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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Stain Removers

Wine, grass, blood, grease—different stains need different treatments. We compared stain removers on the accidents that actually happen.

Last updated: January 28, 2026

Best Overall Comparison All Products User Reviews Buying Guide FAQ

Best Overall Our top recommendation

Best Overall

OxiClean

Versatile Stain Remover Powder

4.7 (87,654 reviews)

Billy Mays was right—this stuff works. OxiClean's oxygen-based formula lifts stains without bleach. Soak anything, from kid clothes to carpet, and watch stains disappear.

Form

Powder

Type

Oxygen-based

Uses

Laundry, Carpet, Upholstery

Color Safe

Yes

Pros

✓ Works on almost everything
✓ Chlorine-free
✓ Color safe

Cons

✗ Doesn't work on some oil stains
✗ Requires pre-soaking for tough stains
✗ Powder can clump

$13 (5 lb)

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Product	Rating	Price	Action
Versatile Stain Remover Powder Best OxiClean	4.7	$13 (5 lb)	View
Advanced Stain Remover Spray Value Shout	4.6	$6 (22 oz)	View
Triple Enzyme Formula Zout	4.5	$8 (22 oz)	View
Stain Devils Complete Set Carbona	4.4	$18 (9 pack)	View
Heavy Duty Laundry Bar Soap Fels-Naptha	4.7	$5 (3 bars)	View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall

OxiClean

Versatile Stain Remover Powder

4.7 (87,654 reviews)

Billy Mays was right—this stuff works. OxiClean's oxygen-based formula lifts stains without bleach. Soak anything, from kid clothes to carpet, and watch stains disappear.

Form

Powder

Type

Oxygen-based

Uses

Laundry, Carpet, Upholstery

Color Safe

Yes

Pros

✓ Works on almost everything
✓ Chlorine-free
✓ Color safe

Cons

✗ Doesn't work on some oil stains
✗ Requires pre-soaking for tough stains
✗ Powder can clump

$13 (5 lb)

View on Amazon

Best Value

Shout

Advanced Stain Remover Spray

4.6 (56,789 reviews)

The go-to spray stain remover. Shout it out, wait a few minutes, wash. Good enough for most stains, convenient enough to actually use.

Form

Spray

Type

Enzyme-based

Wait Time

1-5 minutes

Color Safe

Test first

Pros

✓ Convenient spray
✓ Works on set-in stains
✓ No pre-soaking required

Cons

✗ Can bleach some fabrics
✗ Strong smell
✗ Need to let sit

$6 (22 oz)

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Premium Pick

Zout

Triple Enzyme Formula

4.5 (23,456 reviews)

The enzyme specialist. Zout's triple enzyme formula eats protein stains for breakfast—blood, sweat, baby formula, grass. If it came from a living thing, Zout handles it.

Form

Spray

Type

Enzyme-based

Enzymes

Protease, Amylase, Lipase

Best For

Protein stains

Pros

✓ Triple enzyme formula
✓ Protein stain specialist
✓ Works on blood, sweat, baby formula

Cons

✗ Not for all stain types
✗ Takes time to work
✗ Limited availability

$8 (22 oz)

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Carbona

Stain Devils Complete Set

4.4 (15,678 reviews)

For stain obsessives. Each Stain Devil is formulated for specific stain types—ink, rust, coffee, grease, blood. Overkill for most, essential for perfectionists.

Form

Liquid

Type

Specialized

Formulas

9 different

Coverage

All stain types

Pros

✓ Specialized formulas
✓ Target specific stains
✓ Very effective

Cons

✗ Need multiple bottles
✗ Expensive overall
✗ Overkill for most people

$18 (9 pack)

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Budget Pick

Fels-Naptha

Heavy Duty Laundry Bar Soap

4.7 (34,567 reviews)

Your great-grandmother's stain remover still works. Wet the bar, rub on stain, scrub, wash. Destroys grease and oil stains. Also great for poison ivy.

Form

Bar

Type

Soap-based

Uses

Pre-treat, Poison ivy, Homemade detergent

Since

1893

Pros

✓ Old-school effectiveness
✓ Great on grease and oil
✓ Incredibly cheap

Cons

✗ Requires scrubbing
✗ Strong smell
✗ Not convenient

$5 (3 bars)

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Buying Guide: How to Choose Stain Removers

Stain Removal 101

The Golden Rules
1. Treat stains ASAP (fresh = easier)
2. Blot, don't rub (rubbing spreads stains)
3. Test in hidden area first
4. Cold water for protein stains (blood, sweat)
5. Hot water for grease/oil stains

### Match Remover to Stain Type

Oxygen-based (OxiClean):
Wine, coffee, tea
- Food stains
- General purpose
- Safe soaking

Enzyme-based (Zout, Shout):
- Blood, sweat
- Grass stains
- Baby formula
- Protein-based stains

Solvent-based:
- Grease, oil
- Ink, marker
- Makeup
- Tar, adhesive

### Common Stain Solutions

Red wine: Blot, salt, cold water, OxiClean soak
Blood: Cold water immediately, enzyme treatment
Grease: Dish soap or Fels-Naptha, hot wash
Ink: Rubbing alcohol, blot repeatedly
Grass: Enzyme pre-treat, cold wash
Sweat yellowing: OxiClean soak overnight

### When to Give Up
Some stains are permanent after setting:
- Bleach (fabric damage, not a stain)
- Dye transfer from other clothes
- Rust (once oxidized)
- Old set-in oil stains

Frequently Asked Questions About Stain Removers

Why didn't the stain come out?

Either wrong treatment for stain type, not enough time, or the stain already set. Try a different product, soak longer, or repeat treatment. Heat-setting is permanent.

Can I mix stain removers?

Generally safe, but pointless—they're formulated to work alone. Never mix with bleach. If one product didn't work, rinse before trying another.

Does putting something in the dryer set stains?

Yes! Heat sets many stains permanently. Always check that stains are fully removed before drying. If still visible, retreat and rewash.

Why Trust Our Recommendations?

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