The Best Household Stain Remover - 2021
We looked at the top 10 Household Stain Removers and dug through the reviews from 61 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Household Stain Removers.
Why Trust The DWYM Score?
DWYM is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to.Learn more.
Our Picks For The Top Household Stain Removers
- The Best Household Stain Remover
- 1. Rocco & Roxie Professional Enzyme-Powered Stain & Odor Eliminator
- 2. Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover Liquid Pen, 3-Count
- 3. Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Stain Remover, 8-Pack
- 4. Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover, 3-Pack
- 5. Shout Spray & Wash Advanced Action Gel Stain Remover
- 6. Zout Laundry Stain Remover, 2-Pack
- 7. OxiClean Maxforce Spray Twin Pack, 2-Count
- 8. Resolve Multi-Fabric Cleaner & Upholstery Stain Remover
- 9. Gonzo Non-Toxic Natural Magic Stain Remover, 2-Pack
- 10. A-MAZ Water Stain Remover
For Homes With PetsYou can feel good about using this stain and odor eliminator, as it earned a seal of approval from the Carpet and Rug Institute.
Take for TravelThese stain remover pens are effective against most food and drink stains, including ketchup, coffee, grape juice and BBQ sauce.
Uses Natural IngredientsThis laundry stain remover allows you to treat your stain now and wash it later.
Environmentally Safe FormulaIf you're looking for a biodegradable stain remover that is free of toxic chemicals, go with this spot remover
Why we recommend these household stain removers?
Products Considered
Products Analyzed
Expert Reviews Included
User Opinions Analyzed
Our experts reviewed the top 10 Household Stain Removers and also dug through the reviews from 61 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Household Stain Removers.
DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.
The Best Overall
Rocco & Roxie Professional Enzyme-Powered Stain & Odor Eliminator
Our Take
Pets stains are often accompanied by unpleasant odors, which is why you need to invest in this stain and odor eliminator. This stain remover tackles tough odors, while also lifting away stains. It's also free of chlorine and formulated to be safe to use around your furry friend.
What other experts liked
What other experts didn't like
The Best Bang For Your Buck
Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover Liquid Pen, 3-Count
Our Take
It's not practical to pack a giant bottle of stain remover when traveling, which why these stain remover pens are a must-have product for people on the go. Each 1-ounce tube is small enough to toss in a purse, backpack or carry-on bag. The stain remover works just like a pen and is best used while stains are fresh.
What other experts liked
What other experts didn't like
Overall Product Rankings
1. Rocco & Roxie Professional Enzyme-Powered Stain & Odor Eliminator
3. Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Stain Remover, 8-Pack
Our Household Stain Remover Findings
Rocco & Roxie Professional Enzyme-Powered Stain & Odor Eliminator
What We Liked: Pets stains are often accompanied by unpleasant odors, which is why you need to invest in this stain and odor eliminator. This stain remover tackles tough odors, while also lifting away stains. It’s also free of chlorine and formulated to be safe to use around your furry friend.
Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover Liquid Pen, 3-Count
What We Liked: It’s not practical to pack a giant bottle of stain remover when traveling, which why these stain remover pens are a must-have product for people on the go. Each 1-ounce tube is small enough to toss in a purse, backpack or carry-on bag. The stain remover works just like a pen and is best used while stains are fresh.
Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Stain Remover, 8-Pack
What We Liked: You don’t need chemicals to remove stains from your clothing, as this laundry stain remover is able to tackle stains using a natural quadruple-enzyme formula. In fact, this stain remover has no artificial dyes or fragrances and utilizes ingredients that are 97% plant-based. The company also never tests its product on animals, so you can feel good about your purchase.
Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover, 3-Pack
What We Liked: Unlike other stain removers, this spot remover doesn’t require any scrubbing. Simply spray the solution over your stain, let it sit for a few minutes and then launder as you normally would. The best part about this stain remover is that it’s free of chlorine, phosphates and other toxins.
Shout Spray & Wash Advanced Action Gel Stain Remover
What We Liked: Set in stains are no problem for this gel stain remover. This advanced gel gets right to work on stains as soon as it hits the fabric. It’s safe to use on fabrics of color too. You can even use it in both hot and cold water.
Our Household Stain Remover Buying Guide
While spills and smudges are inevitable, you don’t have to let them ruin your clothing. Stain removers have come a long way over the years, and many are even capable of tackling tough set-in stains. As you conduct your search for the best stain remover, keep the following features in mind.
Pets create unique stains that shouldn’t be tackled in the same manner as food and dirt. This is because pet stains also come with unpleasant odors. Look for a stain remover, like the Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator, that specializes in getting rid of pet urine, feces and vomit stains, along with their associated smells. The product must be chlorine-free and gentle, as you need it to be safe to use around your pets.
Fresh stains often respond well to stain removers made from plant-based ingredients. For example, the Seventh Generation Laundry Stain Remover, 8-Pack is biobased and uses a quadruple-enzyme formula to break stains up, so you can immediately wash them away. The product is free of dyes and artificial fragrances, works in all water temperatures and won’t harm your septic system.
Set-in stains require a strong stain remover. The Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover, 3-Pack is so powerful that you don’t even have to scrub the stain. Simply apply a drop or two of the stain remover, let it sit and then launder as usual. It’s even environmentally friendly and free of toxins.
In addition to purchasing a stain remover for the shelf in your laundry room, you’ll want to pick up a travel-size stain remover. The Tide To Go Stain Remover Pen, 3-Count fits in backpacks, pocketbooks and carry-on bags, so you can address stains immediately, even if you’re away from home.
DWYM Fun Fact
From the beginning of time, the most common stain was mud. To get rid of these stains, the earth’s earliest inhabitants would simply make their way down to the nearest running stream and use its water to get the mud stains out. It wasn’t until the ancient Babylonians began making soap that a substance was used on the stains.
It wasn’t until World War I when chemical detergents started being used instead of soaps made from natural ingredients. Manufactured laundry detergents included ingredients that tackled stains. In 1928, Wilson Chemical became one of the first companies to work on creating solutions that were specifically designed to treat stains, and not just clean your laundry. Thanks to their efforts, we have many stain removers to choose from today.
The Household Stain Remover Tips and Advice
- It’s always best to try and blot up as much of a stain as you can before applying the stain remover. Use a paper towel instead of a hand towel, otherwise, you’ll just be transferring the stain from the soiled item to the towel.
- Certain stain removers are formulated to tackle tough stains, while others are only capable of lifting away fresh stains. Make sure you select the right stain remover for the job at hand.
- Check to see whether reviewers list the stain remover you’re interested in as having a strong odor. If heavy scents bother you, you’ll want to opt for a different formula.
- Do not use stain removers on fabrics that are listed as dry clean only. You may damage the fabric. Let your local dry cleaner tackle the stain instead.
- Some stain removers are not capable of removing all types of stains. Check the product label to determine which stains the bottle is formulated to tackle.
- Store the stain remover out of the reach of children and pets.
- Most formulas contain ingredients that are irritating to eyes and skin. If the product comes in contact with your eyes or skin, flush the area immediately. Additionally, you’ll need to consult a physician right away if the solution is inhaled or swallowed.
- Determine how much the stain remover costs per ounce before you begin comparing prices. This is necessary because a stain remover with 16 oz. is at first glace going to appear more expensive than a bottle with just 3 oz. If it costs more per ounce, however, it isn’t a better buy. The Seventh Generation Laundry Stain Remover, 8-Pack and the Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator are among the most affordable stain removers. Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover, 3-Pack is more moderately priced with the Tide To Go Stain Remover Pen, 3-Count commanding the highest cost per ounce.