Kids coming home from footy practice. Oil splatters during cooking. A guest knocking over their glass of wine at the table.
Spills and stains on clothes happen – which is why you need an effective way to get rid of them.
A good laundry stain remover can tackle all sorts of messes, whether that’s sweat on your gym gear or wine on the couch. Some products should be applied directly before washing, while others can treat dirt on the go.
No more crying over spilled milk – check out this round-up of the best stain removers in Australia that will save the day!
Best Overall Soaker | Best Targeted Spray | Best Eco-Friendly | Best Budget | Best for Set-In Stains | Best for White Clothes | Best for Baby Clothes | Best Instant | Best On-the-Go | Best Stick | Best for Blood | Best for Sweat | Best for Wine | Best for Grease/Oil | Best for Grass/Mud | Best Homemade
Factors When Choosing a Stain Remover
Whether you’re looking for stain remover sprays or a spot-cleaner, there are certain factors to consider:
- Type of stain
- Type of fabric
- Product formula or features
Then it’s all about choosing the best stain remover that fits your needs and budget.
Big brands and high price points don’t always mean the best product!
Types of laundry stains
Different stains require different treatments!
You’ll need to identify what caused the stain and what kind of substance it is.
- Protein-based: Blood, collar grime, sweat, other bodily fluids
- Protein-based food: Dairy, eggs, baby food
- Tannins: Coffee, tea, wine, fruit juice
- Oils: Cooking oils, grease, cosmetics
- Dyes: Inks, dyes, markers
Knowing what caused the stain will let you choose the appropriate stain remover!
For example, protein-based stains (like food or bodily fluids) should be treated with enzymatic products. The enzymes will break down the proteins without “setting” them.
Types of fabric
The fabric or material of the stained item also plays a role in choosing the correct stain remover.
Delicate fabrics – like silk and wool – need a gentle formula that won’t damage the fibres or cause excessive wear.
On the other hand, durable fabrics like cotton and denim can handle stronger formulas.
Formulas or features
Look for stain removers that match your specific cleaning needs – such as products made for specific types of stains or products with different applications.
- Antibacterial or disinfectant: Best for bodily fluids like blood or excrement
- Eco-friendly: Biodegradable, plant-based, and/or vegan ingredients (or even packaging)
- Sensitive or allergy-friendly: Hypoallergenic formulas with no synthetic dyes or fragrances
- Whitening or brightening: Ingredients made to brighten or whiten light-coloured fabrics
Consider application methods, too! Some products must be used as a pre-wash treatment (meaning they are laundered immediately afterwards).
Other products can be applied directly onto garments without needing to wash or rinse right after.
Soakers vs. Targeted Stain Removers
You’ve probably heard of laundry soakers, which are products that help make washing more efficient. Many laundry soakers are combination products for pre-soaking and stain removal.
A soaker-type stain remover is mixed with water to treat several laundry items at once (or entire loads). They can come in powder or liquid form, and are added to a tub or washer before the wash cycle.
Soaker-type products also help loosen dirt, brighten colours, and remove odours. Moreover, pre-soaking laundry makes washing more efficient and lessens the risk of stains transferring to other items.
On the other hand, a targeted stain remover is applied directly to the stained area to remove stains – sometimes up to a week before washing. You’ll get them in different formulas, such as sprays, gels, or sticks.
The primary goal of a targeted stain remover is to break down the stain’s components (such as oils or tannins) to remove it from the fabric.
| SOAKER-TYPE STAIN REMOVER | TARGETED STAIN REMOVER |
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Besides stain removers, some laundry detergents also have stain-removing formulas!
Our Top Picks for Laundry Stain Removers in Australia
No matter what your laundry needs, there’s a laundry stain remover to do the job.
These are some of the favourites from our professional home cleaners.
Best Overall Soaker and Stain Remover: Sard Super Power Stain Remover
Sard Super Power Stain Remover is the go-to choice for those wanting a reliable, all-purpose pre-wash stain remover and laundry soaker. It has proven itself time and again in households across Australia.
This powerhouse is formulated to tackle all sorts of challenging stains, from the stubbornness of ink to spilled coffee – ensuring your clothes come out clean in every wash.
Sard Super Power works wonders on everyday garments while being gentle on more delicate fabrics.
Best Overall Targeted Stain Remover: Shout Advanced Stain Remover Gel
Shout’s concentrated gel can tackle both stubborn, days-old stains and everyday messes with ease.
The quick trigger lets you apply the Shout Advanced Stain Remover Gel directly onto the affected area. Dab it into the stain so it fully penetrates the fabric, then wait at least 5 minutes (or for heavy stains, overnight) before washing.
The product works on whites as well as colourfast garments, and all water temperatures of your washing machine. Despite its tough formula, though, it’s still gentle on fabric!
Best Eco-Friendly Stain Remover: Koala Eco Laundry Stain Spray
Koala Eco leads the way with eco-friendly cleaning products, including their (award-winning!) Laundry Stain Spray.
The formula has hydrogen peroxide as a key ingredient for tackling dirt. As one of the best stain remover sprays, it’s gentle on your clothes while still effectively tackling dirt and residue.
Koala Eco’s stain spray has no synthetic scents or harsh substances like chlorine. It’s safe for people, pets, and the planet!
Best Budget Laundry Soaker: Ecostore Ultra-Sensitive Laundry Soaker & Stain Remover
This laundry soaker and stain remover costs just $1.25 per 100g, but gives you dermatologically-tested cleaning power.
The Ecostore Ultra-Sensitive Laundry Soaker and Stain Remover is formulated with plant and mineral ingredients that are non-toxic and phosphate-free.
Ecostore’s laundry soaker works thanks to sodium carbonate peroxide, which acts like oxygen bleach without the harsh chemicals. It gently removes stains, including colour pigments, soil, and sweat.
The product is also approved by Sensitive Choice® for sensitive skin and allergies.
Best for Set-In Stains: Dawn Platinum Powerwash
What can’t Dawn Powerwash do around your home? This versatile product can tackle all sorts of messes, including that stubborn stain on your new pair of jeans.
Dawn’s tough formula is one of the best stain removers for set-in stains – even those that are days old! It works best on food-based gunk but can tackle most messes.
To use Dawn Powerwash as a stain remover, apply 1-2 sprays directly to the stained fabric. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes before washing with the same detergent you always use.
NOTE: Do not use Powerwash on delicate materials like silk. Do a spot test first to make sure you don’t damage the clothing.
Best for White Clothes: OxiClean White Revive Laundry Whitener & Stain Remover
OxiClean White Revive Laundry Whitener & Stain Remover is a game-changer for anyone struggling to keep their whites looking bright and new.
The product uses a chlorine-free formula that whitens and brightens without the risk of damage. This is more effective than traditional bleach, which can weaken fabrics over time.
It effectively lifts stains from white fabrics, restoring them to their original brilliance while preserving the integrity of the fibres.
You can use the product as a pre-wash laundry soaker or add it to a laundry load.
Best for Baby Clothes: Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Baby Stain Remover Spray
Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Baby Stain Remover Spray is a lifesaver for parents navigating the messy adventures of feeding time!
It has a gentle yet effective formula specifically made to tackle all the stains that come with babyhood, from pureed fruits to formula spills. It’s easily sprayed onto baby bibs, blankets, and garments.
And you can rest easy as a parent, since Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater has no harsh chemicals like chlorine, phosphates, or sulphates. The product also has no synthetic perfumes or dyes.
Best Instant Stain Remover: Shout Triple-Acting Laundry Stain Removal
Tackle everyday stains with Shout’s triple-threat formula that clings, penetrates, and lifts dirt.
This laundry stain remover spray is tough on dirt but gentle on fabric. It’ll work on a wide range of messes, from tomato sauce to grass smudges.
Thanks to the concentrated formula, you can apply Shout Triple-Acting stain remover and have it work instantly – then wait to wash the item up to a week later!
Best On-The-Go Stain Remover: A Little Red Bottle of Emergency Stain Rescue
Spills and messes can happen anywhere – so here’s a stain remover spray for when you’re on the go!
A Little Red Bottle of Emergency Stain Rescue is small enough to fit any bag. If you’re travelling, you can keep it in your carry-on as it meets airline guidelines.
It boasts a gentle, water-based formula free of parabens, dyes, and artificial scents. Still, it’s tough enough to tackle stains from food, drinks, and even blood.
Best Stain Remover Stick: OxiClean Max Force Gel Stick
This is an internet favourite, with people everywhere swearing by the OxiClean Max Force Gel Stick.
One key feature is the scrubbing top that helps remove even dried-on stains the first time. Then there’s the concentrated gel that contains “stain-grabbing nubs” to break apart dirt without damaging fabric.
OxiClean’s non-staining formula rinses right off after treatment. You can let it sit for 5 minutes for mild dirt, or up to a week for tougher stains.
Best Stain Removers By Type of Stain
If you’re looking to treat a specific type of stain – such as wine spills or oil splatter – these are our favourites to tackle the job.
Best for Blood Stains: Carbona Stain Devils #4
This product can tackle blood, but it’s effective on all sorts of protein-based stains – baby formula, ice cream, or even egg whites!
Carbona Stain Devils #4 is formulated specifically for blood and dairy, even dried blood on sheets! It works on fabric and fabric-based items, so long as they’re water-safe.
NOTE: Always treat protein-based stains like blood with cold water. Heat will cause the proteins to set into fibres even more.
Best for Sweat Stains: Vanish Preen Odour-Neutralising Fabric Stain Remover
Do you have kids that sweat buckets? Or perhaps you live in our hotter climates (we swear, summers are getting hotter each year).
Vanish Preen Odour-Neutralising Fabric Stain Remover is your answer!
The product removes sweat stains while also getting rid of odour-causing bacteria. No more sweat and funk – just a refreshing eucalyptus scent.
It’s safe to use on white and colourfast fabrics, and works at all laundry temperatures.
Best for Wine Stains: Chateau Spill Red Wine Stain Remover
It’s all in the name – Chateau Spill is formulated to tackle all sorts of wine stains, from reds, rosés, or whites. It can even clean up dried wine on the carpet!
Chateau Spill features a commercial-grade formula that’s biodegradable, pH neutral, and Safer Choice certified. The product contains no peroxides, chlorine, phosphates, sulphates, or parabens.
Simply spray Chateau Spill onto the stained area and blot (not rub!) the spot with a soft cloth.
Best for Grease and Oil Stains: Incredible! Stain Remover
The Incredible! Stain Remover lives up to its name – it’s an incredible solution for grease and oil stains on fabrics.
From cooking oil to machine grease to makeup, Incredible! Stain Remover tackles it all. The powerful product works with no rinsing, rubbing, or vacuuming.
While it’s tough on dirt, the water-based and biodegradable formula is safe for everyone, even pets! That means you can use it not just on clothes, but also on carpets and upholstery.
Best for Grass and Mud Stains: Sard Power Stain Remover
Got kids who play footy or rugby? Or maybe your enthusiastic pet loves tracking dirt indoors.
You’ll need a product that can tackle grass and mud stains – enter Sard Power Stain Remover.
Sard uses natural extracts to lift and remove grass, mud, and soil from clothes and other fabrics.
The eco-friendly formula is safe for colours and delicate fabrics, and even fights odour-causing bacteria.
How to Make a Homemade Stain Remover
Yes, you can use a homemade stain remover instead of a commercial product!
However, know that a home recipe might not be as effective, especially on tricky substances like dye.
Homemade targeted stain remover
The most effective homemade stain remover is hydrogen peroxide and dish soap.
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleaching agent, so it’s great for removing stains on light-coloured materials. It’s most effective against organic substances like blood, sweat, and wine.
Wear protective gear like rubber gloves and a face mask before cleaning. Make sure you work in a well-ventilated room.
Mix 2 parts hydrogen peroxide to 1 part dish soap (preferably an anti-grease formula). Apply with a spray bottle (don’t shake it!) or a soft sponge.
You can also add baking soda to make a stain-fighting paste.
For dark fabrics, a good alternative is white vinegar and dish soap – although always spot-test first!
NOTE: Do not use hydrogen peroxide or vinegar on delicate fabrics like silk.
Homemade laundry soaker and stain remover
You can also make a DIY laundry soaker that treats stains and brightens garments!
You’ll need these ingredients:
- 1 cup (or 250g) baking soda
- 2 cups (or 500g) sodium percarbonate
- 2 cups (or 500g) washing soda
Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl, mixing gently but thoroughly. Dissolve 2-4 tbsp in hot water to pre-soak your laundry.
This recipe also works for strip washing or laundry stripping, which is the process of soaking garments to “strip” built-up body oils, detergent residue, stains, and other dirt.
After soaking, run your laundry items through a regular wash cycle.
Store the remaining laundry soaker in an airtight container.
NOTE: Avoid using this on clothing with metal accessories, such as zippers.
Essential Laundry Tips
Use a good, effective laundry detergent for thorough cleaning with minimal residue. Choose one that’s appropriate for your clothing and household needs, especially if you have allergies or sensitive skin.
When tackling stains, you may want to use a specific stain removal method instead of a general soak.
If you can get to the stain ASAP, it’s better to treat the stain as-is instead of waiting to soak it alongside other items. Some common stains include blood stains, red wine stains, and coffee stains.
If you have a regular house cleaner, you can ask them to give your laundry a soak while they clean your home. Then you can pop the soaked items right into the washing machine when they’re done, easy-peasy!
