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Because of its effectiveness and affordability, Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam is our top pick.

Several laundry stain removers we recommend displayed on a washing machine

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

To find the best laundry stain removers, we tested 30 different stain removers in our lab.

It wasnt effective at removing wine stains.

Our top pick, the Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam, exceeded our expectatations during testing.

Hand spraying Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam, Laundry Stain Remover on a t-shirt with stain

Credit: The Spruce

This affordable stain remover received perfect scores for ease of use, effectiveness, and value.

It features stain-removing ingredients that dissolve tough grease stains, and its safe to use on machine washable fabrics.

To remove stains, hold the can six inches away from the stained fabric and spray.

Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam, Laundry Stain Remover on a washing machine with folded towels and folded laundry

The Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam was easy to use and can be used on machine washable clothing.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

Then, wait one to five minutes and launder as usual.

Be careful not to let the spray sit for too long on the fabric so it doesnt dry.

The stains were removed on the first treatment without damaging the fabric.

Person looking at a pink shirt with a stain on it

The instructions for this laundry stain remover were clear to read, and the applicator was easy to use.

Our testers found they had to use quite a bit of product to remove the stains.

This bleach-free stain remover is perfectly portable and easily fits in a tote, briefcase, or glove box.

Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam, Laundry Stain Remover on a washing machine with folded towels and folded laundry

Its safe to use on machine washable and dry cleanable fabrics.

It easily removed fresh chocolate syrup and olive oil stains and also, completely dissolved grass and marker stains.

Our testers pointed out that the pen had a very light chemical scent, but it was hardly noticeable.

Person looking at a pink shirt with a stain on it

Our testers stated they would recommend this product since it is affordable, portable, and effective.

The formula was able to remove most stains except red wine.

This stain remover is made with plant-based ingredients and doesnt contain any perfumes or dyes.

Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover Liquid Pen standing on a white table with laundry machine in the background

Credit: The Spruce

The cruelty-free formula is safe to use onwashable fabricsand works on both colored and white fabric.

Wait five minutes, and then wash your clothing item as you normally would.

However, the product performed well and after washing the treated fabric there was no trace of the stains.

Hands using the Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover on a green stain

We were impressed that the Tide To Go pen worked well on both food and non-food stains.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

It didnt completely remove most stains on the first treatment, but it reduced the appearance of stains significantly.

Laundry soap sticks are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional laundry stain removers that are packaged in plastic bottles.

The fragrance-free stain remover can be used on most fabrics including wool, workout clothes, and delicates.

A person using the computer near the Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover Liquid Pen

Using it is simplejust wet your fabric, rub the stick on the stain, and launder as usual.

When our testers used the laundry stick on fresh stains, it completely removed grass and marker stains.

They also noted it lathered well and smelled fresh and clean but didnt have an overwhelming aroma.

Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover pen on a washing machine next to folded laundry

Its not recommended to be used on wool or silk.

Its made with almost all plant-based ingredients and doesnt contain phosphates, fragrances, or dyes.

The container itself is made out of post-consumer recycled packaging, and its recyclable.

Hands using the Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover on a green stain

The brand also doesnt test on animals.

To use, spray directly on the stain and saturate well.

Wash your fabric immediately or within 24 hours for the best results.

A person using the computer near the Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover Liquid Pen

Our testers found that this laundry stain remover worked best on fresh food stains.

The red wine stain showed improvement, but it was still visible.

The testers also noted the spray bottle was simple to use, and there was no noticeable scent.

Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover pen on a washing machine next to folded laundry

This product received perfect scores for ease of use and value and earned high marks across other tested categories.

Because of its effectiveness and affordability, we awarded this product the top spot in this category.

Its more expensive than other options.

Method Stain Remover

Credit: Amazon

ThisEPA Safer Choice Certifiedformula will help remove those stubborn grass stains from baseball practice and soccer games.

To treat stains, the instructions recommend shaking the spray bottle and then spraying the affected area.

However, the formula struggled to remove red wine and makeup stains.

Person using Method Stain Remover on a stained T-shirt

The Method Stain Remover is made with plant-based ingredients, so there’s no perfumes or dyes.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

Testers also noted that the spray bottle was simple to point and spray, and no scent was detected.

It didnt completely remove the stain, but it lightened the spot much better than other products we tested.

However, the Shout Advanced Stain Remover got pretty close.

Person looking a yellow t-shirt

This stain remover features a thick gel formula and a built-in scrub brush.

Its safe to use on colorfast fabrics and can be used in any temperature water.

Wait for one to five minutes, then launder as you normally would.

Method Stain Remover stands on a washing machine next to folded towels and folded laundry

It didnt entirely remove the foundation stain, but it did significantly lighten the spot.

You will need a sink, container, or top-loading washing machine to soak your stained garment.

This water-activated powder formula is chlorine-free and unscented.

Person using Method Stain Remover on a stained T-shirt

After soaking the stained fabric, launder your garment as you normally would.

Our testers noted that this product completely removed both fresh and set-in red wine stains from t-shirts.

It received a perfect score for value and received high marks for effectiveness.

Person looking a yellow t-shirt

Its more expensive than other stain removers.

Sometimes we arent able to treat stains immediately.

When thats the case, Grandmas Secret Spot Remover Laundry Spray is the best stain remover.

Method Stain Remover stands on a washing machine next to folded towels and folded laundry

For best results, simply spray the product directly onto the stain and wait five to 10 minutes.

After the product has saturated the stain, wash your garment as usual.

It completely removed set-in grass, marker, olive oil, and chocolate syrup stains.

Ingredients Matter Laundry Soap Stain Stick

Credit: Amazon

Each product was covered during testing so the testers werent aware of the brand or price.

After waiting at least one minute, they followed the manufacturers instructions to attempt to remove each stain.

Testers also evaluated stain removers against set-in stains that had been sitting on t-shirts for at least eight hours.

Person cleaning stained cloth using Ingredients Matter Laundry Soap Stain Stick

The Ingredients Matter Stain Stick fully removed grass stains and reduced the appearance of others.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

Thelaundry stainremovers were evaluated on their ease of use, effectiveness, scent, and value.

If you frequently deal with small spots, a pen or spray may be your best bet.

To choose the appropriate size for you, consider how often you are dealing with stains.

Person looking at the cloths placed on table after using Ingredients Matter Laundry Soap Stain Stick

This product is also free of allergens, perfumes, and dyes, and its EPA Safer Choice certified.

Your Questions, Answered

What should you look for in a laundry stain remover?

Which stains are the hardest to remove?

Person holding Ingredients Matter Laundry Soap Stain Stick against table before usage

The hardest stains to remove are the ones that arent treated as soon as possible.

Lifting stains immediately will help reduce the likelihood of long-term damage and stains, Cohoon says.

How much do laundry stain removers cost?

Ingredients Matter Laundry Soap Stain Stick placed on a washing machine with cloths placed aside

Likelaundry detergent sheets, laundry stain removers are relatively affordable.

Different factors such as ingredients, sourcing, packaging, and design all factor into the price.

What Is BHG Recommends?

Person cleaning stained cloth using Ingredients Matter Laundry Soap Stain Stick

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval.

In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.

Looking for more products that have earned ourBHG Recommends seal of approval?

Person looking at the cloths placed on table after using Ingredients Matter Laundry Soap Stain Stick

Check out our picks for everything from picnic blankets to humidifiers.

Person holding Ingredients Matter Laundry Soap Stain Stick against table before usage

Ingredients Matter Laundry Soap Stain Stick placed on a washing machine with cloths placed aside

Seventh Generation Laundry Stain Remover on a table with washing machine in background

Credit: The Spruce

Hand spraying Seventh Generation Laundry Stain Remover on a stained t-shirt

One treatment of the Seventh Generation Laundry Stain Remover removed chocolate, olive oil, grass, and marker stains.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

Seventh Generation Laundry Stain Removers Free & Clear

Seventh Generation Laundry Stain Remover on a washing machine next to folded laundry

Hand spraying Seventh Generation Laundry Stain Remover on a stained t-shirt

Seventh Generation Laundry Stain Removers Free & Clear

Seventh Generation Laundry Stain Remover on a washing machine next to folded laundry

Defunkify Stain Remover Spray

Credit: Amazon

Person spraying Defunkify Stain Remover Spray on a stained t-shirt

The Defunkify Stain Remover Spray removed both fresh and set-in grass stains.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

Defunkify Stain Remover Spray and t-shirts lie on the table while the women uses laptop

Person cleaning stained cloth using Defunkify Stain Remover Spray

Defunkify Stain Remover Spray displayed on the washing machine with cloths placed aside

Person spraying Defunkify Stain Remover Spray on a stained t-shirt

Defunkify Stain Remover Spray and t-shirts lie on the table while the women uses laptop

Person cleaning stained cloth using Defunkify Stain Remover Spray

Defunkify Stain Remover Spray displayed on the washing machine with cloths placed aside

Shout Advanced Ultra Concentrated Gel Stain Remover

Credit: Amazon

Person cleaning stain on a cloth using Shout Advanced Ultra Concentrated Gel Stain Remover

The Shout Gel Stain Remover features a thick gel formula and a built-in scrub brush.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

Person cleaning stain on a t-shirt using Shout Advanced Ultra Concentrated Gel Stain Remover

Shout Advanced Ultra Concentrated Gel Stain Remover displayed on a washing machine next to folded laundry

Person cleaning stain on a cloth using Shout Advanced Ultra Concentrated Gel Stain Remover

Person cleaning stain on a t-shirt using Shout Advanced Ultra Concentrated Gel Stain Remover

Shout Advanced Ultra Concentrated Gel Stain Remover displayed on a washing machine next to folded laundry

OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder on a table in front of a laundry machine

Credit: The Spruce

Person spraying OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder on a stained T-shirt

The OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder completely removed all stains during testing.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder on a washing machine next to folded laundry

Person spraying OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder on a stained T-shirt

OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder on a washing machine next to folded laundry

Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover Laundry Spray

Credit: Amazon

Hand scrubbing a stain on a T-shirt with a brush

Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover Laundry Spray easily removed set-in stains during testing.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

Hand spraying Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover Laundry Spray on a stained t-shirt

Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover Laundry Spray on a washing machine next to folded laundry

Hand scrubbing a stain on a T-shirt with a brush

Hand spraying Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover Laundry Spray on a stained t-shirt

Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover Laundry Spray on a washing machine next to folded laundry

Person spraying HEX Performance Stain & Stink Remover on a stain on a t-shirt

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

Person cleaning a stain on a T-shirt with a Meliora Laundry Stain Removal Soap Stick

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens