7 Best Stain Removers of 2023, Tested by Cleaning Experts

We updated this article in December 2022 to remove The Laundress Stain Solution, which was recently included in a list of recalled products by the company. Visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's website for more information on this recall and a full list of affected products.

Dealing with stains on clothes can be frustrating, especially tough ones. While light stains can usually be taken care of in a regular washing machine cycle with laundry detergent alone, stubborn stains require a little extra stain-fighting power (and, sometimes, elbow grease). Fortunately, there are many stain remover products on the market that promise to tackle set-in clothing stains, carpet stains, upholstery stains and more. But with so many options, how do you know which ones really work?

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 alone, we tested 33 stain removers 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.

Our top picks:

Expert tip: Before trying any of these stain removers at home, be sure to check the product's label as well as your garment's to make sure it won't do any damage. Always test the product in a hidden spot before applying it to the stain. Blot only. Never rub stain-removing products into a stain, and use applicator brushes with care.

Read our reviews below, and find more information on how we test laundry products and answers to your most frequently asked questions at the bottom of this guide. Get ready to say goodbye to stubborn stains once and for all!