Best Stain Remover Sprays For Stubborn Stains – General Guidelines

Even though they function hand in hand, stain removers and laundry detergent are not the same thing. Dirt, smells, and even the occasional mild to moderate stain are easily removed by the best washing detergents. However, stain removers pack a more powerful punch and are often administered to the problem area directly.

A light stain on a white shirt is OK for the majority of people, but what if you accidentally spill ketchup on your beloved white shirt? Dry-cleaning or replacing the clothing is an option that is typically out of reach for those on a tight budget, but washing it won’t fix the problem either. When such happens, stain removers come in handy.

Stain fighters come in many different forms—sprays, bars, gels, and powder—and each has its pros and cons. So, you may want to keep several stain removers on hand for different types of material and various causes of dirty stains.

Disturbing stains left by detergent should be removed by any stain remover. Learn more about the many types of stains and the finest stain removers to keep on hand in the laundry room with our guide.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Stain Remover

Type

In general, stain removers can be divided into three main categories:

• Gels, bars, and spray bottles are all common forms of pretreatment stain removers. They’re good for treating individual stains, but not for washing a complete load.
• You may add detergent stain removers to a full load of laundry in your washing machine because they come in liquid or powder form. This is a stain remover that can tackle everything.
• Pretreatment stain removers and on-the-go stain removers are very similar. They are small enough to fit in a handbag.

Stain Type

You will find numerous stain varieties in the market today. It is possible to neutralize the chemical reaction that generates a stain by using various types of stain remover products that include different compounds. Make sure you know what stains you’re dealing with before you buy a stain remover.

• There are tannin stains in beer, wine, coffee, soda, tomato juice, and fruit juice. Tea and red wine both include tannins, which are natural vegetable pigments found in many plants, including grape skin and tea leaves. Only oxidation can remove the coloring that tannin stains leave behind.
• Plant and animal oils, as well as motor oil, are the main sources of oil stains. For oil-based stains, a spot treatment is required.
• Animal and human proteins are the primary sources of protein. Meat and other animal-based proteins such as those found in bodily fluids such as vomit, urine and feces are examples of these. Enzyme-based stain removers are effective for dealing with protein-based stains.
• Grass, ink, and felt-tip pens all leave behind dye stains. Pretreatment and a hot water wash with ordinary or color-safe bleach are usually required for dye stains.

Fabric Type

Before applying any stain pretreatment, take into account the type of material the stain is on and its color. In order to avoid ruining your clothes’s dyes during the stain removal procedure, most stain removers advocate checking the fabric for colorfastness (whether the dyes in the fabric bleed or run).

Oxidizing treatments like bleach are ideal for removing stains from white clothing because they are meant to remove color (and will remove color from dyed fabric). Color-safe stain removers should be used on colored clothing.

Silk, velvet, wool, leather, taffeta, and other delicate textiles, such as those labelled for dry cleaning only, are best left to the professionals when it comes to stain removal. Water in stain removers reacts poorly with delicate fabrics, and shrinking or changing the texture of the cloth is possible, as is stain damage.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: OxiClean MaxForce Laundry Stain Remover Spray, 12 Fl. oz.

There is no limit to what OxiClean can be used for; it can be used to clean everything from grease to blood to grass to oil to food to clay and more. The stain remover can be sprayed directly on the damaged area and then rubbed in. Spend five to ten minutes letting OxiClean Max Force do its thing. Finally, put the clothing in the dryer on the hottest temperature it can handle, and then wash it. Reviewers have dubbed this product “a miracle in a bottle” and “the cure to impossible stains,” so you know it’s fantastic.

Best On-the-Go: Tide Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover, 3 Count

When spills happen and you don’t have access to a washing machine, you’ll be glad you have a Tide-To-Go Instant Stain Remover Pen on hand. When you’re on the road and need to get rid of stains quickly, these handy pens come in handy.

There is no bleach in the Tide-To-Go pens, so they can be used on anything from wool to polyester to cotton. To use, just press the pen tip on the stain to distribute the liquid, then gently rub the affected area with it. In addition to coffee, tea, and wine, the formula can be used in a variety of other dishes.

This pen has been called “liquid unicorn magic for the clumsy” by reviewers, who describe it as a lifesaver. As far as we’re concerned, they’re worth the money.

Best for Food Stains: Zout Triple Enzyme Formula Laundry Stain Remover Foam

The Zout Triple Enzyme Formula is the best stain remover for difficult food stains on your garments. Even the most stubborn food stains, such as barbeque sauce, chocolate syrup, tomato sauce, and baby food, can be removed with the triple enzyme foam solution. Grass, blood, and dirt are all good candidates for this method’s application.

Even stains that have been there for days can be removed with this treatment, according to reviewers.

Best for Clothing: OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder

If you have an OxiClean in your laundry, you’ve got a powerful stain remover on your hands. Water activates the powder ingredient, which creates a bubbling effect that aids in stain removal and decolorization.

Simply add a scoop of the powder and some water to the mixture and mix thoroughly until the powder is completely dispersed. Soak soiled things for one to six hours, depending on how bad they are stained, in the solution. In order to get rid of stains for good, add one more scoop of washing powder to the wash cycle.

Tablecloths, patio chairs, carpets, grout, and more may all be cleaned using OxiClean. Several customers have referred to this product as “magical,” claiming that it has improved the brightness and cleanliness of their clothes.

Best for White Shirts: OxiClean White Revive Laundry Whitener + Stain Remover

It’s natural to reach for bleach to remove a stain from a white shirt or similar light-colored item of clothing. OxiClean White Revive Laundry Whitener + Stain Remover, on the other hand, is an excellent alternative.

Use this stain remover to remove stubborn stains and brighten white clothing with detergent. It claims to be 40% more potent than bleach because of its chlorine-free recipe. OxiClean White Revive can be used in the same way as regular OxiClean to presoak stains for a few hours and then add it to the washing machine throughout the cycle. It’s important to remember, however, that this product should not be used on any materials that are made of wool, silk, or leather.

Best Gel: SHOUT Advanced Stain Remover for Clothes with Scrubber Brush

Gel stain removers are preferred by some because the thick mixture doesn’t run as much as liquids, giving a more concentrated substance directly to the spot. Consider the Shout Advanced Ultra Gel Brush if you’re seeking for a high-quality gel product.

Set-in stains are no match for this solution, and you can use it now and wash the results up to a week later. An integrated brush enables you apply gel directly to the stained area, and its formula works in any water temperature. There is no stain that this thick gel can’t remove. It works on everything from red wine and coffee to grass and blood.

Shout Advanced Ultra Gel gets rave reviews for its ability to remove even the toughest stains from white garments, according to users.

Best Wipes: SC Johnson Shout Instant Stain Remover Wipes

Invest in Shout Instant Stain Remover Wipes for an effective and portable stain remover that you can take in your handbag, travel bag, gym bag, and more. For folks on the go, these individually wrapped wipes are a lifesaver.

With their rough surface, these stain removers remove stains swiftly. Their safety on all colorfast materials and their effectiveness on a variety of substances, including grape juice, blood and infant formula are two of their many selling points. The sooner you use these wipes, the better, since they’ll help prevent the stain from soaking into the material.

Stain wipes have been praised by many reviewers for their individual packets, which keep the wipes fresh and prevent them from drying out. However, they advise that you check the colorfastness of your apparel before using the product.

Best With Enzymes: Biokleen Bac-Out Enzyme Stain Remover

If you’re sensitive to chemicals like bleach, you may want to look for a stain remover that has natural ingredients. Biokleen Bac-Out Stain+Odor Remover Foam Spray is an excellent choice for removing difficult stains naturally.

Live enzyme-producing cultures and plant-based substances are used to remove stains and eliminate odors from carpets and upholstery using this product. If you’ve ever had a pet accident or wine stain, this solution is safe to use around children and dogs. No phosphates, chlorine, ammonia, or synthetic fragrances can be found in this shampoo and conditioner combination.

Best Pens: Clorox Laundry Pens, 2 Bleach Pens and 2 Stain Fighter Pens for Colors

Want stain remover pens that are small enough to keep in your laundry? Clorox Laundry Pens are then required to remove stains. If you buy this set, you’ll get stain remover and bleach pens to deal with any messes life throws your way.

It’s possible to use these Clorox Pens for both spot treatment and general cleaning. Stain remover pens are made to penetrate and eliminate stains on colored clothing, while bleach pens are ideal for use on whites and home surfaces.

Some reviews point out that because these pens are best used as a pretreatment before washing, they’re not ideal for on-the-go use. However, many claim that they are extremely helpful when it comes to removing tiny stains from carpets and upholstery.

How to Remove Almost Any Stain (Yes, Really!)

At some point in our lives, we’ve all been in this situation. You stain your favorite shirt with coffee sludge. He or she decides to color herself and their Sunday clothing with a variety of felt-tip markers. There are times when your husband gets carried away with his barbeque sauce. While enjoying a beautiful supper, you notice that the tablecloth is soiled with candle wax. Aspiring soccer player’s new jeans are covered in grass stains.

It’s easy to give up and proclaim defeat in any of these scenarios, and there are many more. It’s a pity, but what are you going to do? These things happen, after all.

Stains are unavoidable, but you don’t have to let them ruin your life. Even if your beloved object is beyond repair, you may be able to salvage it with a few easy tactics and a little old-fashioned elbow grease.

General guidelines:

• In the blink of an eye, take action! The sooner you take care of a stain, the better your chances are of getting it out later. While some stains can be removed, not all can be.
• Immediately blot any remaining liquid.
• Before attempting to remove the stain, make sure to test for colorfastness.
• Stain remover should be applied to the stain’s underside at all times. Clean a paper towel and place the stain on it. Then, treat the opposite side to remove it from the cloth and place it on the paper towel.
• An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to carpet and upholstery. Prevent stains by using a stain resister on both before they happen.
• Remove as much of the substance as you can with a table knife before applying any type of stain remover.
• Avoid rubbing the sensitive fabrics.
• Dry-clean-only materials should be taken to the dry cleaned as soon as feasible, and as much information as possible should be given to the cleaner.
• Wait a while! Some stains are difficult to get rid of. If the stain is still visible after following the instructions below, repeat the treatment before drying. Stains will be set if you use heat to dry them; wait to dry until the stain is gone!

Stain fighters to keep on hand:

• Ammonia
• Hairspray by Aqua Net
• Bliss Fabric Bleach (such as Clorox 2)
• Bleach
• Soap for the Dishes
• Laundry Detergent in a bottle
• Powder Oxy-Clean (or similar alternative)
• Rolls of Toilet Paper
• Alcoholic Soap
• Remover of Spills
• One of the most commonly used kitchen tools
• Vinegar

Specific stain removal:

Baby Food

Use a kitchen knife to remove any dried food residue. Mix 1 quart lukewarm water with 1 tablespoon ammonia and a dab of liquid dish soap to soak the item for 15 minutes. Then soak for an extra 15 minutes with a gentle rub from the back. For best results, soak the item for at least 30 minutes in Oxy-Clean solution. Normal laundry procedures should be followed.

Blood

For 15 minutes, immerse the item in cold water. Rub the stain from the back. Add 15 minutes of cold water soaking time. Check the stain. The item should be soaked in Oxy-clean solution for 30 minutes if the stain is still evident. Wash as usual, but use bleach for whites if necessary.

Berries

Using a clean paper towel, place stain face down. Apply a mild stain remover or liquid laundry detergent to the spot’s underside and gently massage it out. Rinse. In a solution of lukewarm water and all-fabric bleach, soak for 30 minutes. Rinse. Bleach an item that is white or color-resistant for 15 minutes. Rinse and wash your clothes as you normally would.

Candle Wax

With a table knife, remove any extra wax. Place the stain on a clean paper towel and press it down firmly. To remove the wax off the stain and place it on a paper towel, use an iron on the backside of the stain. Repeat the process with fresh paper towels until no more wax is visible on the paper towels. Use a stain remover to get rid of any lingering color stains. Thirty minutes of soaking in Oxy-Clean solution should enough. Wash as usual, but use bleach for whites if necessary.

Dinginess

Fill a sink or pail halfway with warm water and add 1-2 cups of bleach for whites or colorfast materials. 30 minutes of soak and regular laundry with bleach is all that is required. Fill the sink or bucket with warm water, 2 squirts of dish soap, and 2 teaspoons of ammonia for materials that aren’t colorfast. Take a 30-minute bath. Removing water and cleaning the goods are the first steps in this process. Refill the sink and add 14 cup vinegar. Make sure to soak the goods for at least 30 minutes beforehand. Oxy-Clean should be added to the detergent when washing and rinsing.

Coffee

Clean a towel and lay the object face down on it. A sponge soaked in rubbing alcohol can be used to provide gentle pressure to the back of the skin. Using 1 quart of water, 1 tablespoon vinegar, and 2 tablespoons liquid dish soap, soak the object for 15 minutes. After rinsing, dry the item thoroughly. Thirty minutes of soaking in Oxy-Clean solution should enough. Wash as usual, but use bleach for whites if necessary.

Grass Stains

Oxy-Clean solution and cool water should be used to soak the item for many hours or overnight. Wash as usual, but use bleach for whites if necessary. Soak in Oxy-Clean solution once more, then wash as normal.

Grape Juice or Wine

Combine 1/3 cup rubbing alcohol with 1 tablespoon vinegar. Blot the stain with a rubbing alcohol solution using a clean cloth or rag. When the liquid has been absorbed and the stain has disappeared, keep blotting. Normal laundry procedures should be followed.

Ink Pens

Using a clean paper towel, place stain face down. To clean, simply use a damp sponge or towel to wipe away any remaining traces of rubbing alcohol. Aqua-Net hairspray can be sprayed on the stain and carefully rubbed away from the back to remove it. Rinse the cloth. Normal laundry procedures should be followed.

Ketchup

Using a clean paper towel, place stain face down. Apply a mild stain remover or liquid laundry detergent to the spot’s underside and gently massage it out. Rinse. In a solution of lukewarm water and all-fabric bleach, soak for 30 minutes. Rinse. Bleach a white or color-resistant item for 15 minutes. Rinse and wash your clothes as you normally would.

Mascara

Clean a stain by laying it face down on a paper towel. Pre-treat the stain by gently rubbing it with liquid laundry detergent or stain remover. Rinse. All-fabric bleach can be added to lukewarm water and soaked for 30 minutes. Rinse. Soak the item for 15 minutes in a bleach solution if it is white or color-resistant. Rinse and wash as usual.

Makeup

Place the item on a clean cloth and turn it over so that it is facing up. A sponge soaked in rubbing alcohol can be used to provide gentle pressure to the back of the skin. Using 1 quart of water, 1 tablespoon vinegar, and 2 tablespoons liquid dish soap, soak the object for 15 minutes. Rinse the item well before using. Thirty minutes of soaking in Oxy-Clean solution should enough. Wash as usual, but use bleach for whites if necessary.

Mustard

Using a clean paper towel, place stain face down. Apply a mild stain remover or liquid laundry detergent to the spot’s underside and gently massage it out. Rinse. In a solution of lukewarm water and all-fabric bleach, soak for 30 minutes. Rinse. Bleach a white or color-resistant item for 15 minutes. Rinse and wash your clothes as you normally would.

Nail Polish

A clean paper towel should be placed on top of the stain to absorb the liquid. Use a towel or sponge soaked in nail paint remover to gently rub the bottom of the nail. Use fresh paper towels to remove any remaining stains. Normal laundry procedures should be followed.

Oil or Grease

A clean paper towel should be placed on top of the stain to absorb the liquid. Apply a generous amount of liquid laundry detergent or stain remover to the spot’s underside, rubbing the stain in a circular motion with your fingertips. Use hot water to finish rinsing. Using the hottest water possible, wash your clothes as usual.

Permanent Marker

Using a clean paper towel, place stain face down. Rub the stain lightly with liquid laundry detergent or stain remover to remove the stain’s underside before applying the stain remover. Rinse. A solution of lukewarm water and all-fabric powdered bleach should be soaked for 30 minutes. Rinse. The item should be soaked in bleach solution for 15 minutes if it’s white or color-resistant. Rinse and wash your clothes as you normally would.

FAQs

How do you use spray stain remover?

When using the Pre-Treatment spray, apply it immediately on the stain. Rub the stain remover in well with your finger. Using your finger, gently peel the fabric away from the stain to ensure that the entire area is covered with the spray product.

How do you remove deep stains from clothes?

Dry-cleaning solution can be used to clear the soiled area, then allow it to dry naturally. In a solution of one cup of liquid laundry detergent and a few drops of ammonia, soak the stain for at least 30 minutes to remove it completely. Use a liquid washing detergent to clean your clothes.

Can you leave OxiClean spray on clothes overnight?

The fabric should be washed with detergent in the hottest water it can handle. Treat stains as fast as possible with OxiClean MaxForce laundry stain remover for optimum results. Allow the stain remover to work overnight or for up to a week if the stain is set in.

How long should you let stain remover sit on clothes?

Use any stain remover you have on hand. Rinse and repeat as normal once it has sat for at least 10 minutes. If the stain persists, run the garment through the washing machine on a cool temperature and repeat the process.

How do you get old brown stains out of white clothes?

One of the gentlest bleaches available is hydrogen peroxide, which can be used to remove stubborn stains. Dab a bleach-soaked cotton ball over the affected area to remove the blemish. When dealing with bleach, always wear rubber gloves when doing so.

How do you get old stains out of clothes naturally?

Gently brush the stain with a toothbrush after soaking the clothing in white vinegar. Use hot water to wash. Before washing, remove any remaining deodorant residue by rubbing a clean sock or nylon stocking over the affected area. In order to remove stains, apply a paste of baking soda or crushed aspirin into them before washing.

Does stain remover work on old stains?

Is it possible to wash away oil stains from clothing? You should be able to do that, in theory. Apply a few drops of dish soap to the stain after soaking the garment in warm water. Start rubbing the sides of the material together to create a lather around the stain.

How do you use spray stain remover?

When using the Pre-Treatment spray, apply it immediately on the stain. Rub the stain remover in well with your finger. Using your finger, gently peel the fabric away from the stain to ensure that the entire area is covered with the spray product.

How do you remove deep stains from clothes?

Dry-cleaning solution can be used to clear the soiled area, then allow it to dry naturally. In a solution of one cup of liquid laundry detergent and a few drops of ammonia, soak the stain for at least 30 minutes to remove it completely. Use a liquid washing detergent to clean your clothes.

How do you get old brown stains out of white clothes?

One of the gentlest bleaches available is hydrogen peroxide, which can be used to remove stubborn stains. Dab a bleach-soaked cotton ball over the affected area to remove the blemish. When dealing with bleach, always wear rubber gloves when doing so.

Conclusion

There are going to be a lot of messes! Stain removal spray is an essential item to have on hand for those times when you need it the most. There is a great deal of ease in using sprays. The best stain removers are gentle on fabrics and other surfaces, and they eliminate all traces of the stain. To save even more garments, keep them on hand! Stain removal advice is available here!