’s versatile. We tested Clorox 2 for pretreating stains, but you can use it in other ways, too. You can presoak particularly stubborn or old stains in a solution of Clorox 2 and water, though this soak should be limited to one hour. (And in our tests it did not produce better results than soaking in Tide Ultra Oxi Powder.) Clorox 2 can also work as a stain-removing booster when you add it to a regular load of laundry along with detergent.

But it isn’t easy to apply. This liquid formula, unlike easier-to-use spray and rub-on treatments we tested, comes in a bottle that is more similar to what laundry detergents come in. You need to pour out your dosage, which can get messy. Be sure to wear gloves.

It’s also fine for white fabrics. Despite being called a “color brightener,” Clorox 2 is not limited to use with colors. That distinction in phrasing is intended to differentiate it from Clorox bleach, a chlorinated bleach that can discolor many types of fabrics and is meant for white fabrics only.

It works quickly, but you need to monitor it. Unlike our other picks, undiluted Clorox 2 should not remain in direct contact with fabric for more than 10 minutes, and items shouldn’t soak in it for longer than one hour. Pretreating for longer can result in fabric discoloration, explained Mary Gagliardi, a laundry scientist and Clorox spokesperson.

If you face a wide-range of stubborn stains and have a well-organized laundry area: In our tests, the Carbona Stain Devils set of eight different stain removers worked niftily on the very specific stains that each of them was formulated to tackle.

If you want a stain remover in bar form: Fels-Naptha, which has a devoted following and looks like a bar of soap, was one of the better stain removers we tested. However, it has a strong smell, and when some of the bar accidentally rubbed onto skin, the sensation was strange and unpleasant, similar to using a balm containing lidocaine or camphor. This kept us from naming it as a pick. That said, if you want a stain-remover bar, this one will do the job. We also recommend Zote, a stain-remover bar from Mexico that ranked just behind Fels-Naptha in our testing.

If you regularly deal with lipstick stains: The Laundress Stain Solution might come in handy. It cleaned lipstick stains so well—almost entirely—that we thought we were hallucinating. Unfortunately, it didn’t remove other run-of-the-mill stains like tomato sauce and blueberries nearly as well.

If blueberry and other fruit stains are your mortal enemies: You might appreciate Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater. Produced by The Hate Stains Co., which has an extensive line of similar stain removers, this formula worked exceptionally well on blueberry, red wine, and pomegranate juice stains. In unofficial at-home testing, it also effectively removed old and stubborn paint stains from children’s clothing. But after treating, you need to wash your clothes with an enzymatic laundry detergent to fully remove stains, and Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater also contains citric acid, a non-chlorine bleaching agent that could cause fading or discoloration on some fabrics.

If you want a classic stain-removing spray but can’t find Zout: We almost made OxiClean Max Force a pick, but we preferred the more neutral scent of Zout. If you can’t find any of our picks, OxiClean Max Force will do just fine.

Clorox 2 Stain Remover & Color Booster, a powder stain remover based on hydrogen peroxide, did slightly better on grass stains than OxiClean, but overall it disappointed, especially in comparison with its liquid counterpart.

Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover Laundry Spray was a middle-of-the-road stain remover, and Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover did not remove ink well, despite its claims. If you’re confronted with ink stains, try our top pick, Amodex Ink & Stain Remover, instead.

Incredible Stain Remover worked some pretty serious magic on very old used engine oil stains. But the company didn’t respond to our queries for more information about the formula’s ingredients. Because we were unable to determine whether it contains potentially hazardous ingredients, we can’t recommend it for household use.

OxiClean powder was unimpressive in our testing and required very hot water for decent stain removal. It barely removed grass and blood stains from an industrial stain monitor even after soaking and washing.

OxiClean Laundry Stain Remover, a spray-bottle stain remover, scored poorly in our tests.

OxiClean White Revive Laundry Whitener & Stain Remover powder, which contains enzymes, cleaned slightly better than OxiClean and removed grass and blood. But when we compared its results with a stain monitor soaked in Tide Ultra Oxi Powder Laundry Detergent, we found that it underperformed.

The Pink Stuff The Miracle Laundry Oxi Stain Remover had an acrid smell that made it unpleasant to use. (We tried the original The Pink Stuff, and it was also a big disappointment.)

Puracy Stain Remover Free & Clear removes stains well, but it requires 24 hours of pretreatment for even slightly set-in stains, unlike our picks.

Both Shout and Shout Advanced left much to be desired, struggling with everyday stains such as grass and tomato sauce.

Shout Wipe & Go Instant Stain Remover wipes underwhelmed in testing compared with other on-the-go cleaners we tried.

Sonett Gall Soap removed grease well but fell short on most other stains.

Spray ’n Wash barely made a dent in some of the most common household stains.

Tide to Go Instant Stain Remover was great at removing some stains, but its pen-style applicator dried out quickly.

Whip-It Emergency Stain Pens did the best on grass of the multiple on-the-go stain removers we put to the test, but it barely removed other stains.

This article was edited by Ingrid Skjong and Courtney Schley.