Carbona Stain Devils are a line of stain-specific spot removers, and each number in the range is built for a different kind of mess. Some people search for reviews before they buy, so this answer sticks to what the maker says each one is for. The numbers run from #2 for food sauces to #9 for rust and perspiration, so the stain usually tells you which bottle to reach for.
Use the number that matches your stain before you start. Check the fabric care label and test a hidden area first. Then follow the maker's method for small stains, which starts with a white cloth under the stain.
What it is
Carbona Stain Devils are stain-specific spot and stain removers sold in 1.7 fl oz bottles. The #8 product is the exception, since it is a powder that you dissolve in water. The formulas vary by number, and the #4 formula, for example, contains water, ethoxylated alcohols, triethanolamine, protease and isothiazolinone preservatives.
According to the maker
What to use it on
Washable fabrics
The maker says Stain Devils suit washable, water-safe fabrics such as cotton, polyester, wool, rayon and blends. Pick the number that matches your stain and treat the spot before the garment goes into the wash.
After treating, rinse with warm water or wash as normal. Fabrics that need dry cleaning get a different approach, covered in the next section.
Dry-clean-only fabrics
For dry-clean-only fabrics, the maker says to use Stain Devils as a spot treatment. Dab the residue with a damp cloth to deal with the stain. Check the garment care label before you start, since it tells you what the fabric can handle.
Ink, marker and crayon
The #3 product is the one the maker lists for ink, marker and crayon. Test colorfastness on a hidden area before you treat a visible mark, and check the garment care label. The step-by-step method given here comes from the maker's #4 directions for small stains, so check the bottle for the #3 instructions too.
Kitchen and bath tile
The #9 product is the rust, deodorant and sweat formula, and the maker also lists it for kitchen and bath tile and tubs. It is not for marble or metal, so check the surface material before you start. Use it on the rust, deodorant or perspiration stains the maker names for #9.
Coffee, tea, wine and juice
The #8 product targets coffee, tea, wine and juice, and the maker also lists urine and mildew for it. Because #8 is a powder, you dissolve it in water to make the solution before treating the stain. Place a white cloth under the stain, then moisten it well with the solution.
5 steps
How to use it
- 1
Match the number to your stain
Each Stain Devils number targets a stain group, so start by finding your stain in the list. The maker lists #2 for food sauces such as chocolate, ketchup and mustard, and #5 for fat and cooking oil. Use only the number that matches the stain you have.
- 2
Test a hidden area first
Test colorfastness on a hidden area of the fabric before you treat a visible stain. Check the garment care label as well. Fabrics that are not washable and water-safe need the dry-clean-only approach described earlier.
- 3
Put a white cloth under the stain
Place an absorbent white cloth under the stain, then moisten the stain well with the solution. The maker's #4 directions start with this step for small stains. With #8, the powder is dissolved in water first to make the solution.
- 4
Dab the stain onto the cloth
Dab the stain, pushing it onto the cloth. The cloth is there to take up the stain, so this is the step that moves the mark off the fabric. Keep dabbing until the stain has transferred.
- 5
Rinse or wash as normal
Rinse the area with warm water or wash the garment as normal. For dry-clean-only fabrics, dab the residue with a damp cloth instead. Then check the garment care label before the next cleaning.
Where not to use it
The maker says not to use Stain Devils on carpets, upholstery, leather, suede, silk or acetate. The #9 product is also not for marble or metal, and you should not treat stains on sensitive surfaces. For those materials, choose a product the maker says is made for them and follow its own directions.
Safety
The maker says to test colorfastness on a hidden area and check the garment care label before use. For #4, the 2013 safety data sheet says it is not hazardous under OSHA HazCom, but wear eye protection and rinse eyes or skin with water if irritation starts. If it is swallowed, rinse the mouth, and do not combine it with other cleaners, since the listed warnings do not include a mixing rule.
Never mix chlorine bleach with vinegar or other acids, ammonia or rubbing alcohol. Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222.
Questions
Does Carbona Stain Devils work?
Stain Devils are made for the specific stain groups the maker lists, so the number on the bottle matters more than anything else. This answer sticks to what the maker says each one is for, and it makes no claims about results. Use it on washable, water-safe fabrics and test a hidden area first.
Can I use Stain Devils on carpet?
No. The maker says not to use Stain Devils on carpets, along with upholstery, leather, suede, silk and acetate.
For carpet, look for a product the maker says is made for carpets and follow its directions. Resolve is a carpet spot remover that is sometimes compared, and its maker says to test colorfastness on a hidden area first.
How do I use Stain Devils on ink?
Pick the #3 product, which the maker lists for ink, marker and crayon. The step-by-step method here comes from the #4 directions for small stains, so follow the bottle for #3 instructions too. Test colorfastness on a hidden area before you treat a visible mark.
Which Stain Devils is for red wine?
Use #8, which the maker lists for coffee, tea, wine and juice. Dissolve the #8 powder in water, place a white cloth under the stain, and dab. Test colorfastness on a hidden area first, and check the garment care label.
What is the difference between Stain Devils and Woolite?
Stain Devils are spot removers aimed at named stains, while Woolite is a detergent for washing clothes. Woolite's delicates line covers wool, silk, cashmere, cotton, satin and polyester for hand washing or regular and HE machines. Woolite's delicates page names no stains, so the two products are used for different jobs.
Can I use Stain Devils on dry-clean-only clothes?
Yes, as a spot treatment. The maker says to dab the residue with a damp cloth on dry-clean-only fabrics. Check the garment care label and test a hidden area first.
Can Stain Devils be used on tile?
Only the #9 product is listed for kitchen and bath tile and tubs. The maker says not to use it on marble or metal, and #9 is the rust, deodorant and sweat formula. Check the surface material before you start.
Are Stain Devils liquids or powders?
Stain Devils come in 1.7 fl oz bottles. The exception is #8, which is a powder you dissolve in water before use.
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How we know this
Every use, amount and warning here comes from the maker's product pages, labels and safety data sheets.