Stains are an inevitable part of everyday life, whether they come from food spills, sweat, makeup, or outdoor activities. The right stain remover can save your favorite clothes and extend the life of your wardrobe without damaging fabric or color.
With so many options available, choosing an effective solution can feel overwhelming. That is why finding a stain remover that works fast, targets tough marks, and stays gentle on clothes is essential.
In this guide, we explore the Top 10 Best Stain Removers for Clothes that deliver reliable results on a wide range of fabrics, helping you keep your outfits fresh, clean, and looking like new.
10. Shout Active Enzyme Laundry Stain Remover Spray
Shout Active Enzyme Laundry Stain Remover Spray is a powerhouse pre‑wash solution that tackles everything from coffee rings to grass stains.
The 60 oz (1.7 L) refill delivers a triple‑acting formula that clings to fabric, penetrates deep into fibers, and lifts stubborn spots—up to 50× more concentrated than the in‑wash version.
Simply spray the targeted area, give it a quick rub, and let the enzyme blend work its magic before the next wash. It’s safe for all machine‑washable whites and colors, works in any water temperature, and is compatible with both HE and standard washers.
Whether you’re dealing with everyday mishaps like food and makeup or tougher challenges such as red wine or blood, this pre‑wash spray prepares garments for a clean, fresh finish without extra effort.
Key Features
– 60 oz refill bottle (1.7 L) – long‑lasting supply
– Works on a wide range of stains: food, drinks, makeup, grass, dirt, red wine, blood, etc.
– 50× concentrated formula for direct stain treatment
– Safe for all washable fabrics, any water temperature, HE & standard machines
– Simple “spray, rub, wash” routine; can wait up to a week before washing
Pros
- Ultra‑concentrated, tackles stains instantly
- Works on both whites and colors safely
- Compatible with any water temperature setting
- Suitable for HE and traditional washers
- Easy “spray‑rub‑wash” application method
Cons
- Large bottle may be bulky for small spaces
- Strong enzyme scent can linger briefly
- Requires a separate pre‑wash step before laundering
9. OxiClean Max Force Laundry Gel
OxiClean Max Force Laundry Stain Remover Gel Stick packs a powerful punch in a compact 6.2 fl oz tube.
The thick, rub‑on gel lets you pretreat stubborn, dried‑in spots—oil, grease, makeup, blood, grass, soil, clay, ink, food, drinks, and even the toughest kid‑and‑baby messes—then wait up to seven days before washing, so you can fit stain removal into any schedule.
It’s color‑safe, dye‑free, chlorine‑free, and safe on all machine‑washable whites and colors, making it ideal for family wardrobes.
Apply the gel directly to the stain, let it sit for five minutes (or longer if needed), then launder as usual in the warmest water the garment can tolerate. For an extra boost, add OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover powder to the wash per the label directions.
Pros
- Tackles dried‑in stains instantly, no pre‑wash needed
- Works on a wide range of common messes
- Safe for colored, white, and baby garments
- Can sit up to seven days before washing
- No dyes, chlorine, or harsh chemicals
Cons
- Gel stick may dry out if not sealed
- Small size may require frequent repurchase
- Requires warm water for optimal performance
8. Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater
Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray comes in a handy 4 oz bottle, sold as a 2‑pack, and is the go‑to rescue for newborn and baby essentials—plus the whole family’s wardrobe.
The lightning‑fast formula attacks food, grease, coffee, blood and even set‑in stains on clothing, upholstery, and carpets. Because it’s EPA Safer Choice certified, you can trust it’s a healthier option for delicate baby skin and the environment.
Simply dampen a dry spot, spray, give a quick rub, and toss the item in the wash. If the stain persists, repeat—no complicated steps, no dry‑cleaning needed.
The versatile spray works on everything from fruit juice splatters to toddler ketchup blowouts, making it a must‑have for any household that battles everyday messes.
Pros
- Lightning‑fast stain removal, saves time
- EPA Safer Choice certified, family‑friendly formula
- Works on fresh and set‑in stains
- Safe for baby clothes, upholstery, carpets
- Easy two‑step application, no extra rinsing
Cons
- Small 4 oz size may need frequent refills
- Strong scent may be noticeable on first use
- Requires a second spray for tough, old stains
7. Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover Laundry Spray
Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover Laundry Spray is the gentle‑yet‑powerful solution every household needs. Its toxin‑free formula attacks stubborn stains without stripping color, so you can trust it on delicate fabrics and treasured garments.
The spray is completely free of bleach, chlorine, and phosphates, leaving no residue that attracts dirt and delivering a fresh citrus scent after each use.
Whether you’re battling rust, blood, coffee, pet accidents, or even uncured latex paint, this concentrated cleaner works in any water temperature and even tackles stains that have already survived a wash cycle.
Parents will love the baby‑safe version that wipes away diaper leaks and food messes without harsh chemicals. Application is a breeze: spray, gently agitate, then blot—stains disappear in seconds, keeping your clothes looking vibrant and fresh.
Pros
- Harsh on stains, gentle on fabric
- No bleach, chlorine, or phosphates
- Works on a wide range of stains
- Pleasant citrus fragrance after cleaning
- Simple three‑step application process
Cons
- Requires a few minutes to blot
- May need repeat spray for heavy grime
- Not suitable for dry‑clean‑only items
6. Spray ‘N Wash Max Laundry Strain Remover
Spray ’N Wash Max Laundry Stain Remover is a powerful pre-wash spray designed to tackle everyday and tough stains with ease.
Its effective formula delivers first-time stain removal on everything from grease and motor oil to food and drink spots, even when used in cold water.
It works alongside your regular detergent and is compatible with other laundry additives, helping lift stains before washing. The convenient spray bottle lets you target specific areas, saving time and effort.
Safe for most colorfast fabrics, this stain remover gives clothes a cleaner, fresher look while making laundry prep quick and efficient.
Pros
- Removes tough stains fast
- Works in cold water
- Easy spray application
- Compatible with other laundry additives
- Safe for colorfast washables
Cons
- Not for delicate fabrics
- Shouldn’t be left on too long
- Not effective on all stain types
5. OxiClean Max Force Laundry Stain Remover Spray
OxiClean Max Force Laundry Stain Remover Spray is the newborn‑and‑baby essential every parent wishes they’d known sooner.
The 12 fl oz bottles (sold in a convenient 3‑pack) let you spray directly onto fresh or set‑in stains and wait up to seven days before washing—perfect for busy families.
Its 5‑in‑1 stain‑fighting formula attacks everything from berry puree and baby food to grass, mud, oil, coffee, wine, chocolate, ketchup, blood, ink, and washable paint.
Because it’s enzymatic, color‑safe, and free of chlorine bleach, brighteners, dyes, and phosphates, it stays gentle on delicate baby garments while still being tough on grime.
Use it on all machine‑washable fabrics—onesies, bibs, sheets, towels, denim, t‑shirts, workout gear, canvas shoes, dresses, bras, and fabrics like cotton, linen, spandex, fleece, polyester, and nylon.
Just spray, let it work its magic, then toss the item into the wash for a fresh, spotless finish every time.
Pros
- Removes set‑in stains the first try
- Works on a wide variety of fabrics
- No harsh chemicals; safe for babies
- Spray now, wash up to seven days later
- Powerful 5‑in‑1 stain‑fighter formula
Cons
- Requires a few seconds to dry before washing
- Spray bottle may need occasional refilling for full coverage
- Not suitable for non‑machine‑washable items
4. Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray
Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray is the go‑to rescue for busy parents, caregivers, and anyone who battles everyday spills.
Housed in a handy 16 oz bottle, this fast‑acting formula attacks food, grease, coffee, and even blood on clothing, upholstery, and carpets. Simply splash a little water on dried messes, spray the stain treater, give a gentle rub, and toss the item into the wash.
The EPA Safer Choice certification means you’re using a product that’s tough on stains yet gentle on health and the environment—perfect for newborns, toddlers, and the whole family.
Whether it’s a rogue spoonful of baby puree or a stubborn ketchup blot, Miss Mouth’s works its magic on both fresh and set‑in stains, leaving fabrics bright and fresh without the need for dry cleaning.
Pros
- Lightning‑fast stain removal on fabrics and carpets
- EPA Safer Choice certified for family safety
- Effective on fresh and set‑in messes alike
- Works on a wide range of stains, including blood
- Simple three‑step application, repeatable if needed
Cons
- Requires a brief pre‑spray water dampening
- Not a substitute for professional dry‑cleaning of delicate fabrics
- Strong scent may be noticeable for sensitive noses
3. Shout Advanced Gel Laundry Cleaner
Shout Advanced Stain Remover Gel is a super‑concentrated, thick formula designed to break down the most stubborn, set‑in stains—from red wine and blood to grass and makeup.
Packaged in an 8.7 oz bottle, the gel comes with an integrated scrubber brush that lets you work the powerful enzymes deep into fabric fibers, then simply set the treated piece aside for up to a week before washing.
It’s safe on all machine‑washable whites and colors, works in any water temperature, and is compatible with both HE and standard washers.
The convenient squeeze‑and‑rub application makes it a reliable addition to any laundry routine, delivering professional‑grade stain‑fighting power while remaining gentle on fabrics.
Pros
- Ultra‑concentrated gel lifts deep‑set stains
- Built‑in brush pre‑treats without extra tools
- Works in any water temperature, HE‑compatible
- Safe for whites and colored fabrics alike
- Can sit up to a week before washing
Cons
- Small bottle may run out quickly
- Gel can be sticky if over‑applied
- Not ideal for delicate dry‑clean only items
2. Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater
Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray is the go‑to rescue for every laundry emergency, from splattered baby puree to coffee rings on a favorite tee.
The 4 oz bottle delivers a lightning‑fast, powerful formula that lifts food, grease, blood and even set‑in marks from clothing, upholstery, and carpets.
Certified EPA Safer Choice, it’s designed with families in mind—free from harsh chemicals yet tough on messes.
Whether you’re dealing with a newborn’s formula spill or a toddler’s ketchup blowout, a quick spray, a gentle rub, and a regular wash will usually erase the stain.
If the spot persists, simply repeat the process; the spray is built for repeat use without damaging fabrics.
Its versatile, kid‑friendly composition makes it safe for infants, toddlers, and adults alike, while the easy three‑step routine (dampen, spray, wash) keeps laundry day hassle‑free.
Pros
- Lightning‑fast stain removal for any fabric
- EPA Safer Choice certified for family safety
- Works on fresh and set‑in stains
- Safe for newborns, toddlers, and adults
- Simple three‑step application, no extra rinsing
Cons
- Small 4 oz bottle may need frequent refills
- Not a substitute for professional dry‑cleaning tough stains
1. Shout Active Enzyme Laundry Stain Remover Spray
Shout Active Enzyme Laundry Stain Remover Spray is a 22 oz pre‑wash powerhouse that tackles more than 100 everyday stains—from coffee and ketchup to red wine and grass.
The triple‑acting formula clings to the spot, penetrates deep into fibers, and lifts the stain away, delivering 50× more concentration than a regular in‑wash booster when sprayed directly onto the mess.
It works on all machine‑washable whites and colors, in any water temperature, and is safe for both high‑efficiency and standard washers. The spray‑rub‑wash routine lets you treat the toughest grime now and wash it away up to a week later.
Plus, the bottle is made from 25 % post‑consumer recycled plastic, giving you a greener clean without sacrificing performance.
Pros
- Triple‑acting: clings, penetrates, lifts stains
- 50× concentrated for spot‑treatment power
- Works in any water temperature
- Eco‑friendly bottle with recycled plastic
- Safe for whites and colors
Cons
- May need extra rubbing for set‑in stains
- Spray can be messy if over‑applied
- Not suitable for dry‑clean only fabrics
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-rated stain removers for common household stains?
- OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover – great for protein‑based stains (blood, sweat) and works well in both pre‑soak and wash cycles.
- Shout Advanced Gel – a thick gel that clings to fabric, ideal for oily or greasy spots like cooking oil or makeup.
- Fels‑Naptha Laundry Bar – a classic solid bar that excels on tough, set‑in stains such as grass, ink, and wine.
- DIY Mix – a 1:1 solution of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap works wonders on fresh red‑wine or fruit juice stains (test on an inconspicuous area first).
How should I apply a stain remover for the best results?
- Identify the stain type (protein, oil, dye, etc.) and choose an appropriate remover.
- Blot, don’t rub – gently remove excess liquid with a clean cloth.
- Pre‑treat:
- Spray or apply the remover directly onto the stain.
- Let it sit for 5‑10 minutes (longer for set‑in stains, but no more than 30 min to avoid fabric damage).
- Rinse with cold water (hot water can set protein stains).
- Launder as usual, using the warmest water safe for the fabric. Check the stain before drying; repeat if needed.
Conclusion
Choosing the right stain remover hinges on understanding the type of fabric, the nature of the blemish, and the remover’s chemistry—whether enzymatic, oxygen‑based, or solvent‑driven.
Prioritizing gentle, breathable formulas protects delicate fibers while still delivering powerful lift, and testing a small hidden area can prevent unwanted discoloration.
Quick action remains the most effective strategy: pre‑treating spots before laundering maximizes success and reduces the need for repeated cycles.
By balancing potency with fabric safety, and keeping a versatile, easy‑to‑apply solution on hand, you’ll keep your wardrobe looking fresh and vibrant without the hassle of stubborn stains.
Henry Kenner