There’s no better meet cute than the classic knock-into-each-other-drink-spill. The trope has been deployed relentlessly across cinema, with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts executing the scenario perfectly in Notting Hill.
But when the lights go out and the cameras stop filming, what’s left? A large, conspicuous stain that’s successfully ruined an outfit.
Be it coffee, wine or an overpriced green juice, we’re all guilty of tossing a beverage down ourselves by accident. If this happens when at home then the solution is easy. Grab a bottle of trusty stain remover, spray it on and bung the soiled item of clothing into the washing machine pronto. Yet sometimes a remnant of a mark remains. This isn’t necessarily down to your anti-staining skills, but more a reflection of the stain remover you’re using. Clearly, you need to call in the big guns.
What’s even more infuriating is when we encounter a stain that wasn’t our doing. We might not have experienced anything as dramatic as a slushy in the face like in Glee, or a coffee tsunami on the first day of school à la Mean Girls, but spills and spoils are a highly embarrassing matter. If you have a stellar stain remover to hand though, then your favourite cashmere jumper that your friend recently redesigned with red wine need not be a big deal. So, we can keep the friend and the jumper - result.
Vanish is the first port of call when perusing anti-stain products. The flash of hot pink is recognisable in any supermarket, making it a quick and easy purchase. Dr. Beckmann is another beloved brand that can be kept on hand at all times in case of emergency. The same goes for Fairy, Ecover and Astonish. There’s plenty to pick from.
What are the different types of stain remover?
There are two types of stain remover - pre-wash applications and those that go into the washing machine with your laundry.
Pre-wash options are directly applied onto the garment via spray, brush or hand. They work best for smaller marks that may not require a full-blown machine wash and just a few gentle dabs instead.
Washing machine options are a bit more hard-core. Scoop some anti-stain powder or liquid into the machine and leave it to work its magic. This is best for busy parents on the run who don’t have time to hand-dab their garments and also more effective for tackling large or multiple areas of marking.
Other elements to consider
One must be careful when using stain removers on delicates. In order to ensure your garment won’t be ruined, we would recommend purchasing specially designed products to combat stained wool, silk or cashmere.
For those who have sensitive skin, there are non-bio options to keep an eye out for. These don’t contain enzymes and are less likely to feature irritating fragrances or colours.
Keep your wardrobe looking fresh and discover the best stain removers for clothing below.
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Best stain removers at a glance:
- Best for colour garments: Vanish Oxi Action Multi Stain Spray, £7.99, Amazon
- Best for overall performance: Dr. Beckmann Stain Devils Pre-Wash, £2.90, Waitrose
- Best for eco-friendly washing: Ecover Stain Remover, £2.40, Ocado
- Best for those who favour liquid options: Fairy Non Bio Platinum Stain Removal Washing Liquid, £12:50, Sainsbury's
- Best for delicates: Astonish Stain Remover Target Spray, £6, Amazon
- Best for focused spots: Vanish Fabric Stain Remover Pre-Treat Bar, £4, Amazon
- Best for portability: Tide to Go Stain Pens 3 Count, £11.70, Amazon
- Best for those who favour powder options: Fairy Non Bio Sensitive Skin Stain Remover Powder, £16.99, Amazon
- Best for price: The Pink Stuff Stain Remover, £1.50, Amazon
Vanish Oxi Action Multi Stain Spray
Best for: colour garments
Vanish Oxi Action will rid your garment of stains in a jiffy. Simply squirt the product onto any coloured item of clothing and let it work its magic.
Buy now £7.99, Amazon
Dr. Beckmann Stain Devils Pre-Wash
Best for: overall performance
The five-star reviews continue to pour in for Dr. Beckmann’s Stain Devils Pre-Wash. The product removes deep-fibre stains and has over a hundred uses per bottle. A blend of cleaning agents, stain-dissolving activators and bio-alcohol promises to lift even the most stubborn of stains.
Buy now £2.90, Waitrose
Ecover Stain Remover
Best for: eco-friendly washing
Eco-warriors look to Ecover for all your stain-induced woes. The brand’s stain remover is a cruelty-free pick that brushes away stains with ease.
Buy now £2.40, Ocado
Fairy Non Bio Platinum Stain Removal Washing Liquid
Best for: those who favour liquid options
Prefer a liquid to a powder? Fairy’s Non Bio Platinum Stain Removal Washing Liquid is the product for you. Fairy’s Non Bio rendition is more powerful on stains (vs. Fairy Non Bio Liquid) and still super soft on sensitive skin.
Buy now £12.50, Sainsburys
Astonish Stain Remover Target Spray
Best for: delicates
Treat your delicates with the utmost care while busting stains thanks to Astonish. The brand’s stain remover is gentle on fabrics, from underwear to loungewear and everything in between.
Buy now £6.00, Amazon
Vanish Fabric Stain Remover Pre-Treat Bar
Best for: focused spots
Target tricky stains in antisocial places with a Vanish stain remover bar. Powerful enzymes remove everyday stains that laundry detergents struggle to lift. Apply directly to the marked area and wash as usual with your regular detergent.
Buy now £4.00, Amazon
Tide to Go Stain Pens 3 Count
Best for: portability
You’ll never have to fret with Tide by your side. These magical pens work wonders on fresh stains. Simply pop one in your handbag and carry it with you at all times.
Buy now £11.70, Amazon
Fairy Non Bio Sensitive Skin Stain Remover Powder
Best for: those who favour powder options
Opt for a powder alternative with the Fairy Non Bio Sensitive Skin Stain Remover Powder. Pop a scoop in with your next load and a bundle of fresh, stainless garments will emerge. Ideal for mucky pups with sensitive skin.
Buy now £16.99, Amazon
The Pink Stuff Stain Remover
Best for: price
Cop a bargain and add this inexpensive stain remover to your online shopping basket. Featuring a sweet citrus scent in a bold pink bottle, The Pink Stuff will blitz light stains with a spritz.
Buy now £1.50, Amazon
