The 12 Best Laundry Stain Removers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

Method Stain Remover

4.9

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Scent
  5/5
• Effectiveness
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Method's Stain Remover was a standout in our testing, scoring high ratings across the board. You can use it on pretty much any tough stain you'll encounter, including grease, blood, grass, oil, food, makeup, and more. The plant-based formula lifts stains with minimal time or elbow grease required. "Wow! Great results here," our tester reported. "The grass, marker, and syrup were all totally removed, and no residue from the stain or cleaner remains." We were worried about the stain transferring, based on the "sudsy-ness of the application process, but it all washed away cleanly! The wine stain showed particularly great improvement, especially in comparison to the other products we tested.

Even better, the noteworthy results are a breeze to come by, thanks to the brush-and-bottle combination. We love that it was extremely easy to use, especially when working with large stains. While we liked the built-in brush, you could also squirt the product on, especially if you're spot-cleaning a small stain.

All of this comes at a fair price, too. "The bottle isn't huge," notes our tester. "But, you still get enough to work on really large or tough stains. The bristle applicator is a major bonus as the friction really seemed to help lift some of the tougher stains, like makeup."

Price at time of publish: $35

_{Type: Pen and brush | Amount: 6 ounces | Scent: Light chemical smell | Application Method: Squeeze and brush on, let stand}

Best Budget

Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam, Laundry Stain Remover

4.9

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Scent
  5/5
• Effectiveness
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

This popular foam stain remover from Shout was also a highly performing product that earned high ratings during our tests. It performed well across the board, removing most stains with ease, and took care of the remaining makeup and wine stains (which were challenges for most of the products we tested). We also liked the performance and price. Other highlights were its ease of use, unscented formula, and overall value.

We noted that the directions tell you not to let this foam dry on stains. If you're someone who easily gets distracted and can see yourself getting interrupted while doing chores, or if you like to take your time with laundry steps, this product might not work with your usual process. Otherwise, it's a high performing, budget-friendly, easy-to-use choice that proved to be effective during our testing process.

Price at time of publish: $4

_{Type: Spray foam | Amount: 18 ounces | Scent: No noticeable scent | Application Method: Spray and launder before drying}

Best Eco-Friendly

Ingredients Matter Laundry Soap Stain Stick

4.2

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  4.5/5
• Scent
  4.5/5
• Effectiveness
  4.5/5
• Value
  4/5

If you're shopping with an eye for eco-friendly ingredients, give this stain stick a close look. The formula comes in bar form. You lather and apply it directly to stains, and it's incredibly easy to use, effective, and worth the price. Even though the cost is slightly higher than the median price of the products we tested and considered, "the bar removed most of the stains, and there was very little left of those it did not," our tester noted—so, we consider it worth the splurge. You can use it with most fabrics, including delicates, and it's fine to use in any water temperature, too. It boasts a fresh clean scent, similar to an Irish Spring bar soap, but not nearly as strong, and no chemical smell.

In case you've never used a bar stain remover, the instructions were clear and the shape of the bar made it easy to apply. It did create a lot of lather, so the formula could easily spread out of the stain.

Bar formulas require less packaging, though, so you throw away less waste when you're finished with this handy, eco-friendly product.

Price at time of publish: $10

_{Type: Bar, stick | Amount: 1, 2.4-ounce stick | Scent: Fresh, clean scent | Application Method: Wet fabric, rub on stained area, do not rinse}

Best Stick

Meliora Laundry Stain Removal Soap Stick

4.2

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  4/5
• Scent
  4/5
• Effectiveness
  4/5
• Value
  4.5/5

Another highly performing bar for your consideration is the Meliora Laundry Stain Remover Soap Stick. This stain remover performed better than most. In fact, the vegetable soap formula contains eco-friendly ingredients like coconut and sunflower oil and the brand is committed to sustainable practices, too.

Plus, it's a cinch to use, though the process can be a bit messy in comparison to any spray you might use. All bar applications are a little messier than just spraying something on, but one good part of that is there is no plastic bottle! As for its performance, the bar was very strong across multiple categories, including ease of use, effectiveness, and scent. When it comes to price, it's key to note that this one is more expensive, but also worth the splurge, given the results. It also has a light, pleasant scented.

Price at time of publish: $12

_{Type: Bar, stick | Amount: 1, 1.7-ounce bar | Scent: Light soap smell | Application Method: Wet stain and rub the soap on it}

Best Powder

OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder

4.6

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  4/5
• Scent
  5/5
• Effectiveness
  4.5/5
• Value
  5/5

Though the process is different when you're using a powder stain remover, you can still expect impressive and rather quick results that rival liquid and gel spot treatments when using this product. We noted that it seemed to be very effective, especially at removing red wine stains, which other products struggled with. The makeup stain was lightened to some degree, too, earning the product a solid effectiveness score.

With this stain remover, the length of time you let the product sit can make a big difference. The longer you let the product set, the more it removes the stain. A heads-up that applying the cleaner to the stain takes some effort, because you have to mix the powder in a spray bottle and the process can get messy. You can also use it when pre-soaking laundry, though, and overall it was relatively easy to use.

Keep in mind that OxiClean is formulated with oxygen-based bleach. Extra care is recommended when using it. Be mindful of all safety precautions noted on the container, and check that it's suitable for the fabrics you're hoping to clean. You should never mix cleaners with each other, and always wear protective eyewear and gloves when working with products with bleach.

Price at time of publish: $24

_{Type: Powder | Amount: 7.2 pounds | Scent: No noticeable smell | Application Method: Mix with water and apply, or pre-soak}

Best Spray

Defunkify Stain Remover Spray

4.4

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Scent
  5/5
• Effectiveness
  4/5
• Value
  3/5

With a name like "Defunkify," you're allowed to have high expectations of this stain remover. In the case of this spray, though, it will probably exceed them. It easily removed the majority of stains made for testing, including grass, marker, and chocolate syrup, and left only a small shadow of red wine and makeup behind. Interestingly enough, red wine is one of the products the brand itself says the product can handle—so, it's possible that another round of cleaning would have done the trick. The good-but-not-perfect performance earned the spray a very decent rating for effectiveness from our tester. Notably, it earned a perfect one for ease of use. Just spray the formula directly from the bottle and wash after 15 minutes.

While this is a higher-priced option than others we tested, we appreciate that the formula includes ingredients certified by the EPA Safer Choice Program, and that it's versatile enough for carpets, upholstery, and even car seats. If you're looking for a stain remover that's effective on clothing and useful around the home, and boasts environmentally friendly ingredients, Defunkify is a more than solid choice.

Price at time of publish: $25

_{Type: Spray | Amount: 2, 16-ounce bottles | Scent: No noticeable scent | Application Method: Spray and wash}

Best Smelling

HEX Performance Stain & Stink Remover Pack of 2

4.4

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Scent
  5/5
• Effectiveness
  4/5
• Value
  4/5

For an effective stain remover that doubles as a "stink remover," too, look no further than HEX. The cleaner has a slight lemon scent that nicely covered up the normal chemical smell that cleaners typically have. The product itself is noted as fragrance-free, containing no added fragrances. The scent comes from the formula itself, which also happens to be biodegradable and cruelty-free.

Most importantly, it removed the majority of stains in our testing, and those that were left behind—makeup foundation and red wine—were lessened. Also worth noting is that the well-designed spray nozzle made it easy to apply. We would definitely recommend this product, as long as you're not going to be washing lots of wine or makeup stains. If you can avoid those types of stains and you like your laundry to smell like fresh citrus, then we think you'll be very happy with this pick.

Price at time of publish: $20

_{Type: Spray | Amount: 1 or 2, 12-ounce bottles | Scent: Slight lemon | Application Method: Spray, wait 15 minutes, then wash}

Best for Travel

Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover

4.5

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You might not always be near a washing machine when stains hit, which is why you should consider keeping a to-go stain remover handy. These compact pens work quickly to get rid of stains, helping to save the day. After seeing the results of this Tide product, one tester gushed, "I'm so impressed!" Progress was made with each of the stains tested, and grass, marker, and syrup stains were totally removed.

The pen contains a bleach-free formula that can be used on many different fabrics, even some that are dry-cleanable. All you need to do to use it is press the tip of the pen onto the stain to dispense the liquid. Rub it gently across the affected area. Keep in mind that it's not meant to be a substitute for a traditional wash. The small size and slow application process make this more of an emergency product, or better suited for small areas. In fact, the design and packaging help with that. Plus, the pens come in a three-pack—perfect to stash in one's purse, car, or desk.

Price at time of publish: $8

_{Type: Pen | Amount: 3 pens | Scent: Light chemical smell | Application Method: Blot stain, press pen tip, rub gently}

Best for Grease

Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover Laundry Spray

4.6

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Scent
  5/5
• Effectiveness
  5/5
• Value
  4/5

A grease stain doesn't have to be the end of the line for your favorite shirt. This spot remover from Grandma's Secret proved to be efficient at clearing all the stains used in testing, except for the trickiest of the group (the wine stain and foundation in particular) and was easy to use, too. Just apply it to the stain, let it sit, and then wash as usual. The bleach-free formula even promises to work with all water temperatures, adding to its very convenient nature.

When it came to the specific categories we tested, it scored perfectly for ease of use, effectiveness, and scent while still earning a strong rating for value. Most importantly, we recommend it, even with a price caveat. Why? It just works well and was easy to use!

Price at time of publish: $14

_{Type: Spray | Amount: 1, 2-ounce bottle and 1, 16-ounce bottle | Scent: No noticeable scent | Application Method: Apply to stain, let stand, then wash}

Best for Fresh Stains

Seventh Generation Laundry Stain Remover

4.8

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Scent
  5/5
• Effectiveness
  4.5/5
• Value
  5/5

A quick response can make all the difference when it comes to stain removal. If you or someone you love is prone to spills—or you simply like to be prepared for anything—you may want to keep this one on hand. This spray performed better on newer stains than set-in ones. It's easy to use, comes in a convenient spray bottle, and is cost-effective. And it performed quite well for a super affordable price.

You have up to 24 hours to wash clothes after you've sprayed them, giving you a bit of flexibility that can be helpful, too. You don't have to completely stop your day to start a load of laundry after a single spill. We also appreciate that there are no dyes or fragrances in the plant-based formula, either. Keep this choice in mind if you're looking to keep a budget and eco-friendly stain remover on hand for quick action on recent spills.

Price at time of publish: $55

_{Type: Spray | Amount: 16 ounces | Scent: Unscented | Application Method: Spray, wash within 24 hours}

Best for Makeup Stains

Shout Advanced Ultra Concentrated Gel Stain Remover

4.8

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Scent
  5/5
• Effectiveness
  4/5
• Value
  5/5

The makeup stain proved to be tough for even some of our most highly performing stain removers, but this Shout formula was up to the task, earning a sky-high score. Just a faint hint of the stain remained after we tried it, a far more promising performance than most of the other products tested.

It was incredibly easy to use, too. The top is a scrub brush so you won't get your hands in the product. It also carries a "pleasant" smell, so if you enjoy a gentle scent with your cleaners, it'll likely do the trick. Just keep in mind that you'll want to double-check the directions, because there are different recommendations for fresh stains (soak for one to five minutes) and set-in stains (set for up to eight hours).

Price at time of publish: $4

_{Type: Gel with brush | Amount: 8.7 ounces | Scent: Fresh | Application Method: Squeeze on stain and rub into fabric, soak fresh stains for one to five minutes, soak set-in stains for up to eight hours}