The 10 Best Laundry Stain Removers
This wiki has been updated 28 times since it was first published in February of 2018. In an ideal world, we wouldn't need laundry stain removers, as we'd never drop or spill anything on our clothing, and if we did, it'd roll right off. Unfortunately, reality begs to differ. Here we've assembled a selection of the best spot cleaners and sprays to help you get even the most stubborn and unsightly stains out of your favorite jeans, T-shirts, and more. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. OxiClean Versatile
2. Purex Fels-Naptha
3. Puracy Free & Clear
Editor's Notes
October 28, 2019:
Stains are an unavoidable part of life, but you shouldn't have to ditch an entire garment because of an unsightly mark. Our list contains selections formulated to work on unobtrusive spots as well as intense or set-in stains from grass, wine, chocolate, coffee, tea, blood, urine, vomit, and more. Some can even lessen or eliminate yellowing from age or deodorants (IE OxiClean Versatile, Purex Fels-Naptha, OxiClean Max Force). Many work in conjunction with whatever laundry detergent you're already using, acting as pretreatments.
You'll find solutions that work via enzymes (like Zout Spray), all-natural options (Biokleen Bac-Out, Gonzo Natural Magic, Puracy Free & Clear), bars (Purex Fels-Naptha), powders (OxiClean Versatile), and handy pens (Tide To Go).
Due to complaints of inefficiency, we scrapped Seventh Generation 22842 and Carbona Stain Wizard. Instead, we added OxiClean Versatile, a truly potent and extremely versatile solution, as well as Biokleen Bac-Out, a plant-based choice that's ideal for those with allergies and sensitivities.
Our priorities were efficacy, ease of use, how many treatments are necessary, versatility (many of our selections treat carpet, furniture, and other surfaces), and price.
4. Biokleen Bac-Out
5. Zout Spray
6. Gonzo Natural Magic
7. Spray 'n Wash
8. OxiClean Max Force
9. Tide To Go Pen
10. Soilove 2 Pack
Born in Arizona, Gia is a writer and autodidact who fled the heat of the desert for California, where she enjoys drinking beer, overanalyzing the minutiae of life, and channeling Rick Steves. After arriving in Los Angeles a decade ago, she quickly nabbed a copywriting job at a major clothing company and derived years of editing and proofreading experience from her tenure there, all while sharpening her skills further with myriad freelance projects. In her spare time, she teaches herself French and Italian, has earned an ESL teaching certificate, traveled extensively throughout Europe and the United States, and unashamedly devours television shows and books. The result of these pursuits is expertise in fashion, travel, beauty, literature, textbooks, and pop culture, in addition to whatever obsession consumes her next.