9 Best Laundry Stain Removers, Tested by Our Cleaning Experts
Dirt, blood, wine, grease, and other stains can come out with the right product.
Reviewed by Carolyn FortéHome Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director
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A splash of coffee, a drip of spaghetti sauce, or an unexpected grass stain can quickly turn into a laundry headache. But the right stain remover can help lift these messes before they become permanent, tackling everything from fresh spills to stubborn, set-in stains.
Our top picks:
✔️ Best overall: Carbona Laundry Stain Scrubber
✔️ Best stain bar: Fels Naptha Laundry Bar and Stain Remover
✔️ Best for pre-soaking: OxiClean Stain Remover Powder
✔️ Best for wine stains: Wine Away
To find the formulas that actually deliver, experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab have put more than 40 popular laundry stain removers to the test, building on hundreds of hours of research and testing across more than 200 stain-removal products and laundry detergents. The goal: find formulas that can handle the stains that give you the most trouble, from grass and blood to coffee and tomato sauce, without adding a lot of extra work to laundry day. The one that had the best all-around results in our stain-removal testing is Carbona Laundry Stain Scrubber.
Best Deal
Pros
- Only one in our test to completely remove ink stains
- Works well in both warm and cold water
- Good for many common fabrics
Cons
- Too harsh for delicates like silk
OUR TOP PERFORMER IN TESTING
The first time we tested Carbona's Laundry Stain Scrubber, it earned the highest score of all the stain removers we evaluated, with especially strong results on lipstick, mascara, and ink. We were particularly impressed that it was the only formula to completely remove ballpoint pen ink from our test fabric, a notoriously difficult stain to tackle. In more recent testing, it also stood out as one of just three stain removers that noticeably lightened red food coloring.
AN EFFECTIVE FORMULA WITH BUILT-IN SCRUBBER
Carbona also performed well on outdoor and drink stains, whether fabrics were washed in cold or warm water. Its enzyme-powered formula comes with an applicator top that doubles as a tool for loosening caked-on residue. Apply it directly to stains and let it work for 10 minutes before washing.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY
This formula may be too harsh for some delicate fabrics, and the brand does not recommend it for silk. However, it's suitable for cotton, wool, nylon, rayon, polyester, acrylics, and blends, according to the manufacturer.
| Form | Gel |
| Setting time | 10 minutes |
| Formulated for | All types of stains, including ink, dirt, grease, blood, fruit, ketchup, milk, and baby food |
Pros
- Doesn't leak
- Lasts a long time
- Minimal scent
Cons
- Application can take some time and effort
A STANDOUT ON STUBBORN STAINS
This old-school bar soap has been around for more than 125 years, and it still holds its own against tough laundry stains. In our testing, it diminished the appearance of grass and coffee stains and was the top performer on lipstick, one of the most difficult stains to remove. The bar lasts a long time, so you'll get a lot of value out it, plus it's compact enough to store easily without worrying about leaks.
A LIGHTER SCENT THAN TYPICAL STAIN REMOVERS
Multiple consumer testers described the scent as refreshing and appreciated that it wasn't as strong as many other stain-removal products.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY
Applying the soap directly to stains takes more time and effort than using a spray. Some testers also found that rubbing the bar into fabric took a bit of time and effort.
| Form | Bar |
| Setting time | Up to 10 minutes |
| Formulated for | All types of stains, including ink, dirt, grease, blood, fruit, ketchup, milk, and baby food |
Pros
- Excellent at tackling tough stains
- Easy to use
- Great overall value
Cons
- Can be messy if spilled
A TOP PERFORMER ON FOOD STAINS
This presoak powder consistently delivers strong results in our Lab tests. In our most recent evaluation, it outperformed five other products after presoak testing, nearly eliminating spaghetti sauce, chocolate syrup, coffee, and gravy. Even adding a single scoop to a regular wash load led to noticeable improvement. Its performance was impressive enough to earn a Good Housekeeping Cleaning Award.
HOW IT WORKS
The oxygen-based formula releases oxygen in water to help break the bonds between stains and fabric. For best results, let items soak in the solution for one to six hours before washing. Consumer testers also praised how easy it was to use, how well it worked, and its overall value.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY
The large tub can be messy if spilled, so take care when scooping and storing the powder.
| Form | Powder |
| Setting time | 1-6 hours |
| Formulated for | Stains including dirt, grass, grease, blood, makeup, and wine |
Pros
- Concentrated gel can work through old stains
- Built-in brush helps loosen grime
- Can be left on fabric for up to one week
Cons
- Brush applicator can be too harsh for some delicates
CONCENTRATED FORMULA TACKLES STUBBORN STAINS
Shout Advanced Gel earned the second-highest overall score in our Lab tests, completely removing nine of the 20 stains we evaluated, including grass, ketchup, and grape juice. Its concentrated formula is especially effective on older, set-in stains, making it a useful addition to any laundry room.
CONVENIENT FOR BUSY LAUNDRY DAYS
The gel can sit on fabric for up to a week before washing, so you don't have to rush to run a load. That makes it particularly handy for common baby messes. Our Lab experts also appreciated the bottle's clear, easy-to-follow instructions.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY
Rinse the scrubber-brush top after each use to prevent transferring residue to other garments. The formula can also be harsh on delicate fabrics, so dab gently when treating items that need extra care.
| Form | Gel |
| Setting time | Up to 1 week |
| Formulated for | All types of stains including including food, coffee, wine, and makeup |
Pros
- Unique scent
- Refillable
- Plant-based
Cons
- Some may not like the scent
EFFECTIVE STAIN REMOVER WITH A DISTINCTIVE SCENT
Dad Mode Deep Stain Remover performed well in our testing, tackling tough stains like grass, blood, and wine. Its plant-based formula features a blend of seven enzymes, but what really sets it apart is the sandalwood and suede scent. Unlike the typical smell of stain removers, this fragrance was noticeable but not overpowering during application. After washing, it left fabrics lightly scented, reminiscent of an expensive perfume or cologne. And despite the name, we think the fragrance works for any gender.
A MORE SUSTAINABLE BOTTLE
The aluminum bottle is refillable, and Dad Mode offers refill packs that can help cut down on both cost and packaging waste over time.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY
This stain remover is pricier than many alternatives, and while we enjoyed its distinctive scent, it may not appeal to everyone.
| Form | Spray |
| Setting time | 1-8 hours |
| Formulated for | All types of stains, including ink, dirt, grease, blood, fruit, ketchup, milk, and baby food |
Pros
- More eco-conscious
- Gentle enough for a wide range of materials
- Works quickly
Cons
- On the more expensive side
POWERFUL RESULTS FROM A PLANT-BASED FORMULA
Don't let the plant- and mineral-based ingredients fool you: This spray delivered impressive results in Lab tests, earning a Good Housekeeping Cleaning Award. It excelled at removing spaghetti sauce, chocolate syrup, coffee, and gravy after just 15 minutes. Lipstick and mustard proved more challenging, but the formula still noticeably reduced their appearance.
GENTLE ENOUGH FOR CLOTHES AND SHOES
Tackling a wide range of stains, from food and dirt to blood, this formula is made with six specialty enzymes and 92% USDA Biobased ingredients (which certifies that they are biological as opposed to merely using the vague marketing term "plant-based.") Testers successfully used it on everything from baby clothes to white canvas sneakers, with one reporting that their shoes looked "brand new!"
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY
This stain remover is pricier than some alternatives, but its strong cleaning performance and versatility may make it worth the splurge.
| Form | Spray |
| Setting time | 15 minutes |
| Formulated for | All types of stains including food, oil, and grass |
Pros
- Pocket-sized
- Works on delicates like silk
- Can handle dark stains without bleach
Cons
- Leaves a lingering smell on garments
A LONGTIME FAVORITE FOR QUICK STAIN REMOVAL
We've tested these instant stain remover pens in multiple rounds over more than 20 years, and they've impressed us each time. Tide products have also earned the Good Housekeeping Seal and remain a consumer favorite. In Lab tests on 10 common food and drink stains, the pens performed well across cotton, polyester, and even tricky silk fabrics. They were particularly effective on dark red and purple juice stains, as well as ketchup.
SMALL ENOUGH TO TAKE ANYWHERE
The bleach-free formula comes in a pocket-sized pen that fits easily into pants pockets and small handbags, making it handy for treating spills before they set.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY
The scent can linger on garments long after the product has been applied and rinsed, which may be a drawback if you prefer fragrance-free products.
| Form | Pen |
| Setting time | Use ASAP |
| Formulated for | Juice stains, ketchup, BBQ sauce, coffee, wine, tea, chocolate syrup, and other messy food and drinks |
Pros
- Individually wrapped and highly portable
- Can be used on carpets and car seats too
- Particularly good for food and drink stains
Cons
- Dark or heavy stains may need more than one wipe
HANDY FOR EVERYDAY SPILLS AND MISHAPS
We find Shout Instant Stain Remover Wipes so useful for quick cleanups that we keep them stocked in the Cleaning Lab for coffee spills and lunch mishaps. While they haven't gone through our full 20-stain Lab test, we've used them on a wide range of common food and drink stains and consistently seen excellent results. They're also safe to use on carpets and car seats.
INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED FOR EASY STORAGE
Each wipe is packaged separately to keep it moist, making them convenient to stash in a backpack, diaper bag, desk drawer, or car. If you notice a faint ring after use, wet the wipe with warm water and blot the area until the mark disappears.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY
Each wipe is designed for one small stain, so you may need multiple wipes for larger, darker, or more stubborn messes.
| Form | Wipe |
| Setting time | Use ASAP |
| Formulated for | All types of stains but especially food and drinks |
Pros
- Formulated to be particularly effective on red-wine stains
- Can be used on fabrics and carpet
- Nice scent and works quickly
Cons
- Not effective on oil stains, but is good for other liquid stains
OUR TOP PICK FOR WINE SPILLS
As its name suggests, this highly targeted formula excels at tackling fresh and dried wine stains. In Cleaning Lab tests, it completely removed wine and also performed well on other intensely colored stains, including red food coloring and purple grape juice. It rinses clean without leaving residue and works on both carpets and fabrics. Its performance earned it a Good Housekeeping Cleaning Award two years in a row.
EASY TO USE WITH A PLEASANT SCENT
Consumer testers consistently gave this stain remover high marks for its ease of use, fast results, and pleasant citrus fragrance. We've also recommended it countless times over the years.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY
This formula isn't effective on oily stains, but the brand says it can tackle a range of other liquid messes, including coffee, juice, blood, colored medicine, and pet accidents.
| Form | Spray |
| Setting time | 5 minutes |
| Formulated for | Red wine stains |
How we test stain removers
The Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab is testing and rating consumer products all year long at our headquarters in New York City. We are laundry experts: On a recent count we had tested 132 laundry detergents, 43 laundry pretreat stain removers, 18 instant and red wine stain removers, and 22 carpet stain removers. The last time we did a full category test of stain removers, we treated over 1,500 individual stains and did 608 pounds of laundry.
To choose the best stain removers, we stain plain white cotton fabric with 20 of the most common food, drink, outdoor, and makeup stains. After the stains set overnight, we wash the fabric in cold and warm water using a Lab-standard regular-size load of laundry in a washing machine.
We previously graded each washed stain according to the industry standards set by the AATCC Stain Release Scale in a dark room illuminated by a light set to mimic daylight conditions. Recently, our experts switched to evaluating stains using a Verivide DigiEye System. This system provides more accurate color measurements and further standardizes our testing method.
In addition to testing each stain remover for performance, we also evaluate how easy each is to apply, plus assess the clarity of directions and the thoroughness of the safety information included on the label.
What to look for when shopping for the best stain remover
✔️ Form: Stain removers come in a variety of forms—sprays, gels, powders, foams, solid sticks, and liquids—plus portable options like wipes and pens. Which one you choose depends on personal preference and where you are when the stain happens. Sprays, gels, and foams are usually the easiest to apply, though some need to go into the washing machine quickly, while others can sit for up to a week—always check the label. Powders and liquids are great for presoaking laundry, and solid sticks (not on our list) can take a little extra effort to apply evenly but are convenient for travel.
✔️ Type of stain: Common stains fall into four categories: protein (blood, eggs), tannin (tea, coffee), dyes (mustard, berries), and oil-based (makeup, cooking oil). As a rule, protein stains should be washed in cool water since heat can set them, while all other stains do best in the warmest water the fabric can handle. Many stain removers are formulated for specific stain types or water temperatures, so check the label before use.
✔️ Fabric: Always follow the instructions on both the garment and the stain remover. Some formulas contain bleach, which shouldn’t be used on colored clothing. It’s also a good idea to test a hidden area first. Apply the product, let it sit for five minutes, rinse, and allow the fabric to dry. If the color shifts, avoid using it elsewhere on the garment.
✔️ Time: For quick fixes on the go, wipes and pens are your best friend. If you can wait until your next laundry day, sprays, gels, or liquids can often sit on stains for longer—just check the label for how long they can safely work. Powders for presoaking require some planning, since they usually need an hour or more to do their job.
What is the best homemade stain remover?
Because commercial stain removers rely on powerful enzymes, it’s hard for natural DIY cleaners to match their results. That said, our Cleaning Lab experts have tested a few common at-home approaches and found some that can be surprisingly effective (though, as with any stain-removal method, it’s best to test them first on a small, hidden area of the garment to make sure they won’t cause damage or discoloration):
- Sprinkling salt on a fresh grease stain can help prevent it from setting.
- Dish soap can serve as a quick substitute for a stain pretreatment if that’s all you have on hand.
- Sponging hydrogen peroxide onto fresh blood stains can help lift them before they set, but only on colorfast fabrics.
What are the hardest stains to remove?
The hardest stains to remove are those that have dried and set into the fabric over time. The longer a stain sits, the more difficult it becomes to lift, so it’s best to treat stains as soon as possible.
For blood stains, soak the garment in cold water before applying a stain pretreatment. Oily stains respond best to pretreatment followed by a warm-water wash.
If a stain is still visible after one round of pretreatment and washing, avoid putting the garment in the dryer. Heat can set the stain permanently. Instead, apply more stain remover and wash it again. Some stains, like rust, bleach, dried paint, ink, and certain dyes, may be impossible to fully remove.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Carolyn Forté is a consumer products expert with more than 40 years of experience. With a background in textiles and extensive experience testing laundry detergents and appliances, she knows all the secrets to safe and effective stain removal. As the former Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Home Care & Cleaning Lab, she previously oversaw all Lab testing.
Brigitt Earley is a writer, editor, and content creator with over 15 years of experience covering home care and cleaning. Under Forté's guidance, she used testing data to compile this list of the best stain removers.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
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