Laundry · Buying guide

Which stain remover should you buy? A UK guide by stain type

Bio detergent, oxygen powder, a Stain Devil or a colour run remover: match the type of product to the type of stain, then follow the pack.

Quick answer

!Test it on a hidden area first whatever you buy.
1Name the stain type
2Check the care label
3Pick the product type (table below)
4Use it as the pack says, then check before drying

Match your situation

Your situation	Try this
Protein and food: blood, sweat, egg, grass, baby food	Biological (bio) detergent. Its enzymes break down protein, starch and fat stains, even at low temperatures. [1][2][3]
Drinks and fruit: tea, coffee, red wine, juice	An oxygen bleach stain remover, such as Vanish Oxi Action powder or gel, or Dr. Beckmann Stain Devils Fruit & Drinks (which has an active-oxygen booster). [4][5][6]
Grease and sauces: oil, butter, chocolate, ketchup	A grease-targeted spot remover such as Dr. Beckmann Stain Devils Fat & Sauces. [7] Bio detergents also contain lipase enzymes that break down fats. [2]
Colour run (pink or grey load)	A colour run remover, for whites and colourfast items. See colour run fixes.
Carpets, rugs and sofas	A carpet and upholstery spray such as Vanish Oxi Action Carpet & Upholstery. [8] Not a Stain Devil: Dr. Beckmann says they are not suitable for carpets or upholstery. [6][7]
Silk, wool and other delicates	A product made for delicates. Vanish says its Oxi Action Multi Power Gel can be used on coloured silk and wool. [5] Persil Silk & Wool contains no bleach or enzymes. [9]
Sensitive skin or baby clothes	Non-bio detergent. It has no enzymes, so tough stains may need a slightly higher wash temperature. [1]
Leather and suede	Specialist products only. Dr. Beckmann recommends a professional cleaner who specialises in suede and leather. [3]

What you need

Shop links go to Amazon UK search results. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It never changes what a guide recommends.

Biological detergentEnzymes for protein, starch and fat stains. Dr. Beckmann recommends using it at 30–40 °C. [1][3]
Protein and food Find on Amazon: Biological detergent (Amazon UK search, opens in a new tab)
Oxygen stain-remover powderSuch as Vanish Oxi Action. Contains sodium percarbonate (active oxygen) and enzymes; chlorine-free. [4]
Drinks, everyday stains Find on Amazon: Oxygen stain-remover powder (Amazon UK search, opens in a new tab)
Oxygen stain-remover gelSuch as Vanish Oxi Action Multi Power Gel. Uses hydrogen peroxide; Vanish says it is suitable for coloured silk and wool. [5]
Drinks, delicates Find on Amazon: Oxygen stain-remover gel (Amazon UK search, opens in a new tab)
Targeted spot removersDr. Beckmann Stain Devils, one per stain family (Fat and Sauces, Fruit and Drinks, Pen and Ink, Cosmetics and Nature, and others). [15]
Specific stains Find on Amazon: Targeted spot removers (Amazon UK search, opens in a new tab)
Colour run removerFor a pink or grey load. Whites and colourfast items only. [14]
Colour runs Find on Amazon: Colour run remover (Amazon UK search, opens in a new tab)
Carpet and upholstery spraySuch as Vanish Oxi Action Carpet & Upholstery. [8]
Carpets and sofas Find on Amazon: Carpet and upholstery spray (Amazon UK search, opens in a new tab)

Step1

Name the stain type

Stains fall into families, and each needs a different kind of product. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension splits them into "dry" stains that don't dissolve in water (oil, butter, wax), "wet" stains that come out with water (soft drinks, tea), and combinations of the two. Wet stains are further split into tannin, protein and dye. [13]

Enzymes in bio products target protein, starch and fat. [2] Oxygen bleach lifts drinks and fruit stains. [6]

Step2

Check the care label

Bleach triangle: a plain triangle means any bleach is allowed; a triangle with two lines means oxygen bleach only, not chlorine. [11]
Dr. Beckmann notes that some fabrics are not suitable for stain removers containing enzymes, so check the label. [12]
Dry clean only? Don't treat it at home. Take it to a dry cleaner and say what the stain is. [13]

Step3

Pick the product type

Use the table above. A few things to know about common UK products:

Vanish Oxi Action powder: for everyday coloured fabrics such as cotton and polyester. Pre-treat with 10 g of powder mixed with an equal amount of water, leave for 5 minutes maximum, then add a scoop to the wash. [4]
Vanish Oxi Action Multi Power Gel: rub 2 ml into the stain, leave for 10 minutes maximum, then wash with a 50 ml dose alongside your detergent. [5]
Dr. Beckmann Stain Devils (liquids): put a white cloth under the stain, moisten it thoroughly, leave for 10 to 15 minutes, then dab with a damp cloth until the stain and solution have gone. Not for leather, suede, acetate or rayon, carpets or upholstery. [12]
Persil Silk & Wool: for hand washing, 30 ml per 10 litres of water. [9]

Step4

Use it as the pack says, then check before drying

Read and follow the directions on the pack of whatever you use. [13]
Treat the stain from the wrong side of the fabric, and dab rather than rub. [10]
Check the item while it's still wet. Heat sets stains, so don't dry or iron it until the stain has gone. [13]

What about bicarbonate of soda?

In our sources it turns up for odours and hard surfaces rather than as a fabric stain remover: Silentnight uses it to neutralise odours on a dry mattress, and University of Georgia Extension uses it on old tea and coffee marks on glass and enamel. See mattresses and mugs.

Good habits with any product

Treat stains as soon as possible. Fresh stains haven't set into the fabric yet. [10]
Be wary of hot water: heat can set a stain. [10]
Pre-test every new product on a hidden area. [3][10]

Sources

Answers a common question: which stain remover to use (example on X, Oct 2026). Product types and directions are from the makers' own pages. No rankings, no prices. Product links go to Amazon UK search results. Checked 22 Oct 2026.