Cream Cleaner with Bleach (Product ref: C2380)Specialist Cream Cleaner with Bleach [Formerly Premium Edition Cream Cleaner with Bleach] (Product ref: C8820)Multi-Purpose Cleaner with Bleach (Product ref: C1945)Specialist Extra Strength Multi-Purpose with Bleach [Formerly Premium Edition Multi-Purpose with Bleach] (Product ref: C6780)Mould & Mildew Blaster (Product ref: C9955)Specialist Extra Strength Mold & Mildew Stain Blaster [Formerly Premium Edition Mold & Mildew Stain Blaster] (Product ref: C1120) All of this comes at a fair price, too. "The bottle isn't huge," notes our tester. "But, you still get enough to work on really large or tough stains. The bristle applicator is a major bonus as the friction really seemed to help lift some of the tougher stains, like makeup." Fresh stains are cleaned within five minutes of application, while dried stains are left until touch dry. Each stain is assessed on the following factors:

If you're currently managing your laundry without a stain remover in the mix, please first accept our humble congratulations. Second, allow us to make a few suggestions in case the day finally arrives when you'll need to add one to your routine. Laundry stain removers use enzymes or oxidation to break down and remove tough stains on clothing, and they offer a more targeted approach to spot removal than traditional detergent. As Kathy Cohoon, franchise owner at Two Maids & A Mop, says, "Stain removers are going where they should," unlike general detergents that wash an entire article of clothing. Our Astonish Antibacterial Hand Washes are all cosmetic products, but have demonstrated hygiene benefits against common bacteria. Following World Health Organisation guidance on the best process, the use of these products for routine hand washing for 40-60 seconds with water is recommended for good hygiene practice. Texture of carpet We compare the cleaned zones to an unstained piece of carpet to see if there has been an effect on the carpet's texture. We examine them directly after cleaning and then after the zones have dried. It did, however, work on the curry stains, proving slightly more effective with vinegar. The downside to using vinegar is the smell, so you'll need to clean the scent out afterwards. How we test carpet stain removers While this is a higher-priced option than others we tested, we appreciate that the formula includes ingredients certified by the EPA Safer Choice Program, and that it's versatile enough for carpets, upholstery, and even car seats. If you're looking for a stain remover that's effective on clothing and useful around the home, and boasts environmentally friendly ingredients, Defunkify is a more than solid choice.The makeup stain proved to be tough for even some of our most highly performing stain removers, but this Shout formula was up to the task, earning a sky-high score. Just a faint hint of the stain remained after we tried it, a far more promising performance than most of the other products tested. We noted that the directions tell you not to let this foam dry on stains. If you're someone who easily gets distracted and can see yourself getting interrupted while doing chores, or if you like to take your time with laundry steps, this product might not work with your usual process. Otherwise, it's a high performing, budget-friendly, easy-to-use choice that proved to be effective during our testing process.

For carpets, just spray onto the affected area then leave to dry before vacuuming. Repeat as necessary.Add the powder using a teaspoon (tsp) and the dosage guidance below to boost stain removal. Suitable for use in washing machines, for hand washing and soaking or for use as a pre-treatment prior to washing. Dose as recommended in the table below using warm to hot water (40-60°C). Ensure the powder is fully dissolved and soak for 30-60 minutes. Wash as normal, rinse and dry. For extra tough stains or strong malodours soak overnight.

Pre-Treat
We also tried two more garments containing the same sets of stains, which had been previously made and allowed to set in. We then treated each stain the same way, comparing and contrasting the remover's effectiveness on set-in versus fresh stains. For textiles, simply apply the stain remover to the affected area then leave it to work for 10-15 minutes before rinsing or washing the item in the washing machine. Apply the carpet stain remover to the stain and not your sponge or cloth, especially for old stains. Then use your cleaning tool (I found a sponge to be the most effective) to work the stain remover deep into the fibres of the carpet.