14 BEST STAIN REMOVERS FOR CLOTHES IN 2023, WITH CLEANING EXPERT TIPS

When the inevitable inevitably happens — you know, spilling something on your bright white T-shirt or linen dress — you have to be prepared.

Nobody wants these things to happen, especially if you’re out to dinner or not at arm’s reach of your washer dryer combo. Not to mention, you don’t have to have all of your natural laundry detergents lined up on your shelf to treat a sudden stain.

“The primary stain remover options are pre-wash spot remover, bleach and color-safe bleach, as well as the stain removing properties of laundry detergents,” Jessica Ek, senior director of digital communications at the American Cleaning Institute with five years of experience, told the New York Post. “Dish detergent is very good at removing oil or grease stains. There are also some things that can be used on specific stains, like paint or rust remover.”

Ahead, Ek shares her expertise in our in-depth FAQ section — highlighting how to properly use stain removers and what ingredients to look for (and avoid) — while New York Post Shopping highlights the best ones on the market.

More, we put together an expert-backed guide on how to remove every type of clothing stain — from your glass of California Napa Valley cabernet to your cinnamon-topped cappuccino — following our product picks, too.

For more on cleaning, check out our guide to the best carpet cleaners.

1. Best stain remover overall: Puracy Free & Clear Stain Remover Spray, $10 Amazon

Why we recommend it: Puracy’s Free & Clear Stain Remover Spray is affordable, contains the smartest blend of ingredients to combat a variety of stains, is well-acclaimed and is both bleach- and dye-free.

If we had to crown a particular clothing stain remover as the best overall, it would be Puracy’s Free & Clear Stain Remover Spray. Not only is is budget-friendly at just $10, but it contains cellulase, pectinase, amylase and lipase — four expert-backed ingredients (as explained in our FAQ section) that can help remove stains in the following groups: pasta, potato, baby food, fats, oils, fruits, vegetables, dirt and soil — among others.

amazon puracy walmart 2. Best pre-treater stain remover: OxiClean Max Force Foam Laundry Pre-Treater Stain Remover, $10 Amazon

Why we recommend it: OxiClean’s Max Force Foam Laundry Pre-Treater Stain Remover is affordable, simple to use before laundering and is said to be gentle on clothes while serving as an agent to remove caked-in stains.

As one of the strongest names in the biz, OxiClean has a wonderful pre-treater stain remover. In par with Ek’s intel, pre-treaters are one of the most common formulation groups to hep remove stains. It’s backed by more than 5,000 rave reviews on Amazon, too. Be sure to check your garment’s care label and our stain cheat sheet to see if using a pre-treatment is recommended.

amazon 3. Best plant-based stain remover: Biokleen Bac-Out Stain + Odor Remover, $10 to $20 Target

Why we recommend it: Biokleen’s Bac-Out Stain + Odor Remover is readily available in both traditional and buy-in-bulk sizing options, isn’t as harsh as bleach and also contains a hint of lime essence to help beat odors, too — killing two birds with one stone.

Available on a bounty of online retailers, Biokleen’s Bac-Out Stain + Odor Remover not only helps remove stains and combat odors but it’s safe to use on both laundry items and carpets. Plus, its unique blend of enzyme cultures is what we look for, especially with our cleaning expert recommending enzyme-loaded ingredients for certain stains.

amazon target thrive market 4. Best stain remover for white clothes: OxiClean White Revive Laundry Whitener & Stain Remover, $10 to $14 Amazon

Why we recommend it: OxiClean’s White Revive Laundry Whitener & Stain Remover is our top choice for helping to remove stains for white clothes and colors as well.

For less than $15, the OxiClean White Revive Laundry Whitener & Stain Remover is the quintessential stain remover to have on hand, covering your bases (and removing stains, most importantly) for both white and colored garments. It’s chlorine-free and is said to provide 40% more whitening powder than chlorine bleach.

amazon target walmart 5. Best bleach-alternative stain remover: Grab Green Bleach Alternative Powder Detergent Pods (60-Count), $14 to $16 Amazon

Why we recommend it: Grab Green’s Bleach Alternative Powder Detergent Pods are ideal if you’re looking for a gentle, fragrance-free bleach alternative that helps brighten both whites and colors and naturalize odors.

A hidden gem on the market? Grab Green’s Bleach Alternative Powder Detergent Pods come in a variety of size options, depending on your budget and how much you’d like to spend, and is an all-encompassing clothing stain remover that features an easy toss-in-the-laundry-machine design, is plant-based and hypoallergenic — the latter a green checkmark for sensitive skin, specifically.

amazon grab green thrive market 6. Best stain remover for baby clothes: Molly’s Suds Baby Laundry Powder for Formula, Poop & Spit-Up Stains, $25 Amazon

Why we recommend it: Molly’s Suds Baby Laundry Powder has answered our prayers for helping to rid nasty formula, poop and spit-up stains, ranking as a No.1 Amazon best-seller with nearly 14,000 rave reviews, and safe for all washing machines.

Molly’s Suds is a top choice if you’re looking for an option that’ll (1) help remove baby clothing stains and (2) can tackle off baby-derived stains off your clothing as well. Formulated with stain-fighting enzymes and an all-around newborn-skin-conscious design, it’s both hypoallergenic and comes with a measuring scoop for easy use.

amazon 7. Best travel-friendly baby stain remover: Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray (3-Pack), $15 Amazon

Why we recommend it: The Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray not only is offered at a great value on Amazon (thanks, three-pack!) but it’s the best travel-friendly option that can help treat baby stains and a good amount of common adult-caused stains as well.

For parents and caregivers on the go, add this trio to your Amazon cart that’s applauded by a whopping 40,000 rave reviews — and counting. This near-instant, fragrance-free and easy-to-use clothing stain remover is a diaper bag essential, too, and is said to be effective on both fresh and set-in stains.

amazon 8. Best travel-friendly stain remover: Tide to Go Instant Stain Remover (3-Count), $8 Amazon

Why we recommend it: The Tide to Go Instant Stain Remover is a fan-favorite (and one we personally have in tow; it lives in our work totes) and is one of the most affordable, yet effective on the market.

This edit would be incomplete without a mention of the Tide to Go Instant Stain Remover. Conveniently offered in a three-pack bundle, you’ll appreciate its quick-action formulation (note: a little goes a long way, especially for light stains) and its bleach-free make. Be sure to read our stain cheat sheet to ensure this product is recommended for the particular stain you’d like to treat.

amazon target walmart 9. Best stain remover for colored clothes: Shout Advanced Action Gel Spray & Wash Laundry Stain Remover, $5 to $15 Target

Why we recommend it: Shout’s Advanced Action Gel Spray & Wash Laundry Stain Remover is safe for color-treated clothes and is one we recommend if you’re seeking a versatile, effective treatment.

Spray it, remove it. That’s the name of the game for this Shout product — a household name (much like saying ‘Purell’ instead of ‘hand sanitizer’). What’s great about this top-rated clothing stain remover is how it allows you to treat stains whenever they occur, but offers the flexibility to wash your garment(s) up to a week later — especially useful to help conserve water and only toss in your hamper’s load once full.

amazon target walmart 10. Best stain remover scrubber: Carbona Laundry Stain Scrubber (3-Pack), $20 Amazon

Why we recommend it: Carbona’s Laundry Stain Scrubber is one of the best-valued clothing stain removers that conveniently comes with a scrubbing brush on top, no sponge or brush required.

For less than $25, this trio is (1) an all-in-one cleaner that doesn’t require the use of any tools and (2) is travel-friendly, so as long as you’re en route to a location with a washing machine. Another green flag? It contains naturally derived bio-enzymes, an ingredient class recommended by our cleaning expert for helping to remove most stains.

amazon walmart 11. Best eco-friendly stain remover: Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Laundry Booster, $17 Dirty Labs

Why we recommend it: Dirty Lab’s Bio Enzyme Laundry Booster is the perfect option if you want something that has effective yet sustainable ingredients. It doubles as an odor-remover, too.

Clad in biodegradable packaging, the Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Laundry Booster is well-priced for a sustainable cleaning product (trust us, we’ve seen ones that cost a pretty penny) and contain a well-formulated enzyme mix to help carve out most stains from clothing. Even better, it comes with a scoop for easy handling and also helps make colors and whites a bit brighter.

amazon dirty labs 12. Best stain remover for blood, egg, grass, fruits and vegetables stains: Grove Co. Stain Remover Spray, $6 Grove Co.

Why we recommend it: Grove Co.’s Stain Remover Spray is just $6 but is a titan in the clothing stain removal space, thanks to its ability to help remove a bounty of stains. It’s also a wonderful way to support a direct-to-consumer brand and snag an aesthetically pleasing spray bottle.

We can’t believe the Grove Co. Stain Remover Spray is less than $10, either. Powered by natural cleaning enzymes, it’s a New York Post Shopping-recommended pick that contains amylase and pectinase, expert-advised ingredients that work best for blood, egg, grass, fruits and vegetables stains.

grove co. 13. Best stain remover for grease: Mrs. Meyer’s Lemon Verbana Liquid Dish Soap, $5 to $14 Target

Why we recommend it: While the Mrs. Meyer’s Lemon Verbana Liquid Dish Soap is one to use on your dinnerware sets, our cleaning expert recommends using a dish detergent for grease, specifically, allowing you to save money on cleaning products with this two-in-one agent.

Believe it or not, you can use liquid dish soap or detergent to combat grease stains (key word: liquid; do not toss dishwasher detergent pods in your washing machine). With a fresh lemon scent and an expert-adored cleaning product, it’s worth the buy.

Be sure to keep in mind, based on our stain cheat sheet, that heavier grease stains may take a further approach to completely eradicate.

amazon target walmart 14. Best stain remover for baby food, pasta, potato, fats and oils, along with blood, grass and egg: Zout Triple Enzyme Formula Laundry Stain Remover Foam, $4 to $17 Walmart

Why we recommend it: Zout’s Triple Enzyme Formula Laundry Stain Remover Foam impressed us with its ability to tackle a fair amount of stains at an affordable price point, with the option to buy in bulk as well.

After a careful read of Zout’s ingredients, we were pleased to take note of its formulation, of which includes amylase, protease and lipase — a trio that helps combat pasta, potato, baby food, grass, blood, egg, fats and oils. Oh, and we couldn’t resist naming an easy-spray bottle as a favorite.

amazon walmart How to remove every clothing stain, per the American Cleaning Institute Type of StainHow to removeAdhesivesApply ice or cold water to harden surface; scrape with a dull knife. Saturate with prewash stain remover or cleaning fluid. Rinse, then launder.Baby FormulaPretreat or soak stains using a product containing enzymes. Soak for at least 30 minutes or several hours for aged stains. Launder.Barbecue SauceWorking from the back of the stain, flush it with cold water. Pretreat it with a liquid laundry detergent, using an up-and-down motion with a soft brush to break up the stain. Rinse well. Sponge with white vinegar and rinse again. Repeat, treating the stain with liquid detergent, then with white vinegar until you’ve removed as much stain as possible. Pretreat with a prewash stain remover and launder with bleach that’s safe for the fabric.BeveragesSponge or soak stain in cold water. Pretreat with prewash stain remover, liquid laundry detergent, liquid detergent booster or paste of powder laundry product and water. Launder using sodium hypochlorite bleach, if safe for fabric, or oxygen bleach. NOTE: Older stains may respond to pretreating or soaking in a product containing enzymes, then laundering.BloodFRESH STAINS: Soak in cold water (do not use hot water as it will set blood stains). Launder. DRIED STAINS: Pretreat or soak in warm water with a product containing enzymes. Launder. NOTE: If stain remains, rewash using a bleach safe for fabric.Bodily FluidsPretreat or soak in a product containing enzymes. Launder using sodium hypochlorite bleach, if safe for fabric, or oxygen bleach.Brown/Yellow DiscolorationUse a rust remover recommended for fabrics. Launder. NOTE: Do not use a sodium hypochlorite bleach to remove rust stains because it may intensify discoloration. ButterPretreat with a prewash stain remover. Launder, using the hottest water that’s safe for the fabric.Candle WaxScrape off surface wax with a dull knife. Place stain between clean paper towels and press with a warm iron. Replace paper towels frequently to absorb more wax and to avoid transferring stains. Place stain facedown on clean paper towels. Sponge remaining stain with prewash stain remover or cleaning fluid; blot with paper towels. Let dry. Launder. NOTE: If any color remains, rewash using sodium hypochlorite bleach, if safe for fabric, or oxygen bleach.ChocolateWhen the stain strikes, gently scrape off any excess chocolate. Once you get the item home, soak it in cool water. Then, pretreat it with a prewash stain remover. Launder in the hottest water that’s safe for the fabric. NOTE: If stain remains, rewash using a bleach safe for fabric.Collar / Cuff SoilPretreat with prewash stain remover, liquid laundry detergent or paste of powder detergent and water. Launder.Coffee / TeaSponge or soak stain in cool water. Pretreat with prewash stain remover, liquid laundry detergent, liquid detergent booster or paste of powder laundry product and water. Launder using sodium hypochlorite bleach, if safe for fabric, or oxygen bleach. NOTE: Older stains may respond to pretreating or soaking in a product containing enzymes, then laundering.Cosmetics / LipstickPretreat with prewash stain remover, liquid laundry detergent, paste of powder detergent or laundry additive and water. Or, rub with bar soap. Launder.CrayonFOR A FEW SPOTS: Treat the same as candle wax or dampen the stain and rub with bar soap. Launder using hottest water safe for fabric. FOR A WHOLE LOAD OF CLOTHES: Wash with hot water using a laundry soap and 1 cup of baking soda. NOTE: If color remains, launder using sodium hypochlorite bleach, if safe for fabric. Otherwise, pretreat or soak in a product containing enzymes or an oxygen bleach using hottest water safe for fabric, then launder.Dairy ProductsPretreat or soak stains using a product containing enzymes. Soak for at least 30 minutes or several hours for aged stains. Launder.DeodorantsLIGHT STAINS: Pretreat with liquid laundry detergent. Launder. HEAVY STAINS: Pretreat with prewash stain remover. Allow to stand for five to 10 minutes. Launder using an oxygen bleach.Dye TransferAttempt restoration of white fabrics that have picked up color from other fabrics by using a packaged color remover, following label directions. Launder. NOTE: If dye remains, launder again using sodium hypochlorite bleach, if safe for fabric. For non-colorfast fabrics, soak in oxygen bleach, then launder. NOTE: This type of stain may be prevented if proper sorting and laundering procedures are followed.EggPretreat or soak stains using a product containing enzymes. Soak for at least 30 minutes or several hours for aged stains. Launder.Fabric SoftenerDampen the stain and rub with bar soap. Rinse out, then launder.Fruit & JuicesPretreat or soak stains using a product containing enzymes. Soak for at least 30 minutes or several hours for aged stains. Launder. If that doesn’t remove the stain, use a bleach safe for the fabric.GrassPretreat or soak in a product containing enzymes. NOTE: If stain persists, launder using sodium hypochlorite bleach, if safe for fabric, or oxygen bleach.Grease & OilLIGHT STAINS: Pretreat with prewash stain remover, liquid laundry detergent or liquid detergent booster. Launder using hottest water safe for fabric. HEAVY STAINS: Place stain facedown on clean paper towels. Apply cleaning fluid to back of stain. Replace paper towels under stain frequently. Let dry, rinse. Launder using hottest water safe for fabric.Ice CreamPretreat or soak stains using a product containing enzymes. Soak for at least 30 minutes — longer if the stains are old. Launder, using the warmest water that’s safe for the fabric.InkSponge the area around the stain with rubbing alcohol or cleaning fluid before applying it directly on the stain. Place stain facedown on clean paper towels. Apply alcohol or cleaning fluid to back of stain. Replace paper towels frequently. Rinse thoroughly. Launder. ALTERNATE METHOD: Place stain over mouth of a jar or glass; hold fabric taut. Drip the alcohol or cleaning fluid through the stain so ink will drop into the container as it is being removed. Rinse thoroughly. Launder. NOTE: Some inks in each of the following categories — ballpoint, felt tip, liquid — may be impossible to remove.KetchupRemove any excess ketchup with a spoon or knife, but be careful not to rub it into the fabric. If the garment is washable, remove the garment as soon as possible and run cold water through the stain from the backside to force the stain out of the clothing. NOTE: Avoid dabbing as this can spread the stain.LipstickTo remove most lipstick stains from napkins, put the napkin stain down on top of a couple layers of paper towel or absorbent towel. Dampen another towel with rubbing alcohol (70 or 90%), then dab, dab, dab the stained area. Look underneath and you should see lipstick on the paper towels. Keep at it until all of the stain is gone. Some long-lasting lipsticks may need more work to get off. NOTE: You can also spritz a prewash spray onto both sides of the fabric, let set for a few minutes to let the spray work, then scrub with a small brush. Rinse, wash as usual and air dry. If a little color is left, repeat the steps and it should take care of the problem.Maple SyrupMaple syrup or corn syrup should be removed as soon as possible. Begin by using a blunt kitchen knife to remove any excess syrup still on the fabric. For washable fabrics, flush with cool to warm water from the back of the stain. Pretreat with a stain remover or liquid laundry detergent and let sit for several minutes. Rinse well. Wash as recommended according to the garment label. Don’t put in the dryer until the stain is gone!MayonnaisePretreat with a prewash stain remover. Launder, using the hottest water that’s safe for the fabric.MildewLaunder stained items using a bleach safe for fabric and hottest water recommended for fabric. NOTE: Badly mildewed fabrics may be damaged beyond repair.MudWhen dry, brush off as much mud as possible. LIGHT STAINS: Pretreat with a paste of powder detergent and water, liquid laundry detergent or a liquid detergent booster. Launder. HEAVY STAINS: Pretreat or presoak with a laundry detergent or a product containing enzymes. Launder.MustardFlush under cold water to loosen the stain, and then pretreat with a prewash stain remover. Launder, using the hottest water that’s safe for the fabric. Add bleach to the wash also — preferably chlorine bleach. Be sure to check the care label to see if it’s safe for the fabric.Nail PolishTry nail polish remover but do not use on acetate or triacetate fabrics. Place stain facedown on clean paper towels. Apply nail polish remover to back of stain. Replace paper towels frequently. Repeat until stain disappears, if it does. Rinse and launder. NOTE: Nail polish may be impossible to remove.PaintWATER-BASED PAINT: Rinse fabric in warm water while stains are still wet. Launder. NOTE: Once paint is dry, it can’t be removed. OIL-BASED PAINT & VARNISH: Use the same solvent the label on the can advises for a thinner. If not available, use turpentine. Rinse. Pretreat with prewash stain remover, bar soap or laundry detergent. Rinse and launder.PerfumePretreat with prewash stain remover or liquid laundry detergent. Launder.PerspirationUse a prewash stain remover or rub with bar soap. Launder using hottest water safe for fabric. NOTE: If perspiration has changed the color of the fabric, apply ammonia to fresh stains or white vinegar to old stains; rinse. NOTE: Stubborn stains may respond to washing in a product containing enzymes or oxygen bleach in hottest water safe for fabric.Pine ResinSponge the stained area with a dry-cleaning solvent; let it air-dry. Soak the stain in a solution of one cup of liquid laundry detergent and a few drops of ammonia (Caution: Never mix chlorine bleach and ammonia — the resulting fumes are hazardous) for at least 30 minutes. Launder using liquid laundry detergent.ScorchLaunder using sodium hypochlorite bleach, if safe for fabric. Or, soak in oxygen bleach and hot water, then launder. NOTE: Badly scorched fabrics may be damaged beyond repair.Shoe PolishLIQUID SHOE POLISH: Pretreat with a paste of powder detergent and water. Launder. PASTE SHOE POLISH: Scrape residue from fabric with a dull knife. Pretreat with a prewash stain remover or cleaning fluid; rinse. Rub detergent into dampened area. Launder using a bleach safe for fabric.Soft DrinkSponge the stain with cool water or soak it in cool water for about 30 minutes. Pretreat with a prewash stain remover. Launder; if safe for the fabric, add chlorine bleach to the wash.Tar or Tree SapScrape residue from fabric. Place stain facedown on paper towels. Sponge with cleaning fluid. Replace paper towels frequently to absorb more tar and to avoid transferring stains. Launder in hottest water safe for fabric.TobaccoDampen stain and rub with bar soap; rinse. Pretreat or soak in a product containing enzymes. Launder. NOTE: If stain remains, launder again using a bleach safe for fabric.WineSponge the stain with cool water or soak it in cool water for about 30 minutes. Pretreat with a prewash stain remover. Launder; if safe for fabric, add chlorine bleach to the wash.Wood StainWATER-BASED WOOD STAIN: Lay down a thick layer of paper towels. Place the stained clothing on top of the paper towels, with the stain face down on the paper towels. Pour a capful of acetone onto the stain. Dip a clean, white rag into the acetone. Blot the stain with the acetone-soaked rag. Press the stain into the paper towels. Move the stained fabric around the surface of the paper towels to clean areas after each blotting. Rub the stain beginning at the outer edges and working your way toward the center. Continue to blot and rub the clothing until the stain disappears. OIL-BASED WOOD STAIN: Place a thick layer of white paper towels on a work surface. Lay the stained fabric facing down on the paper towels. Dip a clean, white rag into mineral spirits (not acetone). Blot the stain, beginning at the outer edge of the stain. Push the stain into the paper towels to transfer the wood stain from the fabric onto the paper towels. Move the stained fabric from place to place on the paper towel surfaces. Continue to dip the rag into mineral spirits and blot the stain until it’s removed. FOR LAUNDERING THE GARMENT: Rinse the garment and launder as usual. Once the clothing is removed from the wash, inspect for any remaining stains. Repeat the stain removal process if necessary before placing the clothing in the dryer.Courtesy of the American Cleaning Institute An FAQ on Stain Removers

Ahead, Ek gives us the 411 on stain removers for clothing — including ingredients to look for, tips for removing old stains and how they differ from traditional stain removers on the market.

What to look for in a clothing stain remover, according to a cleaning expert

Above all else, look for a stain remover with enzymes, as these will do a good job of breaking apart stains of organic material, like protein and fat.

How do clothing stain removers differ from other stain removers?

“Stain removers for clothes are meant to break up stains to get ready for removal during the washing process, through water, detergent and friction,” Ek tells The Post. “This is different from something like a rug or upholstery stain remover that needs to break up the stain and bring it to the surface so that it can be blotted up and the product must be formulated differently.”

The different types of clothing stain removers, explained by a cleaning expert

The primary stain remover options are pre wash spot remover, bleach and color-safe bleach, as well as the stain removing properties of laundry detergents.

“Dish detergent is very good at removing oil or grease stains,” Ek tips off. “There are also some things that can be used on specific stains, like paint or rust remover.”

How do I use a stain remover on clothes?

First things first: always read and follow the directions on the product label. “This will usually involve applying the product to cover the stain and leaving it for some time before washing according to the fabric care label information,” Ek says.

Do I use a clothing stain remover before using laundry detergent?

According to Ek, there are different types of stain removers, but many are used as a pretreatment before washing.

“On-the-go spot removers are usually designed for stain removal without the need for washing,” she adds. “Dish detergent and a little water can also be used to spot treat instead of washing, depending on the stain.”

What’s the best clothing stain remover for old stains?

Perhaps there’s a garment that has been passed down from generation-to-generation (think: grandma’s old yet now-on-trend sweater). Ek answers one of the most common questions that others have about removing clothing stains.

“When treating old stains, proceed as you normally would with a pretreatment followed by washing,” she notes. “If that doesn’t work, bleach or color safe bleach can be an effective next step.”

The key with old stains? Be sure to check the fabric after washing and do not put it in the dryer until the stain has been fully removed.

Real talk: Do instant wipes or pens really work?

According to Ek, these products work best on small spills, immediately after they happen, which is what they are designed for. Plus, they’re a relatively affordable option you can buy in bulk.

What ingredients to look for in a clothing stain remover, per a cleaning expert

“Look for products designed to remove the types of stains you tend to have,” Ek recommends. “Different enzymes are better at breaking down particular stains.”

Ahead, Ek lists some key ingredients to look for in a clothing stain remover to help combat popular stains:

• Protease: This ingredient is good for protein stains like grass, blood or egg.
• Amylase: This ingredient breaks down starch-based stains like pasta, potato and baby food.
• Lipase This ingredient works on fats and oils.
• Pectate lyase: This ingredient is effective on pectin-based stains like fruits and vegetables.
• Cellulase: This ingredient works well on dirt and soil.

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