In the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, we’ve spent hundreds of hours researching and testing over 200 stain remover products and laundry detergents to help you keep your laundry looking its best — even whites! In our most recent full-category test of stain removers, we tested 37 products to review the effectiveness, ease of use and overall value of each product. From grass stains to wine spills, we've put each product to the test to let you know which ones came out on top.

It is not advisable to pre-treat rust stains, don’t leave the product for long enough that it dries, and be sure not to expose it to sunlight. This stain remover is not only very affordable, but it is also our only option on the list that is suitable for all fabrics, including silk, wool, and even cashmere. It is possible to accidentally mix your clothes up while doing your laundry, and in the midst of it you end up destroying them. Technically, you can’t completely fix bleach stains. What you can do, however, is to restore the colour that was discoloured. You can use rubbing alcohol, gin, or vodka. Moisten a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol, gin, or vodka, then dampen the bleached area using the moistened cotton. When done, start an outward to inward rubbing. The cloth has to be moist throughout the process to make way for the transfer of colour. Continue rubbing until the bleached spot, and the unbleached place of your clothes are blended together.

Make sure your fabrics are spotless again with our pick of the best stain removers

Just remember to test a small area on the garment with the stain remover to ensure the dye in the fabric or the fabric itself isn’t effective. Rubbing alcohol is another great solution for removing latex paint stains. First, wet the stain with some warm water so that the stained spot is damp. Then soak a cotton ball or a toothbrush (that you’re finished using, of course) in rubbing alcohol and scrub it on the stain. Rinse it with warm water and repeat the process as needed. Some products on this list are designed to be more friendly to the environment. If you are someone who is actively trying to lower your environmental footprint, then Ecover’s stain remover is likely the best option for you. Repeat if needed – If the stain is really well established, you may need to repeat these steps several times to remove it. If this is the case, you may want to consider a trip to the dry cleaners, who can help get rid of most stains from most clothes.

If you don’t have oxygen bleach, try soaking your soiled garments in water with a cup of baking soda overnight before putting them in the washing machine. Getting a Stain Out of Clothes Oil-based stains: Baking soda is a versatile miracle worker, including when it comes to oil-based stains. Mix it with a bit of water to form a paste, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for a while. Then wash with a detergent that contains enzymes and watch that stain disappear. Best detergents for stains The best way to narrow down the best option for you would be to consider a handful of key things. Are you environmentally conscious? This, however, won’t work for a felt pen ink stain. For a felt pen ink stain, you will need rubbing alcohol. Put the item of clothing on a bit of paper or a towel to prevent getting rubbing alcohol all over the place. Keep moving the paper towel around so that a clean piece is touching it. Keep on doing this until no more ink is going onto the paper towel. Keep on blotting away until no more ink is appearing on the rubbing alcohol-covered cloth. The only non-bio stain remover on this list is Napisan Non-Biological Stain Remover, which is specifically designed with the sensitive skin of babies in mind.

Conclusion

In some instances, your clothes may be damaged, but I believe it is worth a try to use some home remedies to turn the situation around. Here are some stains, and how you can fix them. Best stain remover for wool and delicates: Astonish Premium Edition Stain Removal Bar Things to consider Delicates If you're tired of stubborn stains ruining your favorite clothes, it's time to switch up your detergent game. However, not all detergents are made equal in the realm of stain removal. So, what's the key to finding the right one? Here are some tips: opt for a detergent that boasts enzymes, like protease, amylase, and lipase. These nifty elements can effectively break down protein, starch, and fat-based stains. But that's not all – you'll also want to look for a detergent with surfactants, which can help loosen up the stain from the fabric and allow the detergent to do its job even better. Remember, with the right detergent in tow, stains have no chance against your wardrobe! Pre-treating stains If your skin tends to react to products containing bleach and other harsh chemicals, then it is advisable that you try out a non-bio laundry detergent and a non-bio stain remover as well. Vanish is a household name in the UK, and for good reason. Time and time again, the brand’s products have been proven to eliminate stains with minimum fuss and effort. Indeed, Vanish claims to see an improvement in stains within 30 seconds – although, in reality, you’re better off being a little more patient.

Method 1: Blot and soak. Remove any excess ink from the area with a paper towel or cloth, careful not to rub the ink further into the fabric in the process. Next, place a paper towel/cloth underneath the stain and blot with water on another cloth to help loosen the ink. Reverse the item and try the same process on the other side. Then, add a small amount of laundry liquid to the area and leave it to sit for a few minutes. Next, rinse under the warmest temperature allowed on the garment instructions. Repeat as needed.You could also apply lemon juice and salt. Start by sprinkling the stain with the salt, then fully cover it with lemon juice. Allow the rust remover to sit for about ten minutes, then rinse.

Say goodbye to stubborn stains with this simple pre-treating method. Before tossing your clothes into the wash, give those pesky stains a little extra attention. A touch of detergent or a powerful stain remover can work wonders on tough marks. Need something even stronger? Mix up a solution of baking soda and water and watch those stains disappear! Using a gentle brush, work the solution into the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse with water and voila! Your clothes are ready for a fresh and clean start. Common stains and how to remove them

Best Stain Removers for Clothes in the UK

There is a chance that really deep stains in clothes may not come out at all. If the stain has dyed the fabric, it is nearly impossible to lift it and remove it. Removing Stains From Synthetic – Synthetic fabric is easy to work. Any standard laundry detergent can fight the stains.