This game-changing stain pen makes marks on my clothes disappear instantly – and cleaning pros agree it's a must-have

Whenever I go out for coffee or for a meal, I often find myself spilling a drop here and a splash there. That’s why I always take my trusty stain pen with me.

Cleaning experts agree that the Tide stain remover pens, available from Amazon, are an incredible way to quickly remove stains. They’ve shared their top tips for using them out and at home, which stains they’re most effective on, and how to get the most effective results.

One of the golden rules of stain removal is treating the affected area quickly. These nifty pens allow you to do just that and it's exactly why I always carry one with me in my purse when I'm out and about.

Why I love these Tide stain removal pens

All prices correct at time of publication.

I first discovered the Tide stain removal pens after watching a TV show where they used them to treat stains when doing laundry at home. I immediately bought them and now I’ve had them in my home and in my go-to handbag for five years. This is because the pens are cheap, lightweight, and super effective. I now call it one of my magic cleaning habits I cannot live without.

Rhonda Wilson, cleaning expert at FreshSpace Cleaning, does the same thing. She explains, ‘I always have a Tide pen in my bag. I carry one everywhere – work, the car, you name it – because coffee stains always happen at the worst times. Sometimes, it doesn’t completely remove the stain, but at least it keeps things under control until I can properly wash my clothes at home.’

I use mine when out, at home, and I’m always recommending them to friends and family as one of my top laundry tips. Treating stains pre-wash always ensures they come out.

Aside from the convenience, Rhonda also loves the fact that it works on most fabrics without discoloration. She adds, ‘For best results, use it on fresh stains and always blot the spot to prevent it from going further.’

I demonstrated the power of the pens on a white cotton t-shirt, pictured below. In the past, I have used the pens to clean this material, as well as wool and polyester. I used it to get rid of coffee stains, which are notoriously tough to get out. This pen took a few dabs, but it usually works quicker on food, grass and other common summer stains.

While you can slightly see the stain after initial treatment with the Tide pen, it’s definitely passable in public. And, rest assured that this will come right out in the washing machine as you will have tackled the stain whilst it was fresh, a key stain removal tip.

If you do have any items that can’t be put in the washing machine, such as rugs or down, it’s also a super way to get small stains out of them.

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How to use Tide pens for stains

• Step 1: As soon as you spot a stain, act quickly, as these pens work best with immediate action. James Joun, laundry expert and co-founder of Rinse, says, ‘The sooner you treat the stain, the less likely it is to set into the fabric, making it much easier to clean later.’
• Step 2: Once you’ve identified the mark, start by blotting the stain gently with a clean cloth (the Homexcel microfiber cloths from Amazon are always among my cleaning supplies) or napkin to absorb any excess liquid. James continues, ‘Avoid rubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the fabric and spread it.’
• Step 3: From here, use the pen to treat the stained area. ‘Work it in a circular motion, ensuring the cleaning solution is even applied,’ James suggests.
• Step 4: If you’re using the pen out and about, make sure to follow up with further treatment at home. ‘Stain pens are excellent for quick fixes, but they’re not a complete solution. When you’re back home, wash the garment thoroughly to remove any residual stain and cleaning solution,’ James says. To ensure the fabric stays clean and fresh, use a quality detergent such as the Tide liquid laundry detergent from Amazon, which has over 50,000 five-star reviews from shoppers.

What to watch out for

If you are putting your Tide pen to work on a stain, it’s worth testing it before applying it to brightly colored or delicate fabric. James says, ‘While most stain pens are designed to be fabric-safe, it’s a good idea to test the pen on a small, hidden area of your garment, as this will help avoid accidental discoloration.’

While I love mine and swear by it for small stains, it isn’t as effective on larger or set-in stains. ‘For tougher stains, consider spraying the garment with a product like the Shout stain remover spray (available on Amazon) before laundering,’ James suggests.

It’s also worth noting that stain pens have limited effectiveness on oil-based stains, as they contain water-based solutions – and water and oil don’t go together well.

Looking to just tackle whites? Rhonda Wilson recommends the Clorox bleach pen gel from Walmart. ‘The gel consistency means no dripping or accidental splashes, so you’re only bleaching what you actually want to clean,’ she explains. ‘To get your money’s worth, you can also use them to clean tiles and grout.’

Stain removal essentials

The Tide stain removal pen has to be one of my favorite laundry hacks – I can’t imagine leaving the house without it and my clothes are now (mostly!) neat and tidy.

If you do have any garments that are beyond saving – even with cleaning and mending – you can also find out how to reuse old clothes in the garden.