It's Official—This Is The Best Laundry Stain Remover, According To Consumer Reports

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A giant stain on your favorite shirt isn't just annoying; it can also be costly if you aren't able to remove it. Even if you've purchased a commercial stain remover, it might not be the one you need for the job. Different stain types (like blood or oil, for example) often respond to different kinds of stain removers, making it hard to find one product that can deal with them all. This is why we were pleased to discover that Consumer Reports, a trusted consumer-driven reviews website, recently conducted a test on laundry stain removers, using six popular products on a variety of common stains, including blood, dirt, coffee, grass, body oil, and more. The winner: OxiClean Max Force Stain Remover Spray.

The OxiClean Max Force Remover Spray includes five types of stain-fighting ingredients, making it capable of removing many of the toughest laundry stains, from oil-based splotches and food spills to grass stains. It can also work as a commercial stain remover for your well-loved pillows. However, like most products, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution, but Consumer Reports also dives into how to determine whether this is the right product for you.

Real-life customer reviews are a great way to determine whether a product will live up to the hype, and OxiClean Max Force's ratings don't disappoint. More than 5,000 consumers have reviewed the three-pack of this spray on Amazon, giving it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars, and on the OxiClean website, users have rated the product a 4.5 out of 5. Many reviews say the stain remover works "like magic", removing most stains. It's also easy to use: Simply spray the stain, let it sit for at least five minutes (and up to a week), then wash with your regular detergent in the warmest water safe for the garment.

Like many stain removers, this product should not be used on wool, silk, leather, or any garment that's marked "dry clean only." Also, while it's safe for both white and colored fabric, use it cautiously on any garments that are prone to color change. 

While many users report a neutral scent, a handful of reviewers note a strong smell that lingers on clothing even after washing. If you're dealing with the toughest of laundry stains and need to remove them, this product is certainly worth a try. To prevent making a laundry mistake that makes stains worse, follow the instructions and avoid using this stain remover spray on incompatible fabrics.