How we test laundry stain removers (spot treatments)
We’ve tested stain removal sprays and gels to see which are best at removing a range of small stains.
Looking for soakers?
We’ve tested stain removal sprays and gels to see which are best at removing a range of small stains.
Overall score breakdown
The overall score is made up of 10 individual scores – one for each of the following stains:
- sweat
- groundnut oil to simulate collar and cuff grime
- make-up
- olive oil
- tomato
- ice-cream (chocolate)
- baby food (banana and strawberry)
- grass and mud
- blood
- mineral oil.
We use specially stained fabric swatches – four swatches of each stain for each stain remover we test. These swatches are used by detergent companies and consumer organisations worldwide.
We apply 2ml of each stain remover to the stained fabric swatch and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Then we wash each swatch in a front loader machine on a normal cold wash cycle with a mid-performing laundry detergent.
Following the wash cycle, we assess how well the stains have been removed. Our test scores are an indication of each product’s performance relative to the other products in the test.
We also compare to a set of stained swatches treated with our home recipe (1 part dishwashing liquid and 2 parts hydrogen peroxide 3%) 5 minutes prior to washing.
In addition, we record what’s printed on each product’s label, including ingredients, garment suitability, whether stated to be septic system safe, grey water safe, biodegradable, and any other label claims.
Why is this free?
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We've tested 11 laundry stain removers: spot treatments.
Find the right one for you.
