When it comes to stain removal, there is a wealth of products available – formulated for whites, wools, and everything in between. But how do you know what really works?
Here, we spoke to professional cleaners and home experts for their recommendations of products to stamp out stains that are actually worth the spend – and the best part is they're all reduced for Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days.
So, once you know how to do laundry, these are the products you can purchase with confidence.
4 stain removal products that really work
1. Puracy Laundry Stain Remover
'This plant-based stain remover is effective on a wide variety of stains, including grass, oil, blood, and sweat,' says Erin Zanelli, co-founder and CFO of Tranquil Home. 'It's enzyme-based, which helps break down tough stains without harsh chemicals.'
Using six superplant enzymes, this stain remover is safe for all washable fabrics, so it can be used on linens, bedding, carpets and car seats, as well as clothing.
'Plus, it's safe for sensitive skin,' adds Zanelli, as it is formulated with only pure ingredients, without sulfates, phosphates, bleach, peroxide, brighteners, salicylates and petroleum-based ingredients. It is also cruelty-free, perfect for cleaning your home without harming the planet.
All prices correct at time of writing.
This product is guaranteed to safely remove all stains, whether old or new. While plant-derived, it's also hypoallergenic, gluten-free, and bio-degradable.
2. AspenClean Unscented Oxygen Bleach Powder
When it comes to laundry room essentials, Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean recommends the Unscented Oxygen Bleach Powder and Color Safe Stain Remover by AspenClean for a stain removal product that really works.
'It's naturally packed with powerful, plant-based ingredients that help brighten colors and whites and effectively remove tough stains,' she says, ideal if you have been wondering how to get dingy whites white again. 'As with all our products, it is free from synthetic fragrances, chlorine and harsh chemicals, and is gentle on your clothes and the environment.'
To use, simply add one scoop of the powder into your washing machine before adding your clothes and laundry detergent. For extra tough stains, Sokolowski recommends soaking your laundry in an oxygen bleach mixture with hot water, before doing your laundry in the washing machine.
'Easy to use, delivering exceptional results, plant-powered and loved by our customers – Oxygen Bleach is definitely (not only) our go-to stain remover,' she adds.
This product is a vegan, hypoallergenic alternative to traditional bleach products, housed in a zero plastic, 100% recycled paper container. It's safe for all loads of laundry, and has earned an A rating verification by the Environmental Working Group.
3. Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Stain & Odor Eliminator
If you have any furry friends, you will know how difficult it can be to keep a clean home when you have pets and banish pet odors. As someone with four dogs, I certainly do!
Professional cleaner Alessandro Gazzo from Emily's Maids recommends the Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Stain & Odor Eliminator, which is a number one bestseller on Amazon.
'This is an enzyme cleaner, which breaks down organic stains and helps you absorb them with a disposable towel,' such as the Caboo Tree Free Paper Towels available at Amazon, he says. 'I find this super helpful for carpet floors.'
It's certified gentle and safe, so you won't need to worry about your precious pets coming into contact with any harmful chemicals, and it eliminates stains, odors and residue from carpets, floors, furniture and clothing.
This product can be used for both the worst and everyday pet messes, with natural enzymes that are activated upon contact with odors and stains. These enzymes feed on ammonia crystals and organic matter until they are totally eliminated, leaving your surfaces spotless.
4. Molly's Suds Oxygen Whitener
'My daughter's school uniform has a white polo shirt, and she is constantly getting stains on them – from paint and crafty items during creative sessions to bolognese and pizza stains from her hot school dinner,' says Punteha van Terheyden, head of Solved here at Homes & Gardens. 'This whitening product is fab for getting the job done without some of the scary chemicals other alternatives use. It's free from formaldehyde, for example.'
It's also naturally scented with lavender essential oil, to leave your laundry smelling fresh and floral, without synthetic scents. 'I like this as I use a lot of essential oils in my home cleaning, and recently ditched dryer sheets for a natural essential oil dryer hack, which makes my laundry smell nice without dryer sheets,' adds van Terheyden.
This product is also loved by Chiana Dickson, content editor on Solved at Homes & Gardens. Her clever trick? Soaking stained items in a tub of hot water with one scoop of Molly's Sud Oxygen Whitener for a few hours to melt marks away before washing as normal. 'I swear by this for organic stains such as blood and food stains,' she says. 'I love it because it is safe for whites and dyes, and is fine for my partners very sensitive skin,' although Dickson points out she usually opts for the Unscented Molly's Suds Original Laundry Detergent Powder available at Amazon to do laundry with sensitive skin.
This powerful bleach alternative breaks down stains and successfully brightens graying or dulling whites. It's also multi-purpose and versatile, and can be used to fight stains on carpets, as well as toilet bowls, porcelain sinks and bathtubs to naturally remove hard water stains.
FAQs
What are the toughest stains to remove?
The toughest stains to remove are the most notorious and naturally richly pigmented – think red wine, berry juice, chocolate, oil and tomato-based sauces.
Learn how to get rid of chocolate stains and how to get oil stains out of clothes, and you will be ready to tackle any stubborn marks that may otherwise ruin your clothes or furniture.
Are you clued up on the golden rules of stain removal? Act quickly to fight stains as effectively as possible, and never rub or scrub.
It's also crucial to get the water temperature right – it's nearly always safer to use cold water to avoid setting stains, and make sure you read the instructions on any chemical products before using them to avoid damaging your items.
