Best Stain Removers 2024 [Plus Ingredients List]

We’ve all had stains occur. Typically, we throw a bit of soap on it before tossing it in the wash and hoping for the best, even though we know there’s a more specific way to deal with it.

Unfortunately, given the infinite variety of clothing fibers and stain-causing substances out there, even the best stain remover bars can struggle to treat stain removal quickly and effectively. This makes it even harder for us to know what to do when we get a stain. What’s the proper stain remover to use for different types of stains, plus different types of fibers?

And what if we didn’t realize there was a stain and we washed the clothing without doing a stain treatment? Or worse, what if we dried it with heat? Or even worse – ironed it in!

Is there a way to eliminate stains that have been baked into clothing? Are commercial stain removers safe and effective? What’s the best way to treat a stain immediately? All these questions and more will be answered!

Here’s a helpful tip –

This applies to any stain remover product: Before you use a stain remover for the first time or on a new piece of clothing, read the product label to ensure that it is safe to use on the fabric. Test it in a hidden area first to check for any color change or damage. If it’s all clear, go ahead and apply the stain remover generously to the spot, gently working it in with your fingers, a soft brush, or the product’s applicator brush. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing too hard to prevent damaging the fabric.

To learn about getting smells out of clothes, read our guide, here!

Best Clothes Stain Removers In 2024

Stain removers are known for their ability to effectively eliminate grease and colored stains from clothing. However, recent studies indicate that certain stain removal products may contain allergenic, environmentally harmful, or suspected endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

🚫 Avoid Chlorine Bleach: Chlorine bleach is a powerful and effective stain remover, but it can also be damaging to fabrics and can release harmful fumes.

☠️ Beware of Hydrofluoric Acid: Diluted hydrofluoric acid is sometimes found in rust stain removers, but it can cause severe chemical burns. Always wear gloves and protective clothing when using products containing hydrofluoric acid.

🤧 Minimize 1,2-Dichloropropane Exposure: This chemical is commonly found in stain removers and can be harmful to health, especially for children and pregnant women. Look for stain removers that are labeled as “1,2-dichloropropane-free.”

Even though it’s not a big deal in the grand scheme to be in contact with these harmful chemicals in the context of stain removal, the problem arises when they are present in many different things you use regularly. Even though each exposure is a small amount, and on their own would not be harmful, we run into trouble when we have repeated small exposures in our daily lives that add up to big exposure over time (this is known as “the cocktail effect”).

That’s why it’s important to choose nontoxic products as much as possible – so that when you do come in contact with these chemicals, it truly is a one-off deal that doesn’t impact your health or the environment so intensely.

Here are four top stain removers with ingredients:

Tide To Go

Most people are familiar with and prefer Tide To Go because of its orange color, pen-like form, and ease of use. It’s small and portable, so it’s easy to bring with you in your car, handbags, backpack, or briefcase.

Because the container is made of plastic and holds only .33 fluid ounces there is not very much product inside, especially if you use stain remover quite often, meaning you might only get a handful of uses per wasteful tube. Tide To Go is not recommended on leather.

Ingredients: Water, Dipropylene Glycol Butyl EtherHydrogen Peroxide, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Alcohol, Sodium Citrate, Magnesium Sulfate, C10-16 Alkyldimethylamine Oxide, 3,4,5-Trimethoxybenzoic Acid, Fragrances.

Is It Safe and Effective?: While Tide To Go pens are safe to use because a) the quantity of product is so little and b) you likely won’t be using it all that often, remember the cocktail effect! Also, if the contents spill somewhere, they can corrode a few different materials including metal, causing damage. You also must wash it off your skin soon after contact since it can irritate the skin. The product can also go rancid over time or with prolonged exposure to heat, like if you leave it in your car for weeks. It is a pretty effective product for getting rid of fresh stains but can damage many types of materials.

The Laundress Stain Solution

This is a stain remover that is free of petrochemicals, phosphates, phthalates, artificial color, and no animal by-products. The 16-ounce plastic bottle claims to have up to 200 applications.

Ingredients:Water, laureth-6, sodium citrate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium chloride, sodium oleate, calcium chloride, citric acid, protease, amylase, mannanase, benzisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone.

Is It Safe and Effective?: Only two ingredients, benzisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone, which are preservatives, are deemed “unacceptable” by the EWG (but are tested to be safe for rinse-off products). It has glowing reviews from users saying it helps with all kinds of stains on many types of fabric.

OxiClean Max Force Gel Stain Remover Stick

This intensive gel solution is available in a plastic tube and stays put while you work it into the fibers. The nubs on the head of the plastic tube allow you to massage the gel into the strands.

Ingredients: Water, C12-15 alcohols ethoxylated, Propylene glycol, Sodium borate, Citric acid, Alkyl imino dipropionic acid, monosodium salt, Modified acrylic copolymer, Sodium hydroxide, Fragrances, Protease enzyme, Amylase enzyme, Benzisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Mannanase enzyme, Calcium chloride.

Is It Safe and Effective?: You cannot doubt the effectiveness of the line of OxiClean products! They are known for getting clothes looking brighter and getting rid of stains. Like Tide To Go, since you will not likely be using the stain remover very often and in large quantities, the risk of harm from just the gel is low. It can irritate skin, however. It’s important to note that there are a few concerning ingredients (including the ever-ominous “fragrance” which is so strong customers frequently complain about it).

Tangie Stain Remover Stick

This bar removes set-in stains as well as new grass, mud, grease, blood, and more. Cut the bar into smaller bits and keep a piece in your desk drawer, tuck it into your backpack or purse, and take a piece when you travel. Apply to stains as soon as you notice them. A little goes a long way, so this bar will last a long time! This solid stain remover bar comes wrapped in paper, is easy to hold, easy to rub on stained fabric and store.

Ingredients: Coconut oil, Water, saponified sodium hydroxide, lemon juice, borax.

Is It Safe and Effective?: With minimal ingredients designed to take on most types of stains, the Tangie stain remover bar is effective at removing fresh stains from sweat, ink, grass, food, pets, makeup, and more! It even works to reduce (and possibly eliminate) certain stains that have already been through the wash. The bar is safe for just about any type of fabric. Borax is a very safe and effective ingredient when diluted and incorporated into a product that doesn’t spend a long time on the skin.

Tangie’s Stain Remover Bar is available on Amazon as well as our main website.

Can You Use Stain Removers For Carpets & Other Items?

Absolutely! The best clothes stain removers can also be used around the house. You can use the same stain removers for upholstered furniture and carpet as you do for clothing, but the method for removing the stains will be different.

Use on carpets, drapes, dog bedding, towels, vehicle interiors, shoes, and more! Just because a stain remover is marketed for clothes does not mean it is limited to clothes.

What Are the Three P’s of Stain Removal?

When it comes to removing stains, the recommended approach is to remember the three P’s:

• act promptly – the sooner you rinse a stain and add a stain remover, the better
• be patient – allow stain remover to sit for some time before washing
• persevere – try another way if it doesn’t work the first time

Choosing the right cleaning product can also make the process of stain removal less frustrating.

Here are the steps to remove stains from clothes:

• Address the stain as soon as possible. The sooner you deal with it, the easier it will be to remove, but it’s still possible to remove old stains from clothes.
• Apply a stain remover and allow it to penetrate the fabric, letting it sit for at least 15 minutes to a few hours (but don’t let it sit too long or it may not wash out effectively).
• Wash the garment following the care instructions. Most stains can be (and should be) removed in cold water, but for heavily soiled items or stubborn stains, use the warmest setting that is safe for the fabric. The notable exception is blood, which “cooks” into the fabric at high temperatures, so you should always use cold!
• If the stain persists, repeat the previous steps.
• Avoid putting the garment in the dryer or ironing until the stain is completely gone.

Here are some tips for pre-treating stains to make them easier to remove later:

💧 Blot the stain immediately: As soon as you notice a stain, blot it with a clean, absorbent cloth or paper towel. This will help prevent the stain from setting and spreading.

💦 Run under cold water: Rinse the stained area with cold water as soon as possible. Hot water can set certain stains, making them harder to remove later.

🧼 Apply a stain remover: Look for a pre-treatment stain remover spray or stick and apply it directly to the stain. Allow it to sit for the recommended time before washing.

🧫 Use an enzyme-based detergent: Enzyme cleaners help break down organic stains like food, blood, or grass. Apply the enzyme cleaner and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour before washing.

🍋 Try lemon juice or white vinegar: These natural acids can help lift stains. Dab a little lemon juice or white vinegar directly onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before washing. Be sure it’s safe to mix with any pre-treatment you’ve already applied!

🧹 Wash promptly: Don’t let the stained item sit too long before washing. The sooner you can get it into the washing machine (after letting the pre-treatment soak in), the better.

The key is to act quickly and use the right pre-treatment for the type of stain. This will give you the best chance of successfully removing it later on.

How Can You Remove Stains From Garments That Have Been Cleaned?

The type of stain is important, but any set-in stain has its problems. We usually want washing detergent to be able to remove the stains from our clothes when we put them in the washer with them.

Detergent alone won’t get the stains out if they’re old or set in from being washed, or worse still, have already been put through the dryer. The heat from the dryer can make stains go further into the fibers and make them even more difficult to remove, regardless of which stain remover brand you select.

Even the best stain remover can struggle against set-in stains. If you have a stain that has gone through the washer or dryer before you noticed it, try applying a bit of laundry soap and water to the stain, then treat it with a concentrated stain remover. It might give the added boost you need to remove that stain.

Immerse the clothing item in warm water, then add a small amount of Tangie’s Stain Remover Bar directly onto the stain. Gently rub the fabric around the stained area to create a lather. Allow the Tangie bar to penetrate the fabric for approximately an hour before washing it in the machine.

If needed, add a little bit of fresh lemon juice to the stain just before throwing it in the laundry.

Is it possible to eliminate oil stains from clothing even after they have been washed?

Yes, it is possible to remove oil stains from clothes even after they have been washed. First, soak the clothing item in warm water, then apply a small amount of dish soap directly onto the stain (dish soap is more concentrated to break up grease and oil than typical laundry soap). Gently rub the fabric around the stain to create a lather and allow the soap to penetrate the fabric. Let it sit for approximately an hour before laundering it again. It’s important to air-dry the item to prevent the setting of any remaining oil. Repeat these steps if necessary.

If you’re dealing with clothes holding in strong synthetic fragrances, find out more about how to eliminate the smell here.

Pre-treat is KEY!

If you see a stain when you take your clothes off or remove it from the drawer, treat the stain right then. Most likely, that stain will get missed when it’s time to drop a full load of clothes into the washing machine.

Having a “stain bucket” in your laundry room is very handy!  You may not have time to treat a stain when you see it, so setting aside a space for those items in the meantime can give you the best chance at removing stains before they set in. Toss the stained item into the bucket and treat all the items before they get washed.

Most bakeries and sandwich shops have buckets they are happy to give away. The cake icing bucket from your grocery store bakery is the perfect size. Usually, they come in 2.5 gallon size and even have a handle. You can hang the bucket out of your way when not in use, which works great, especially when there is limited floor space for storage.

I hope this post about the best stain removers is helpful for you. Keeping clothes looking nice longer is also a wonderful way to get more value for the money spent on clothes.

Why Packaging Matters

The packaging of laundry stain removers is something to think about, as well as the amount of waste generated as a result of that packaging. While plastic is convenient to store and take with us on the go, it ultimately leads to unnecessary plastic waste. Did you know that only 9% of all plastic ever made has been recycled? Yes, even the stuff we throw in the recycling bin.

According to The Environmental Protection Agency, packaging waste makes up about 30% of our total waste in the United States. That’s a huge percentage! We can improve that statistic with small shifts in the way we shop. We do not have to change everything overnight. On your next purchase of a stain remover bar, choose to buy a zero packaging option or a plastic-free packaging option. Every purchase counts and can be a step in the right direction.

Yes, large corporations need to make changes, but that doesn’t mean we can’t do our best in our everyday lives, too. Every little bit helps.

Here’s Tangie’s approach to being environmentally friendly in laundry care:

Our laundry concentrate bars and stain remover bars are formulated with natural surfactants to lift away the proteins and fats clinging to your clothes. Simple, painless, and toxic chemical-free!

• Reduced Packaging: Our products are always shipped using recycled/upcycled materials and our packaging is always paper – never plastic. Both the Laundry Concentrate and Stain Remover are in bar form because you can add your own water when needed, cutting down on shipping costs and eliminating the need for a watertight container. Easily mix the Laundry Concentrate Bar with water in a container to create enough liquid Laundry Detergent for up to 256 loads, surpassing the capacity of bottled laundry soap. You can choose your container that suits your space and needs, and easily refill it as needed.
• Protective Properties: Tangie Laundry Paste Detergent is effective on a variety of fabrics, from delicates to athletic wear, and is suitable for different types of washing machines. The concentrated, low-sudsing formula means a little goes a long way, with just half an ounce of liquid soap washing a standard load of laundry. The soap has no added fragrance, leaving your clothes clean and fresh without artificial scents.
  The Stain Stick is easy and safe to use anywhere, allowing you to prevent a stain from setting in even while you still wear it!
• Natural Ingredients: Safe for your clothes, the environment, and your family, our soap and stain stick is free of synthetic chemicals and harsh sulfates commonly found in other laundry products. Made with plant-based ingredients like coconut oil, olive oil, soap nuts liquid, yucca powder, baking soda, oxalic acid (borax), salt, and rosemary oleoresin.
• Safe for you and the environment: The Zero Waste Laundry Concentrate and Stain Remover Stick are tough on tough stains and odors while being gentle enough for delicate baby clothes. It contains no optical brighteners, making it safe for washing military uniforms and clothing. It also softens fibers, reduces fading, and has a shelf life of 2+ years in a space-saving bar format.

The Tangie Difference: The Zero Waste Laundry Concentrate dissolves to create liquid Laundry Detergent that can be dispensed just like your current brand of liquid laundry detergent.

Hopefully with all this info you can tackle even your harshest stains!