Paint & Wall Treatments

The Best Laundry Stain Removers

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, verified customer ratings, and product availability. We update our recommendations regularly to ensure accuracy.

Tackling tough laundry stains can be a frustrating chore, but the right stain remover can make all the difference. With a wide array of formulas available, understanding key features will help you select a product that effectively removes various types of blemishes without damaging your fabrics.

SaleNo. 1
Shout Active Enzyme Laundry Stain Remover Spray, Triple-Acting Formula Clings, Penetrates, and Lifts...
  • What You'll Get: One 22oz spray bottle of Shout's Prewash Active Enzyme Stain Remover Spray. Bottle, excluding trigger & label, made of 25% Post Consumer Recycled plastic!
  • Everyday formula: works on a wide range of stains from food, drinks, makeup, grass, dirt, red wine, blood, and more
  • Clings, Penetrates, & Lifts: 50x more concentrated than in-wash powered when applied directly to stain
  • Quick & Easy To Use: works on all machine-washable whites and colored fabrics, and works in all water temperatures and in HE and standard washers
  • Spray, Rub, and Wash: our formula let's you treat the toughest stains and wash up to a week later
No. 2
Enzyme Laundry Booster Odor Remover - 2 lbs Unscented Enzymatic Clothes Stain Cleaner Powder, Natural...
  • Powerful Bio Enzymatic Cleaner: ACTIVE Laundry Odor Removers Boost your normal laundry detergent to effectively target Stains & Odors, not mask them like washing soda or in-wash scent boosters. It uses Lab-proven Biological Cleaning to remove laundry odor...
  • Heavy Duty Stain Remover for clothes: Our Enzyme Laundry Additive Powder is formulated for Stain Removal of dirty clothes, perfect for Funk, Grease, Armpit Sweat stain, Blood stain, Oil and more!
  • Gentle on All Fabrics: Our Fragrance Free Laundry Boost Plant-based Formula uses zero harsh chemicals. Natural enhancer for whites & colors. Even safe for pesky activewear fabrics
  • Value 64 Load Package: ACTIVE Enzyme Cleaner Concentrated 32-oz size is good for 64 Loads compared to other products with 1 lb or less
  • Compatible with all Washers & Detergents: Add ACTIVE Laundry Booster Powder to your usual detergent & cleaners! HE, Front & Top load Washer Approved. Also use as laundry soak pretreat powder in order to treat set-in stain
  • Tips for Effective Usage: Use 1-2 scoops depending on your laundry load size and machine capacity. larger conventional washing machines or large loads may require 2 or more scoops, while regular-sized loads and HE machines only need 1. For heavy stain...
SaleNo. 3
OxiClean Max Force Laundry Stain Treater Spray, 12 Fl Oz (Pack of 3)
  • 12 FL OZ OXICLEAN MAX FORCE STAIN REMOVER SPRAY; this newborn and baby essential helps parents power out tough set-in laundry stains the first time; spray now and wash up to 7 days later
  • SPRAY NOW, WASH UP TO 7 DAYS LATER; this convenient baby stain remover spray penetrates tough laundry stains
  • 5-IN-1 STAIN FIGHTERS help remove tough dried-in stains the first time, like berries, baby food, fruit juice, grass, mud, oil, grease, coffee, wine, chocolate, ketchup, blood, ink and washable paint
  • TOUGH ON STAINS, GENTLE ON CLOTHES; this color-safe, enzymatic stain remover for baby clothes is a baby and newborn essential that contains no chlorine bleach, no brighteners, no dyes and no phosphates
  • FOR ALL MACHINE-WASHABLE FABRICS; a powerful laundry stain remover for onesies, bibs, sheets, towels, denim jeans, t-shirts, workout gear, canvas shoes, dresses, bras; and washable fabrics like cotton, linen, spandex, fleece, polyester, nylon
SaleNo. 4
Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray, Laundry Stain Remover, 4 Oz
  • POWERFUL & FAST WORKING This lightning fast laundry stain remover spray is perfect for clothes, upholstery, and carpets.
  • SAFER CHOICE CERTIFIED Our stain remover is proudly EPA Safer Choice certified, giving you peace of mind that it meets your high standards for health and safety. Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater formula gets the job done while being a safer choice...
  • WORKS MAGIC ON STAINS This stain remover for baby clothes is great for infants, toddlers, and adults and is effective on both fresh and set-in stains. Works on fruit juice, baby food, formula, ketchup, blowouts, and even blood.
  • EASY TO USE: First, ditch the excess gunk and dampen dry stains with a splash of water. Spray on Miss Mouth’s, give it a little rub if needed, then toss it in the wash or clean as usual. Still see the stain? Hit repeat. Easy peasy.
No. 5
Shout Advanced Stain Remover Gel for Clothes Laundry, Ultra Concentrated Gel with Built-in Scrubber Brush for...
  • What You'll Get: One 8.7oz bottle of Shout Advanced Ultra Concentrated Stain Remover Gel with Built-in Scrubber Brush technology
  • Tackling Tough Stains Easy: this super-concentrated thick laundry stain remover gel is made specifically to treat some of your toughest set-in stains from food, drinks, makeup, grass, dirt, red wine, blood, and more
  • Household Staple: a great addition to your laundry supplies, this stain remover is tough on stains but gentle on fabric, available in a convenient bottle with a built-in laundry brush for stains that works the enzymes deep into the fabric fibers
  • Quick & Easy To Use: works on all machine-washable whites and colored fabrics, and works in all water temperatures and in HE and standard washers
  • Squeeze, Rub, Wash, Done: our formula let's you treat stains and wash up to a week later
No. 6
Tide Stain Remover for Clothes, Tide To Go Pen, Instant Stain Remover Pen & Spot Cleaner, Portable...
  • Tackle Fresh Stains on the Go: Don't let food and drink spills ruin your day. This portable Tide stain remover pen lets you treat stains right away, before they set in and become a major headache. Keep this Tide to go pen wherever you need it most for...
  • Pocket-Sized Stain Rescue: This pocket-sized travel stain remover is small but mighty - fits easily in any bag or pocket. With this Tide stick to go you're always prepared to handle unexpected spills on clothes, whether you're at work, running errands, or...
  • Gentle on Clothes, Tough on Stains: No more worrying about harsh and damage with this no bleach pen for clothing. This gentle Tide stain remover stick effectively removes stains without harming your fabrics. Plus, it's bleach-free, so you can use it with...
  • Works on Many Food & Drinks: Spilled ketchup on your shirt? Coffee stain on your pants? This Tide pen stain remover tackles a wide range of fresh food and drink spills, including tomato juice, ketchup, BBQ sauce, grape juice, coffee, wine, tea, and...
  • Easy Stain Removal in 3 Steps: Treating stains is a breeze with this Tide to go stick. Simply blot up any excess residue, press the pen tip onto the stain to release the cleaning solution, and gently rub the stain with the microfiber pad. Repeat if needed...
SaleNo. 7
Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray, Laundry Stain Remover, 16 Oz
  • POWERFUL & FAST WORKING This lightning fast laundry stain remover spray is perfect for clothes, upholstery, and carpets.
  • SAFER CHOICE CERTIFIED Our stain remover is proudly EPA Safer Choice certified, giving you peace of mind that it meets your high standards for health and safety. Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater formula gets the job done while being a safer choice...
  • WORKS MAGIC ON STAINS This stain remover for baby clothes is great for infants, toddlers, and adults and is effective on both fresh and set-in stains. Works on fruit juice, baby food, formula, ketchup, blowouts, and even blood.
  • EASY TO USE: First, ditch the excess gunk and dampen dry stains with a splash of water. Spray on Miss Mouth’s, give it a little rub if needed, then toss it in the wash or clean as usual. Still see the stain? Hit repeat. Easy peasy.
SaleNo. 8
OxiClean Odor Blasters Versatile Odor and Stain Remover Powder, 5 lb
  • One 5 lb box of OxiClean Odor Blasters Versatile Odor Eliminator and Stain Remover Powder laundry booster to get out tough stains and stubborn smells
  • Oxygen-based, water-activated laundry booster gets out tough dirt, persistent spots and set-in stains, plus eliminates sweat, musty towel and body odors with OxiClean stain remover
  • Works with regular detergent as a clothes stain remover and odor neutralizer to get clothes extra clean. For best results, use as a presoak before washing
  • This OxiClean powder stain and laundry odor remover can be used as a kitchen cleaner, bathroom cleaner, and fabric odor eliminator for machine-washable fabrics so you are ready for any mess
  • Tough on stains yet gentle on fabric, this chlorine-free, color-safe, fabric stain remover formula removes odors and stains to help keep the clothes you love look newer, longer
SaleNo. 9
OxiClean White Revive Laundry Whitener and Stain Remover Powder, 5 lb
  • One 5 lb container of OxiClean stain remover and whitener powder to revive brilliant whites
  • Oxygen-based, water-activated detergent laundry booster whitens whites 40 percent better than chlorine bleach per load
  • Chlorine-free, color-safe clothes whitener revives dingy whites without risking chlorine spills and splatters from laundry bleach on colored clothing
  • Mix OxiClean White Revive powder with water as a laundry presoak, or simply pour this laundry detergent booster following label directions in the drum of any HE or standard washer before adding clothes
  • White Revive OxiClean powder for laundry is a chlorine bleach alternative that is perfect for t-shirts, sheets, underwear, machine-washable canvas shoes, socks, school uniforms and more, so your whites look their best
SaleNo. 10
Shout Triple-Acting Laundry Stain Remover for Everyday Stains Liquid Refill, 60 Fl Oz
  • What You'll Get: One refill 60oz bottle of Shout's Prewash Active Enzyme Stain Remover Refill
  • Everyday formula: works on a wide range of stains from food, drinks, makeup, grass, dirt, red wine, blood, and more
  • Clings, Penetrates, & Lifts: 50x more concentrated than in-wash powered when applied directly to stain
  • Quick & Easy To Use: works on all machine-washable whites and colored fabrics, and works in all water temperatures and in HE and standard washers
  • Spray, Rub, and Wash: our formula let's you treat the toughest stains and wash up to a week later

Last update on 2026-08-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Laundry Stain Removers

Understanding Stain Types

Different stains require different treatments. For instance, protein-based stains like blood or grass respond well to enzymatic cleaners, while oil-based stains such as grease or makeup often need degreasers or solvents. Color-safe bleaches can be effective on many types of stains, but always test on an inconspicuous area first.

Formulation Matters

Stain removers come in various forms: sprays, gels, sticks, and powders. Sprays offer broad coverage and are convenient for pre-treating larger areas. Gels and sticks are excellent for targeted application, allowing you to work the product directly into the stain. Powders can be mixed with water to create a paste or added directly to the wash for an extra boost.

Fabric Considerations

Always check the care label on your garments before applying any stain remover. Some products may be too harsh for delicate fabrics like silk or wool, potentially causing discoloration or fiber damage. Opt for gentler, fabric-specific formulas when dealing with sensitive materials to ensure effective stain removal without compromising the integrity of the clothing.

Ingredients to Look For

Key ingredients to consider include enzymes (protease, amylase, lipase) for breaking down organic stains, surfactants for lifting grease and oil, and oxygen-based brighteners for whitening and stain removal. Avoid products with harsh chemicals if you have sensitive skin or are concerned about environmental impact. Reading ingredient lists can help you match the product to your specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a stain remover on colored fabrics?
Many stain removers are safe for colored fabrics, especially those labeled as 'color-safe' or 'oxygen-based'. However, it's always recommended to perform a spot test on an inconspicuous area of the garment first to ensure no color loss occurs before treating the main stain.
How long should I let a stain remover sit on a stain?
The recommended dwell time varies by product and stain type. Generally, allowing the remover to sit for 5-15 minutes is sufficient for most stains. For very stubborn stains, some products may suggest a longer soaking time, but always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Are there specific stain removers for pet stains?
Yes, there are specialized stain removers designed for pet accidents. These often contain enzymes that break down organic matter, effectively eliminating both the stain and odor. Look for products specifically marketed for pet stains or biological messes.
What is the difference between enzymatic and non-enzymatic cleaners?
Enzymatic cleaners use biological enzymes to break down specific types of stains, such as protein, starch, or grease. Non-enzymatic cleaners typically rely on chemical agents like surfactants or solvents to lift stains. Enzymatic cleaners are often more effective on organic stains and are generally gentler on fabrics.
Can I use a stain remover on dry-clean-only clothing?
It is generally not recommended to use home stain removers on dry-clean-only garments. These fabrics require specialized cleaning processes. Attempting to treat them with conventional stain removers could damage the fabric or cause permanent discoloration.