The Top 10 Laundry Stain Removers, Tested and Reviewed for Effectiveness

Top Pick

Among all the laundry stain removers we tested, the Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam stood out as the top performer. This highly effective stain remover is especially great at tackling tough stains like set-in makeup, oil, and grease. However, it had difficulty removing fresh foundation and set-in red wine stains. We found it easy to use: just spray the foam onto stained clothes and launder as usual. The foam works quickly to break down stains while remaining gentle on fabrics.

This laundry stain remover, designed specifically to tackle grease and oil, is ideal for mechanics, chefs, and those prone to messy eating. It's safe to use on colorfast and machine-washable fabrics in all water temperatures. For pre-treatment, Flores suggests dampening the stain with warm water, applying the remover, and allowing it to sit for a few minutes before laundering.

Formulation: Foam | Size: 18 ounces | Stain Type: Oil, grease, grass, ink, chocolate

Top Enzyme Formula

Enzymatic cleaners utilize natural processes, such as helpful bacteria, to break down organic substances like food and grass stains. During testing, Seventh Generation’s Free & Clear Laundry Stain Remover proved easy to use, especially on fresh organic stains like olive oil. While it worked wonders on new marks, it also lightened tougher set-in stains, such as red wine and makeup. We appreciate this stain remover's natural ingredients, plant-based enzymes, and its ability to target fresh stains effectively. Plus, it's free of dyes and fragrances. For best results, spray on the stain, let it soak for a few minutes, and wash immediately or within 24 hours. For its price and performance, this enzyme-based cleaner provides great value.

Formulation: Spray | Size: 16 ounces | Stain Types: Food, grass, olive oil

Top Pick for Food Stains

Food stains are among the most common types of stains on clothing and fabrics. After testing, we concluded that Grandma’s Secret Laundry Spray is the most effective remover for food stains. This spray is gentle on all fabrics yet tough on stains, free from bleach, phosphates, and chlorine. While it couldn't completely eliminate foundation or wine stains, it easily handled chocolate syrup, olive oil, grass, and marker stains in our lab tests.

Additionally, it comes with a travel-sized spot treatment, perfect for keeping in your car or at the office for quick pre-treatment as soon as a mess occurs. Though the price is on the higher end, we believe the product is effective and worth the investment for those dealing with food and oil stains.

Formulation: Spray and spot treatment | Size: 16 ounces and 2 ounces | Stain Types: Food, oil, ink, grease, coffee, dirt, grass, baby stains

Best for Makeup Stains

Makeup stains, particularly foundation, can be a real challenge, whether they're fresh or have set in. Method’s Stain Remover has proven to be a go-to solution in these situations. We were impressed with how effective it was, especially due to its built-in scrubbing brush, which makes it simple to tackle even large stains. In comparison to other products we tested, it was especially good at lightening set-in foundation stains. The remover also worked wonders on grass, marker, and syrup stains, without leaving any residue behind. Initially, we were concerned that the sudsy application would transfer the stain, but it washed off without a hitch. Despite its small size, a little of this product goes a long way. For the best results, apply to the stain, gently scrub with the brush, let it sit for five minutes, and wash as usual.

Formulation: Liquid | Size: 6 ounces | Stain Type: Makeup, grass, chocolate, ink, oil

Best for Removing Grass Stains

Grass stains might seem easy to get rid of since they come from organic material, but they can be quite difficult to remove once set. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or have kids who love playing in the grass, Shout Advanced Ultra Concentrated Gel Brush will quickly become your laundry must-have. In our testing, we found this gel stain remover to be the most effective for both fresh and stubborn grass stains.

This stain remover worked wonders on tough stains like wine, marker, and makeup, though it did leave a slight shadow on the foundation stain. Unlike most other stain removers, it can be applied and left on the stain for up to a week before washing. The thick gel comes in a squeeze bottle with an integrated scrubbing brush for easy application. It is also the most affordable option on our list.

Formulation: Gel | Size: 8.7 ounces | Stain Type: Grass, food, coffee, wine, makeup, oil, baby stains, dirt

Ideal for Tackling Red Wine Stains

OxiClean is widely recognized for its powerful cleaning abilities, so it's no surprise that its Versatile Stain Remover Powder successfully eliminated a stubborn red wine stain during our testing. This oxygen-based, water-activated formula works on a variety of fabrics, including clothing, upholstery, carpet, grout, and other surfaces, setting it apart from other laundry stain removers.

We were impressed by how versatile and efficient this product was at removing tough, set-in stains, including wine, makeup, and ink. While the powder formula can be a bit messy when mixed in a spray bottle, it definitely gets the job done. The label suggests pre-soaking items in warm water before washing them with laundry detergent, but we recommend allowing a longer pre-treatment for optimal results. The longer we let the product sit, the more stains it removed.

Formulation: Powder | Size: 48, 80, or 116 ounces | Stain Type: Wine, oil, ink, grass, makeup, grease, dirt, food

Ideal for Removing Set-In Stains

If you didn’t catch a stain right away or simply forgot to treat it, a set-in stain might seem impossible to remove. Fortunately, the Carbona Pro Care Laundry Stain Scrubber was able to effectively remove and greatly diminish set-in stains during our testing. This powerful gel, made with natural bio-enzymes, features an integrated brush for simple application. We were particularly impressed by its ability to tackle tough stains such as oil, makeup, chocolate, and grass.

Some of us experienced issues with the brush smearing certain fresh stains like chocolate, so we recommend gently dabbing the stain to remove any excess and cleaning the brush between applications. Despite this minor flaw, we still recognize the product’s value and effectiveness on set-in stains. Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that Flores suggests pre-soaking items with set-in stains for the best results.

Formulation: Gel | Size: 8.4 ounces | Stain Types: Oil, grass, makeup, blood, baby stains, ink

Best Scented Laundry Stain Remover

Some laundry stain removers offer a faint, chemically clean scent, while others have little to no fragrance. It’s rare to find a cleaner that’s free of fragrances and dyes, yet still leaves behind a pleasant aroma. That’s why we’re fans of Hex Stain & Stink Remover. During our testing, we found that its light lemon scent effectively masked the usual chemical smell of typical cleaners. Along with its refreshing scent, this product is known for its ability to tackle most stains. It easily removed grass, marker, and oil stains, and worked to fade tougher stains like makeup and wine. This stain remover is also designed to neutralize odors and remove stains from shoes, activewear, and more.

Formulation: Spray | Size: 12 ounces | Stain Types: Oil, grass, ink, chocolate, sweat

Top Rated Stain Remover Pen for Laundry

Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover is perfect for everyday spills, from work to dining out. This compact and travel-friendly pen tackles small stains, whether fresh or set-in, caused by food, grass, ink, and oil. Though red wine and foundation stains required more effort, it successfully removed grass, marker, and syrup stains.

This pen-sized stain remover is your go-to solution for tackling stains while on the move, without needing to soak or wash immediately. It’s a must-have item, though its small size and slower application make it more suitable for quick fixes or smaller areas.

Type: Pen | Volume: 1 ounce each | Effective Against: Food, coffee, grass, ink, oil

Top Laundry Stain Remover Stick

You might assume that laundry stain removers need harsh chemicals because they are tough cleaners. But during our tests, we discovered that the Meliora Cleaning Products Soap Stick performs just as well using all-natural ingredients. We were impressed by its ability to tackle both fresh and set-in stains from makeup, oil, grass, and food. While the product can be a bit messy to apply, we appreciated that it doesn't use any plastic packaging.

With an A rating from the EWG, this stain remover stick efficiently eliminates various stains by applying water to the affected area and rubbing the stick on it before washing. Its formula includes coconut oil and glycerin, which are gentle on both hands and fabrics. Although it's priced higher than some alternatives, we consider it the top choice for those looking for a highly effective natural cleaner in a convenient stick form.

Formulation: Stick | Size: 1.7 ounces | Stain Types: Oil, dirt, grease, makeup, food, grime, coffee

Final Recommendation

Our top choice is the Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam for its impressive stain-fighting ability, user-friendly foaming spray formula, and budget-friendly price. If you're looking for a stain remover with powerful enzymes and similar strong cleaning effects, we suggest Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Stain Remover.

Our Evaluation Process

To create this list, we conducted a blind test of 30 different laundry stain removers in our lab (we didn’t know which brands we were testing until after the results were in). For each fresh stain test, we applied 1 teaspoon of red wine, 1 teaspoon of chocolate syrup, a smear of grass, and a scribble from a blue Crayola marker on a yellow T-shirt, marking each stain with a circle. We also tested oil-based stains by applying 1 teaspoon each of olive oil and foundation to a separate T-shirt.

After no more than 30 minutes, we treated the fresh stains with each stain remover, following the manufacturer's instructions (including washing and air-drying for products that needed a wash cycle post-treatment). We took detailed notes on our experience with each product, evaluating whether we noticed any color fading or strong scents. We also assessed the packaging, especially how easy the applicator was to use.

Immediately after treatment, we checked to see if the product had lightened or completely removed the stains, or if it had no effect. Once the shirts were air-dried, we visually inspected them again to see how noticeable the stains were. For set-in stains, we repeated the process using pink T-shirts that had been pre-stained with the same substances. After completing the tests, we considered each product’s price and scored its value based on its performance.

Expert Tips for Shopping for Laundry Stain Removers

Product Formulation

Laundry stain removers come in various forms such as sticks, sprays, foams, and pens. According to Flores, each has its own pros and cons, so it’s crucial to select the right type based on the specific stain you’re tackling.

“A stick is perfect for treating smaller, localized stains, though it can be messier and harder to apply on larger areas,” Flores explains. “Sprays work well for bigger stains, and pens offer precision for targeted spots, though they are generally better for quick or on-the-go fixes.”

Although none of the products we tested could remove every stain on the first attempt, we found that foams, sprays, and gels were the most effective types of laundry stain removers in our trials. The Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam, our top overall pick, stood out for its user-friendly formula and ability to tackle a variety of stains.

Ingredients

When selecting a laundry stain remover, Flores advises avoiding products that contain ingredients like ammonia, sulfates, and bleach, as these can damage most colored fabrics. However, some chemical cleaners are more effective at removing tough, set-in stains. Natural stain removers typically include ingredients such as enzymes, sodium citrate, glycerin, and sodium carbonate, and are often free from synthetic fragrances and dyes.

Types of Stains

According to Flores, blood, grass, ink, and wine are among the toughest stains to remove, especially after they’ve set in. Other common stains, including food, oil, makeup, grease, grime, dirt, coffee, pet stains, and baby stains, can be eliminated with the right product and pre-treatment if needed.

Additional Laundry Stain Remover Options to Explore

Hate Stains Co. Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater: In our trials, this product successfully eliminated food stains like chocolate syrup, juice, and sauce. It is EPA Safer Choice-certified and safe for use on a variety of fabrics, toys, and even mattresses. However, it had difficulty tackling wine and foundation stains.

Zout Triple Enzyme Formula Laundry Stain Remover: We were impressed with how well this product tackled stains from olive oil, markers, and chocolate syrup. Bonus points for the convenient spray bottle. Unfortunately, it fell short with foundation stains and left some residue on grass and red wine stains.

Common Questions About Laundry Stain Removers

How should you use a laundry stain remover?

Before selecting a laundry stain remover, Flores advises checking if the product is suitable for the fabric you're working with. She also emphasizes the importance of following the instructions on the label and, when necessary, pre-treating the stain before washing. “If you follow these steps, you should be able to get your stain out,” says Flores. “Before applying the product, dab the stain to remove excess residue and dampen the area with warm water. Then, apply the stain remover as directed, let it sit for a few minutes, and wash as usual.”

What’s the best method for removing set-in stains?

Set-in stains are not always beyond repair. Flores recommends pre-treating the stain before washing. Another method she suggests is soaking the stained fabric in a solution of water and vinegar for 30 minutes before washing. “Depending on the fabric, you can also try creating a paste of baking soda and water and applying it to the stain, allowing it to sit for 30 minutes before washing,” says Flores.

What are the hardest laundry stains to remove?

Certain stains are more stubborn to remove than others. Flores identifies blood, grass, ink, and wine as typical stains that are particularly challenging. Some stains, like bleach, are nearly impossible to get rid of. “Blood stains can be tough to remove because they contain proteins that bond to fabric fibers. To treat a blood stain, soak the garment in cold water for 30 minutes before washing it normally,” Flores advises. “Grass stains are tricky because of their strong green pigments, so multiple rounds of stain removal may be necessary. Ink is tough because it's water-resistant. To treat an ink stain, blot the area with a dry cloth to soak up as much of the ink as you can.” In our tests, most laundry stain removers struggled to fully remove set-in foundation—only the best products showed slightly faded results.

Trust Us on This

This article was authored by L. Daniela Alvarez, a contributing writer for Mytour with nearly three years of experience writing about lifestyle topics and product reviews. To create this list, we tested 30 laundry stain removers in our lab, evaluating them based on their stain removal abilities, effectiveness, ease of use, and overall value. Daniela also consulted Beatrice Flores, a cleaning expert at Living Pristine.