Accidents are a part of everyday life – especially when it comes to laundry. Whether it’s a coffee spill on your shirt or breakfast dropped mid-bite, stains on clothes are almost inevitable. That’s why having a reliable stain remover is essential in every household.
In households with children, the mess only multiplies. From the early days of baby spills and nappy mishaps to grass stains, art projects, and school lunch disasters, kids put clothes through a lot.
Acting fast is usually the best way to beat a stain, but that’s not always an option – especially when the mess happens at school or while you’re out and about. For those times, you’ll want a stain remover that can tackle dried-in stains with just one wash.
If you’re ready to take the stress out of laundry day, keep reading. I’ve rounded up the best stain removers that can handle the messiest moments, no matter what life (or your kids) throws at you.
How I tested
Thanks to three school-age children and one toddler who is potty training, I deal with stains on a daily basis. I tested each stain remover for two weeks, which involved at least 15 different stained items. I noted down how well each performed on stains left by food, bodily fluids, pens, grass and mud. As a control test, I stained a white flannel with tomato ketchup and coffee and looked to see how it came out of the wash. I also looked at three things for each product:
- Stain removal performance: I tested how effectively each product tackled a wide range of common stains, from food and mud to pens, grass, and bodily fluids.
- Suitability for sensitive skin: I assessed whether each stain remover was gentle enough for delicate skin, ensuring it could be used safely on children’s clothing.
- Eco credentials: I looked at the environmental impact of each product, including whether it was biodegradable, cruelty-free, or made with sustainable ingredients.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Zoe Griffin has been reviewing products for IndyBest since 2021. For every guide she’s written, Zoe has adopted a thorough approach to testing. She’s an expert when it comes to all things laundry, and her testing experience has seen her review the best fabric conditioners, laundry detergents, and heated airers. She’s also tested many other home products including corded vacuum cleaners and dishwasher tablets.
The best laundry stain removers for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Stardrops the pink stuff oxi powder stain remover, colours: £6.15, Robertdyas.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Ocado stain remover for whites: £2.95, Ocado.com
- Best for whites – Vanish oxi action whitener and stain remover for whites: £5.40, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for low temperatures – Ace ultra for colours: £3, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for removing stains fast – The Lab Co spot stain remover: £9, Amazon.co.uk
Stardrops the pink stuff oxi powder stain remover colours
Best: Stain remover overall
Lasts: 33 washes
Pre-soak recommendation: 30ml scoop for one hour
How to use: Add one to two scoops into the drawer
Why we love it
- Powerful
- Fast-acting
- Fresh scent
Take note
- Plastic packaging
Suitable for use on colours and whites, this stain remover comes in a generous 1kg tub that should last 33 washes, if you don’t need to pre-treat garments first. Pre-treating with this product is optional, as the brand advises using one scoop directly in the washing machine drawer for light stains and two scoops for tougher stains, which I found was enough to remove all food stains. Across 15 loads, I only needed to pre-treat a lipstick stain on a white blouse, which I did for just under an hour before washing as normal, and everything came out.
With each wash, I noted that this stain remover lifted stains without dulling colours, leaving fabrics fresh and vibrant. I also liked that it’s all I need for every single laundry load, meaning I don’t need to find storage space for separate stain removers for both white and colourful clothing. It has a fresh, slightly zingy fragrance, too.
Buy now £4.99, Robertdyas.co.uk
Ocado stain remover for whites
Best: Budget stain remover
Lasts: 33 washes
Pre-soak recommendation: 30ml in water for 30 minutes
How to use: Add one to two scoops into the drawer
Why we love it
- Great results for the price
Take note
- Pre-treatment needed
I trialled this powder on bed linens and T-shirts that had developed a dull, grey tinge. After adding the stain remover to a 40C wash, I noticed a marked improvement in the brightness of clothes, which I wasn’t expecting, as it doesn’t claim to be a whitener. For older, set-in stains, I pre-treated by soaking the fabrics in a mixture of powder and warm water for 30 minutes before washing. This method worked particularly well on food and drink stains, such as tomato sauce and tea. Without the pre-treatment, around 70 per cent of the stain disappeared, leaving a faded tinge where the stain had been, so, I opted to pre-treat most loads. This worked every time, even if I washed at 30C after the soak.
In a simple white tub with a generic own-brand label and no discernible fragrance, it might not scream ‘premium’ but it delivers excellent results at half the price of some other stain removers we tested. It’s a reliable choice for those looking to clean whites on a budget.
Buy now £2.95, Ocado.com
Vanish oxi action whitener and stain remover for whites
Best: Stain remover for whites
Lasts: 16 washes
Pre-soak recommendation: 60ml scoop for six hours
How to use: Add a half or full scoop to the drawer
Why we love it
- Made white clothes brighter
- Lifted food stains
- Removed make-up
Take note
- Not many servings per tub
Vanish oxi action is a whitener and a stain remover in one. If you find your white sheets or towels become grey or yellow over time, Vanish claims to be able to make them up to three shades whiter in just one wash.
I tried this product on a pile of white shirts and towels. After a year of using them, I didn’t think they were in terrible condition to start with but they were noticeably brighter after adding just one scoop of oxi action to our detergent drawer. For particularly challenging stains, I created a paste, using a quarter of a scoop of the stain remover and three-quarters of a scoop of water, then applied it directly to the marks, and allowed it to sit for 15 minutes before washing. This method was especially effective on collar grime and food stains.
What I appreciated most about Vanish was its gentle yet thorough performance. Despite its powerful whitening effect, it left no harsh chemical smells or residue and I had no problem when using it on children’s bed sheets, even though their skin is more sensitive than adult’s.
Buy now £6.00, Amazon.co.uk
Sainsbury’s stain remover powder
Best: Stain remover for colours
Lasts: 33 washes
Pre-soak recommendation: One scoop for up to an hour
How to use: Add a 30g scoop to the drawer
Why we love it
- Safe for us on colourful garments
- Works at 30C
Take note
- Pre-treatment often needed
Designed specifically for coloured fabrics, this budget-friendly stain remover aims to deliver powerful results, without compromising on vibrancy.
I tested it on a variety of items, including a bright red jumper and a patterned dress that had suffered food and drink spills. Used as an additive to our regular detergent, the powder removed grease and sauce stains effortlessly in a 30C wash, with no dulling of my garments. For tougher marks, such as pen ink on a school uniform, pre-soaking in a solution of warm water and powder yielded great results after just 20 minutes. I did need to pre-treat more types of stain, compared with using some other products, but I appreciated that I didn’t need to leave fabric soaking in water for hours at a time.
Despite having a budget-friendly price, it still removed every stain I threw at it. I’d recommend it to anyone as an economical solution for protecting their colourful garments, as long as they don’t mind a little pre-treating.
Buy now £2.95, Sainsburys.co.uk
Ecover liquid stain remover
Best: Eco-friendly stain remover
Lasts: Around 40 stains (using 5ml at a time)
Pre-soak recommendation: Five to 10 minutes
How to use: Spray onto stain and brush into fabric
Why we love it
- Targeted application
- Built-in brush
- Works on cold washes
Take note
- Small bottle
- Easy to misplace lid
Environmentally friendly stain removers may seem like a bit of a unicorn but Ecover offers an option for eco-conscious households. Made with plant-based ingredients, packaged in recyclable materials and with a biodegradable formula, it balances sustainability with performance. It’s even made in a planet-friendly way, in a zero-waste certified factory.
I tested it on a variety of fabrics, including delicate items and heavily soiled clothes. The brush applicator made targeting stains such as grease, coffee, and baby food incredibly easy. After applying the liquid directly onto the stains and letting it sit for five to 10 minutes, we tossed the garments into a 30C wash. The results were outstanding – most marks disappeared on the first wash, even on lighter fabrics.
This stain remover is particularly well-suited for those who want to avoid harsh chemicals. I loved that it was gentle on the skin while still being tough on stains. It left no residue or overpowering fragrance, which made it ideal for households with young children, too. Though it comes in a smaller bottle than some competitors, its targeted application ensures it lasts longer than expected. A great choice for reducing your environmental impact without compromising on stain-fighting power.
Buy now £3.00, Amazon.co.uk
Dr Beckmann power brush stain remover
Best: Brush-on stain remover
Lasts: 25-30 treatments
Pre-soak recommendation: 10 minutes for tricky stains
How to use: Apply directly to the stain and brush in
Why we love it
- Compact
- Concentrated
- Built-in applicator brush
Take note
- Takes effort to rub in
- Foamy
It can seem a waste of time and water to pre-treat a whole garment when the stain is only on one area. Dr. Beckmann’s stain remover combines convenience with precision, making it a favourite for spot treatments on clothes and more. This product’s built-in scrubbing brush is particularly effective for tackling stubborn stains that need a little extra effort.
I tried this product on upholstery as well as clothing, focusing on tough stains such as wine and oil. The integrated applicator allowed me to work the formula deep into fabrics, without creating a mess. After applying it and scrubbing in for a few minutes, I left the garment for 10 minutes before washing it – the stains lifted beautifully, even on tricky materials such as denim and textured cushions.
What impressed me most was the versatility of this product – it worked just as well on dried-in stains as on fresh spills. While the bottle is compact, the concentrated formula and precise application make it incredibly efficient.
Buy now £2.75, Amazon.co.uk
Ace ultra for colours, 1l
Best: Stain remover for low temperatures
Lasts: 25 washes
Pre-soak recommendation: 10 minutes
How to use: Pour 50ml into the drawer
Why we love it
- Great in cold washes
- Works well on colours
Take note
- Pre-treatment needed for several stains
Washing clothes at lower temperatures uses less energy but doesn’t always leave laundry looking as clean as hotter washes do. Ace claims its stain remover can deliver results at 20C, so, I put it to the test, by adding a capful directly to the detergent drawer when washing a load of pyjamas that had cereal, porridge and jam down them. There were noticeable improvements after a single cycle. The stains lifted without fading vibrant colours, which is often a challenge when washing at lower temperatures.
For everyday food stains, just a 50ml capful to the detergent drawer, alongside our regular washing liquid, was enough. However, for set-in stains such as wine, tea, coffee or grass, pre-treatment is highly recommended. To pre-treat, I applied the liquid directly to a dried-on coffee stain, gently rubbed it in, using a soft cloth, and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before washing as usual. This method delivered outstanding results. I also used the pre-treatment option for greasy collars of work and school shirts and a splatter of gravy down a kids’ T-shirt, and we were impressed by how everything disappeared like magic.
Buy now £6.96, Amazon.co.uk
Tesco oxy stain remover spray, 500ml
Best: Spray stain remover
Lasts: 50 stains
Pre-soak recommendation: Five minutes
How to use: Spray onto stains and wait for five minutes
Why we love it
- Inexpensive
- Easy to apply
Take note
- Doesn’t clean deeply
- Sometimes needs two washes
For a quick, fuss-free solution, this stain remover spray is unbeatable. I tested it on a range of everyday stains, including greasy fingerprints and split drinks, and found it made a difference within one to two washes.
The spray was easy to use – simply spritz, let it sit for five minutes, and throw the garment into the wash. Even with stubborn stains, such as red wine and curry, it performed admirably, with most marks disappearing completely after the first cycle. For set-in stains, a second treatment did the trick.
What I appreciated most was its convenience. The spray bottle design made spot-treating effortless, especially for last-minute emergencies. While it doesn’t have the deep-cleaning power of some powders or liquids, it’s perfect for quick touch-ups and smaller stains. At just £1.50, it’s a budget-friendly essential for any laundry cupboard. If you have babies or young children, I’d recommend decanting some of this product into a travel-sized spray bottle and carrying it with you in a nappy bag, as it works better on fresh stains than on dried-on ones.
Buy now £1.50, Tesco.com
The Lab Co spot stain remover, 150ml
Best: Fast acting stain remover
Lasts: Around 30 stains
Pre-soak recommendation: 10 minutes
How to use: Spray onto stain and rub in
Why we love it
- Eco-friendly
- Great on delicates
Take note
- Small bottle
- Relatively expensive
A premium option, this product has been designed for those who want fast, effective stain removal without compromising on eco credentials. Formulated with plant-based ingredients, biodegradable and free from harsh chemicals, it’s a more sustainable choice for stain-fighting while remaining tough on stubborn marks.
During testing, this stain remover handled food spills, pen marks, and grass stains with impressive speed. Applying the concentrated formula directly onto the affected areas and working it into the fabric with a linen cloth yielded visible results in minutes, often lifting marks even before washing. Without working it into the fabric, it didn’t really do much, so I recommend putting in a little effort, for the best results. For tougher stains, I allowed it to sit for 10 minutes before rinsing, and it consistently delivered excellent results.
What sets The Lab Co apart is its focus on fabric care and sustainability. It’s gentle enough for use on delicate materials such as silk and cashmere, ensuring no damage to fibres or colours. The compact bottle is also made from recyclable materials, aligning with the company’s eco-friendly ethos.
Buy now £9.00, Amazon.co.uk
Elbow Grease stubborn stain remover
Best: Stain remover bar
Lasts: Around three months (a little goes a long way)
Pre-soak recommendation: Up to 10 minutes for tough stains
How to use: Apply directly to the stain and rub in
Why we love it
- Long-lasting
- Easy to apply directly to stains
Take note
- Scrubbing effort required
Before modern stain remover sprays and powders, people tried to remove stubborn marks by scrubbing their clothes with abrasive rocks or sand. The Elbow Grease stain remover bar takes us back to that time, as you need to rub it back and forth over a stain for it to work. I did this on a variety of fabrics and found the compact bar design effective for targeting small, stubborn marks on clothes, upholstery, and even trainers.
I tested it on a variety of fabrics, from T-shirts to sofa covers. After wetting the bar and rubbing it directly onto stains, I rinsed and threw the items into the wash. It was surprisingly effective at removing oil, mud, and even make-up, especially when I used a bit of elbow grease (true to its name) to scrub the area.
This stain remover is perfect for spot-cleaning and is gentle enough for use on cushion covers and other delicate items that are easily damaged. It’s among the most affordable options on this list, and it punches well above its weight when it comes to performance.
Buy now £3.33, Amazon.co.uk
Your questions about stain removers answered
What is the best stain remover?
Eliminating the need to buy a separate stain remover for colours and whites, the pink stuff impressed me by removing marks without dulling fabrics, taking my top spot overall in this review. Whether I was washing printed kids’ clothes or plain white towels, my laundry came out brighter, more vibrant and free from food, drink, grass and pen stains. I also liked how The Lab Co’s spot stain remover treatment combined sustainability with a speedy performance, and I found the Dr Beckmann stain remover brush performed the most effectively on dried-on stains.
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