How to choose the best laundry stain removers (spot treatments)

Laundry stain remover types

Spot treatment stain removers are good for smaller stains. For larger stains, check our test results for laundry soakers.

Most spot treatment stain removers are liquids in a spray bottle, but some are gels in a squeezable tube with a rubbing head that’s a bit like a deodorant stick.

The stain remover is applied to the stained area and the garment is either put in the wash immediately or left to sit for a time before washing, depending on the stain.

Ingredients

You might be tempted to use household bleach on persistent stains, but we don’t recommend it. Household bleach contains chlorine (often listed as sodium hypochlorite), which can ruin fabrics.

If you want a stain remover that contains a bleaching agent, choose one with sodium percarbonate (oxygen bleach). It’s gentler than chlorine and can be used on most washable fabrics, including colourfast colours. It’s also less corrosive and environmentally harmful than chlorine bleach.

Alternatively, choose a stain remover containing hydrogen peroxide. These stain removers are usually colour safe because they only contain a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide.

Stain removers that contain enzymes are sometimes called “biologic” or “enzymatic”. Enzymes are effective on tough stains made of starches, proteins and fats.

But don’t use stain removers containing bleaching agents or enzymes on silk, wool or leather garments. Check garment labels for care information before using any stain remover.

Enzymes can cause skin irritation, as can optical brighteners, dyes, and fragrances, so avoid laundry products that contain these ingredients if you have sensitive skin.

Check our test results for information on each product’s ingredients and garment suitability. We also note whether each product is stated to be septic system safe, grey water safe, biodegradable, and we record any other label claims.

General stain removal advice

Check our Stain Removal A–Z for advice on everything from blood to red wine stains, plus dry cleaning, garment care and carpet stains.

Safety

If someone ingests a cleaning product, immediately:

• wipe out their mouth
• retrieve the product’s original container so its name and ingredients can be identified
• phone the National Poisons Centre (0800 POISON) or your doctor.

Keep products in their original packaging for identification purposes.

Keep cleaning products well out of reach of children and pets – ideally in a high or locked cupboard.