Consumer Reports Tested the Best Laundry Stain Removers and Detergents: Here Are the Best Ones

Laundry is a dirty job, but these stain removers will make it easier!

November 08, 2022

By: Amanda Mushro

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The Best Laundry Detergents and Cleansers for Every Family

If laundry feels like a never ending task in your home, we’re right there with you. However, if you take a quick stroll down the laundry cleaner aisle at your grocery store, you’ll see dozens of different types of detergent and stain removers that claim to be the best. But which brands really work on the stains you see in your laundry basket each week?

Consumer reports put the liquids, powders, and sprays to the test against swatches that were saturated with blood, body oil, chocolate, coffee, dirt, grass, and salad dressing to find the clear winners in the laundry department. They also took into consideration price, perfumes and dyes, and who the different brands will work best for on laundry day. Here are the holy grail detergents and stain remover winners.

OxiClean MaxForce Laundry Stain Remover Spray

This one does the trick on tough stains. During their testing, Consumer Reports ranked this as the best stain remover! Pro tip: let this one sit overnight on super tough stains.

BUY IT: Walmart, $4.42

Persil ProClean Stain Fighter Liquid Laundry Detergent

This is the detergent Consumer Reports said is the best on tough stains. However, it was one of the priciest. It tackled all tough stains well and got clothes super clean.

BUY IT: Amazon, $34.97

Shout Triple-Acting

Inexpensive and fast acting, this one works in as little as five minutes. Shout is great against grease and dirt but doesn’t work as well against food stains.

BUY IT: Walmart, $3.48

Tide Plus Ultra Stain Release

If you’ve got hard water, this is the detergent you need. Consumer Reports says "Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium that can leave residue on your clothes and mineral deposits inside your washing machine. So you’ll want to go with a high-performing detergent that minimizes hard water minerals and efficiently dissolves residue."

BUY IT: Amazon, $20.69

OxiClean Laundry Stain Remover Spray

This one is great for everyday stains. However, it’s not as powerful on set-in stains. Again, this spray works best if you leave it overnight to soak.

BUY IT: Amazon, $3.24

Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean Free & Clear

If you are washing baby clothes, this is the detergent that rated the highest with Consumer Reports. It earned great scores and it is designed for sensitive skin.

BUY IT: Costco, $20.49

Spray 'n Wash Pre-Treat Laundry Stain Remover

This one worked well against grass and blood stains, so if your kids get their clothes dirty a lot, this is a great option. However, testers said that when it comes to coffee, Spray n’ Wash didn’t quite do the trick.

BUY IT: Walmart, $2.98

Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean Liquid

Another winner for Costco and their Kirkland brand. This time, they won the award for best bargain detergent.

BUY IT: Costco, $20.59

Spray 'n Wash Max Spray

Again, another great option for grass stains (especially if soaked overnight), but not the best option for grease and food stains.

BUY IT: Walmart, $4.22

Tide Power-Pods Heavy Duty 10X

If you are a fan of using laundry pods, these were the winners. This pack had excellent ratings against all sorts of stains. However, pods can be costly and aren’t the most budget-friendly option.

BUY IT: Walmart, $35.00

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