Stain removers: FAQs
Do I really need a stain remover or is my usual washing detergent good enough?
Red wine stains proved a challenge for some stain removers
There’s no doubt that washing detergents and washing machines claim to be better than ever at giving the best washing performance. But even the best detergents aren't good enough to vanquish the most trying stains, particularly fatty ones.
We included a Best Buy non-bio powder alongside the dedicated stain removers in our stains test. The detergent did a fantastic job on vegetable-type stains – such as blueberry, grass and ketchup – and dealt with the protein spinach stain very well.
But it struggled against fatty stains and, overall, we think you’re better off using a good stain remover for tricky stains.
Can I use the stain removers on delicate fabrics?
Sadly, most stain removers aren’t recommended for delicate fabrics such as wool or silk. And many products leave this as something of a mystery saying, for example, that they’re suitable for ‘most fabrics’ without specifying which.
Check the label before you buy though as there are some exceptions, such as Dylon and Ace Gentle. Some stain removers also advise against using with metal buttons or fittings.
Should I reapply the stain remover if the first attempt is unsuccessful?
Generally, the answer is yes. Wherever we found unsatisfactory results in our tests, we reapplied the stain remover to see if we could get better results. Our retries improved the results in most retests, so we think it’s definitely worth it.
The most stubborn stain proved to be chocolate pudding, where only four from the 11 retests we tried led to a better result. The best success was with lipstick and motor oil where virtually all the repeat attempts helped shift the stains more effectively.
There are so many types of stain remover available: which should I buy?
Our Best Buys include an in-wash powder, a pen-applicator, a spray and a liquid with applicator so we don't think the type or application method makes much difference.
You're best off checking our test results and choosing the products that work best for the stains you're trying to defeat. All the products were easy to use, so don't worry about whether it’s a spray, powder, or bottle.
I'd prefer not to use chemicals – are there any good green options?
Yes. We tried four eco products – Ecover, Earth Friendly, Antony Worrall Thompson’s Fresh and Green and Marks & Spencer’s spray – in our test.
Success varied considerably between each product and the various stains: see the table in our ‘Full test results’ section for details.
How can I get the best from my stain remover?
The key is to tackle the stain as soon as possible, dabbing away any excess with kitchen roll.
You should always follow instructions on your stain remover product and read the label on your clothes to check if it’s dry clean only in which case you may need to have the clothes cleaned professionally.
Some products can be used to pre-soak or directly in the wash. Where this applied, we tried both methods. With Vanish and OxiClean powders there was very little difference in success between either method, but with BioTex, we found far better results when we used it directly in the washing machine rather than pre-soaking.
For more information on stain removal, try the Stain Expert website.