Stain removers: How we test
Real stains
Our technician checks stain removal on the lab's reflectometer machine
We smeared cotton cloths with a swathe of real stain nasties: 15 in total. The stains we tested were:
- Fatty stains vegetable oil, motor oil, burger grease, lipstick
- Protein stains bolognaise, chocolate ice cream, chocolate pudding, spinach, carrot baby food
- Vegetable stains blueberry, coffee, ketchup, tea, wine, grass
Cleaning performance
We then applied the stain removers according to manufacturers’ instructions and followed up with a machine wash, using a 40°C programme and a Best Buy non-biological powder.
We then gave a visual rating on how well each stain was removed and also analysed using a reflectometer machine. This works by shining a light on the stain; the greater the reflection, the more stain removed.
Repeat attempts
Where products didn’t remove stains satisfactorily, we tried again, reapplying the stain remover and washing again. Generally, improvements were minor, but it’s certainly worth trying again if your first attempt isn’t successful.
We didn’t include these results in the total score, instead we gave credit to the products that needed the fewest retests.
Ease of use
We also examined how easy it was to use each stain remover. We assessed clarity of the instructions, ease of application and whether the product dripped or spilled easily.