How to Choose the Best Cleaner for Tough Household Stains

How to Choose the Best Cleaner for Tough Household Stains

Choosing the best household cleaner for tough stains comes down to three moves: identify the stain and surface, match the right chemistry, and apply it in the correct format with enough dwell time. In Cleaning Supply Review lab-and-field testing, we consistently see big gains when people focus less on brand hype and more on stain type and surface safety. Protein and food stains respond to enzymes, oils bow to surfactants and degreasers, while inks and dyes need targeted solvents. Start cool, test on a hidden spot, and let the cleaner work before you agitate or rinse. The picks and protocols below reflect our testing standards and practical steps you can repeat at home, anchored to independent guidance from Consumer Reports, Wirecutter, and the Cleaning Institute. Our scoring prioritizes surface safety, clear labeling, and repeatable results.