Switching to non-toxic stain removers can be super intimidating. After all, you don’t want to risk ruining your beautiful clothing with something that doesn’t work! We get it – which is why we have researched, tested, and re-tested several non-toxic stain removers to bring you our top seven natural stain removers.
These brands and DIY options work effectively on multiple types of stains, are appropriate for various fabrics, are affordable, and contain safe ingredients. Ready to learn more? Let’s dive into the mysterious and fascinating world of natural and non-toxic stain removers.
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Author: In On Around Founder & CEO, Catherine Power.
- Published On:
- Updated On: November 4, 2025
Summary:
- Synthetic chemical stain removers may work, but they contain potent, persistent chemicals, including cancer-causing percs (dry cleaning chemicals), bleach, ammonia, formaldehyde, and toxic solvents
- Non-toxic stain removers can work just as well as synthetics, but good ones are hard to find!
- The best natural stain removers use gentle plant-derived surfactants, biodegradable peroxide, and/or natural enzymes to naturally lift, dissolve, and remove stains
- Best Brands = Attitude, Branch Basics Oxiboost, Miss Mouth’s
Table of Contents
Why Bother With Non-Toxic Stain Removers?
Laundry stain removers are often an afterthought in a journey to create a low-tox home.
After all, you only use a little…once in a while…so how bad can they be?
Although I’d always rather see people switch the big things first – like food, water, cleaning, and laundry products – stain removers do contain some pretty potent synthetic chemicals of concern, including:
- Chlorine bleach: An EPA-registered pesticide linked to microbiome disruption, reproductive toxicity and infertility, respiratory issues, and lowered immunity. (1, 2, 3, 4)
- Ammonia and ammonia derivatives: A respiratory toxin linked to organ damage, severe skin burns, obstructive airway disease, asthma, and chronic lung disease. (5)
- Perchloroethylene: Also known as “perc”, this dry cleaning chemical solvent has been linked to several types of cancer, organ damage, eye and lung damage, and neurological effects. (6)
- Butyl Cellosolve: This solvent is linked to skin, eye, and respiratory irritation and may be listed as “butyl glycol” or “2-butoxyethanol”. (7)
- Formaldehyde: This known carcinogen is frequently added to cleaning, laundry, and personal care products as a formaldehyde-releasing preservative. It’s rarely listed as formaldehyde (because who would buy it?!), so it’s tricky to spot. Names to watch out for include:
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- 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol
- DMDM hydantoin
- Diazolidinyl urea
- Methanal
- Quaternium-15
- Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate
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- Fragrance: These proprietary blends help mask the scent of other chemicals, but also contain potentially dozens of undisclosed chemicals, including endocrine-disruptive phthalates, allergens, obesogens, and asthmagens. (8, 9)
- Harsh surfactants: These chemicals reduce the surface tension of water and help lift and dissolve stains. Unfortunately, many, such as SLS, SLES, and alkylphenol ethoxylated (APE) surfactants and by-products, are linked to ill health and environmental effects. (10, 11, 12) Some synthetic surfactants even contain PFAS, aka: forever chemicals.
Sure, if you only use them on occasion and take precautions like wearing gloves and ventilating the room, it may not be a big deal.
However, if you have babies, little ones, or pets around, are chemically-sensitive, have a skin condition, or are just ready to take it to the next level, non-toxic stain removers are an easy (and effective switch.
Unfortunately, most of us have been led to believe nothing can possibly remove stains except harsh, proprietary chemical blends…which is totally untrue!
The truth is, people have effectively removed some pretty gnarly stains from clothing for centuries (when life was much dirtier, there was no indoor plumbing, and clothing was harder to come by) using only non-toxic methods.
So yeah, thanks to great-grandma’s wisdom, coupled with modern advances in natural stain-removal products, you’ve totally got this.
Related reading: How To Switch To Natural Non-Toxic Products: A Beginner’s Guide
7 Best Non-Toxic Stain Removers & DIY Options
These stain removers have all been tested and vetted by the In On Around team and passed with flying colors.
However, as with all stain removers, the same rules apply:
- Treat the stain as soon as possible
- Dab vs. rub to avoid pushing the stain deeper into clothing fibers
- Rinse and repeat until the stain is gone
Also, don’t be afraid to try a couple of different natural stain remover methods if the first one doesn’t work. As always, do a small test area on the piece of clothing to ensure it doesn’t stain!
However, in our experience, these stain removers work great on the first try.
This fragrance-free stain remover is one of our go-tos for all types of stains and fabrics.
Here’s why we love it:
- It’s 98% natural origin ingredients
- It works on grease, dirt, oil, food splatters, grass stains, coffee, chocolate, blowouts, and more
- Uses natural enzymes and gentle surfactants to lift stains
- It contains glucoside surfactants, the gentlest form sourced from coconuts or corn
- It’s naturally fragrance-free
- Safe enough for babies
- Works on all types of fabrics
- A little goes a long way
- Free from harsh surfactants and solvents, like SLS, SLES, formaldehyde, bleach, ammonia, and ammonia by-products, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
- Vegan
- Plan and mineral-based
- Recyclable plastic
We’ve also used it on furniture, and it worked like a charm!
Notes:
- Be sure to choose the fragrance-free stain removal products, as the scented versions do contain fragrance
- This product does contain propylene glycol, which I don’t love, but for the purposes of stain removal, it’s not a deal-breaker
Cost: $12.98-$16.98
Branch Basics has a cult following for a reason: their system is gentle, non-toxic, versatile, and easy to use. Their signature Concentrate, diluted with water, does everything, including removing stains.
They also offer Oxygen Boost, a non-toxic Oxyclean alternative.
All-Purpose dilution (spray) and Oxygen Boost (powder) are the most recommended for stain removal, and work great.
Why we love it:
- Completely non-toxic ingredients
- EWG-Verified
- MADE SAFE Certified
- No bleach, ammonia, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, optical brighteners, sulfates, fragrance, or harsh surfactants or solvents
- The All-Purpose formula, made with Branch Basics Concentrate, uses decylglucoside and cocoglucoside to clean and remove stains, two of the gentlest plant-based surfactants from coconuts or corn
- The Oxygen Boost formula is made with just two mineral-based ingredients, baking soda and sodium percarbonate (powdered peroxide)
- Baby-safe, pet-safe, human-safe
- Works on most fabrics and nearly all types of stains, including food, coffee, blood, wine, blowouts, sweat stains, and more
- Powdered Oxygen Boost can be used as a soak for nearly effortless stain removal
Notes:
- All-Purpose works as a spray on most stains, and can be used on carpets and upholstery too
- Oxygen Boost brings some extra power for set-in stains, and can be used with All-Purpose on white or light-colored clothes (spray All-Purpose then scrub in Oxygen Boost) or alone on white, light, or colored clothes as an overnight soak. In our tests, it’s worked on every type of stain.
- We have no qualms about ingredients in either product
- Use code INONAROUND for 15% off
Price (All-Purpose): A trial kit for All-Purpose is just $5.00. From there, you can buy the Concentrate (which makes All-Purpose, Bathroom, Foaming Wash, Streak-Free, & Laundry) in the Starter Kit of your choice.
Price (Oxygen Boost, 4 lbs): $19.80-$22.00
Miss Mouth’s is another effective, non-toxic stain remover that works on just about any stain and fabric.
Why we love it:
- Easy to use, just blot up as much of the stain as possible and spray on
- EWG Verified (one of the toughest human- and eco-safe verifications to get)
- EPA Safer Choice certified (another tough one to obtain)
- 100% biodegradable
- Leaping Bunny Certified (cruelty-free)
- Uses a nonionic surfactant plus denatured alcohol and citric acid to power through stains
- Works on fresh and set-in stains, including food, blood, coffee, blowouts, grass stains, and so much more
- Several sizes available, from large to compact (great for diaper bags, backpacks, & purses)
- We really like the pack with the spray plus wipes, which makes on-the-go stain removal a lot easier, especially with kids
- Free from chlorine, sulfates (SLS, SLES), harsh surfactants, bleach, ammonia, and ammonia by-products, formaldehyde preservatives, & fragrance
- Multipurpose, works on carpets, clothes, upholstery, & linens
- Affordable, the small size is under $8.00
Notes:
- The only thing I don’t love about this brand is that they use a nonionic surfactant/alcohol ethoxylate, which has the potential to be contaminated with 1-4 dioxane. However, their certifications suggest this is not an issue, and when used in small amounts as intended, it’s unlikely to pose a problem.
- It’s best to wash the clothing after use – I did have it stain a shirt that was left in the hamper for a few days.
Cost: $7.98 (small) – $15.99 (spray and wipe pack)
This multi-enzyme stain remover is right up there with Branch Basics for non-toxic ingredients, and it works amazingly!
Why we love it:
- Contains only natural enzymes plus sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
- No bleach, ammonia, ammonia by-products, harsh detergents or solvents, fragrance, petrochemicals, dyes, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, or harsh surfactants
- Can be used as a paste or poured directly into the washer
- Plan-derived
- Cruelty-free
- Works on food, grease, blood, coffee, berries, blood, wine, and organic materials
- Gentle enough for those with sensitive skin, babies, pets, or for use during pregnancy
- Eco-friendly refills
- Safe to use on colors and delicate fabrics
- Biodegradable
Notes:
- Use code INONAROUND for 30% off
Price: $17.95-$19.95
5: Baking Soda
Baking soda is an ingredient in many natural stain removers because of its natural bleaching, odor-neutralizing, and absorbent properties.
Why we love it:
- It’s super cheap
- Its mild bleaching, absorbent, odor-absorbing, and scouring properties make it effective for various types of stains
- It’s completely non-toxic
- It doubles as a safe fabric softener
- Safe for most fabrics
- It’s safe to use on baby clothes, for pets, and people with sensitive skin
- Can be used alone or with other natural stain removers
How to use it:
- After removing as much of the stain as possible by blotting, create a creamy paste with baking soda and water, and gently scrub away as much stain as you can
- If there’s more, you can leave a pile of baking soda on the stain for several hours
- Rinse, repeat, and launder when the stain is removed
- For fresh stains, you can also add a quarter to half a cup of baking soda to a basin of warm water and soak a stained item for several hours, or as a final stain removal step
- Baking soda can work on most types of stains, including grease, oil, dirt, grass stains, and food
Notes:
- Some brands of baking powder contain added aluminum, a heavy metal toxin; however, baking soda does not contain aluminum, so no need to buy a fancy brand
- Do not use baking soda with vinegar on stains, as the acid (vinegar) and alkaline (baking soda) will cancel each other out
- Some people do not recommend using baking soda on silk, cashmere, and wool
- Baking soda is safe to use with peroxide for extra natural bleaching action
6: Vinegar
Though I don’t recommend plain white vinegar for consumption, it’s an excellent natural stain remover!
Why we love it:
- The natural acetic acid in vinegar dissolves and lifts stains naturally
- It’s natural and non-toxic
- It doubles as a natural fabric softener
- It’s cheap and effective
- It’s safe to use on baby clothes, for pets, and people with sensitive skin
- It can be used alone, or with other stain removers (but not bleach or peroxide!!)
- It’s safe for most fabrics, including silk and wool, just don’t use it too much on elastic, as it can degrade it over time
How to use it:
- After removing as much of the stain as possible by blotting and/or rinsing, apply straight vinegar and gently start working away the stain
- Rinse and repeat until it’s gone
- Vinegar works great on acidic (low pH) stains, like coffee, tea, wine, and tomato
Notes:
- Avoid using apple cider vinegar for stains, as its natural color can create more staining
- Cleaning vinegar or white vinegar works best for stains and fabric softening
- For delicate fabrics, use a 50:50 dilution of white vinegar with water, and remove quickly
- Never use vinegar with peroxide, ammonia, or bleach, as this will create toxic fumes
7: Peroxide
3% hydrogen peroxide (in the brown bottle) is a natural bleach alternative and stain remover that breaks down to hydrogen and oxygen, making it safe for people and the planet.
It works best on white or light-colored clothing, as it can discolor colors if left on too long.
Why we love it:
- It works fast and effectively
- It’s super cheap (less than $1.00 a bottle)
- It’s so non-toxic you can even brush your teeth with it
- It’s safe to use on baby clothes, for pets, and people with sensitive skin
- It’s safe for most fabrics
- It requires no diluting (it’s already diluted with 97% water)
How to use it:
- Removing as much of the stain as possible by blotting and/or rinsing, then apply peroxide directly to the stain and let sit 10-15 minutes
- Rinse, repeat, and launder as usual
- Peroxide works by lifting and bleaching out stains, making it effective for nearly all types, including blood, wine, grass stains, food, berries, and organic matter
- It’s also helpful for boosting the effectiveness of other natural stain removers, like baking soda, when used as a final step
Notes:
- Do not combine peroxide with vinegar, as it will create a toxic gas
- Avoid using peroxide on colored clothing, as it could fade colors
- Avoid using peroxide on delicates like silk, wool, and cashmere
- Attach a trigger sprayer directly to the peroxide bottle for easy stain removal
- Sodium percarbonate, found in many non-toxic and low-tox laundry products, is a concentrated form of powdered peroxide, and can be used on colors in the washing machine or as a soak
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Where To Find These Non-Toxic Stain Removers
For the stain remover products, click the links above and use the code INONAROUND for special discounts.
The DIY options —baking soda, vinegar, and peroxide —can be found at your local grocery store.
Looking For More Non-Toxic Laundry Products?
Laundry products, with their blends of surfactants, bleaches, ammonia, PFAS, optical brighteners, sulfates, 1,4-dioxane, and signature fragrances, can be among the most toxic products in the average home.
And, unfortunately, many laundry products labeled “green” and “non-toxic” aren’t worth the extra investment, in terms of efficacy and hidden toxins.
Check out the In On Around shop for the lowest-tox laundry detergents, fabric softeners, bleach alternatives, and stain removers that actually work.
What’s your favorite natural stain remover brand?
Let me know your thoughts and key takeaways in the comments below!
xoxo,
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Frequently Asked Questions – Non-Toxic Stain Remover
Click on the below FAQs to learn more about natural & non-toxic stain removers.
Yes, high-quality non-toxic stain removers made with plant-based enzymes and minerals can lift stains just as well as chemical products without leaving behind harsh residues.
Most natural stain removers are safe for everyday fabrics like cotton, linen, and synthetics, but always spot-test delicate materials such as silk or wool before use.
Skip products with chlorine bleach, ammonia, synthetic fragrance, and sulfates—these harsh chemicals can irritate skin, pollute waterways, and damage fabric fibers.
Blot the stain, apply the natural stain remover directly, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse or launder as usual for a clean, chemical-free result.
