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The Best Household Stain Remover

Last updated on September 19, 2023
Best Household Stain Remover

Our Review Process

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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, some formula’s are biobased and use a quadruple-enzyme formula to break stains up, so you can immediately wash them away. The this type of product is typically 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.

Our Picks For The Top Household Stain Removers

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Rocco & Roxie Professional Enzyme-Powered Household Stain Remover

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Rocco & Roxie

Professional Enzyme-Powered Household Stain Remover

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.

Overall Take

For Homes With PetsYou can feel good about using this household stain remover, as it earned a seal of approval from the Carpet and Rug Institute.

 Runner Up

Hate Stains Children’s Essential Household Stain Remover, 2-Pack

Hate Stains

Children’s Essential Household Stain Remover, 2-Pack

If you have small children at home, you'll want to go with this non-toxic household stain remover. It's made using a 100% biodegradable formula that works on a wide variety of stains, including spit-up, dirt, blood and baby food. You can even use the product on any type of fabric.

Overall Take

Easy to UseTo use this household stain remover all you need to do is spray the stain, blot up the mess and then rinse the item and you're done!

 We Also Like

Tide To Go Instant Household Stain Remover Liquid Pen, 3-Pack

Tide

To Go Instant Household Stain Remover Liquid Pen, 3-Pack

It's not practical to pack a giant bottle of household 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.

Overall Take

Take for TravelThese stain remover pens are effective against most food and drink stains, including ketchup, coffee, grape juice and BBQ sauce.

 Also Great

Resolve Deep Clean Household Stain Remover

Resolve

Deep Clean Household Stain Remover

Designed for use with upholstery and fabric, this household stain remover is a must-have tool. It's formulated to get deep into fabric to break up stains and dirt. On top of that, it does an excellent job of neutralizing any odors that may be present.

Overall Take

Budget-Friendly PickYou'll love the affordable price tag on this household stain remover.

What to Look For

  • 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 Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator is 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.

More to Explore

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.

More to explore