In a comprehensive evaluation of stain removal products, the consumer advocacy group Choice has revealed that the most economical spray from a leading Australian supermarket chain stands out as one of the top performers in the market. The test involved a meticulous comparison of pre-stained fabric swatches, with results indicating that budget-friendly options can compete effectively with established brand names.
Spray Stain Removers: Aldi Takes the Lead
Choice conducted an extensive analysis of 20 pre-treater sprays, focusing on their ability to tackle a variety of common stains. These included everyday marks from sweat, grass, mud, and cooking oil, as well as more challenging residues from chocolate ice-cream, tomato, baby food, blood, and makeup. The findings highlighted a surprising victory for Aldi's Di-San Pro Ultra Degreaser With Enzymes, which achieved an overall score of 78%.
This product tied for first place with the Sard Super Power Stain Remover Toughest Stains, demonstrating that affordability does not necessarily compromise quality. In terms of cost-effectiveness, the Aldi spray is priced at just 28 cents per 100ml, or $2.09 per bottle, making it significantly cheaper than the Sard alternative, which costs $1.90 per 100ml or $8 per bottle.
Performance and Value Comparison
Chris Barnes, a senior product officer at Choice, emphasised the value proposition of the Aldi product. He noted that for budget-conscious consumers, it is difficult to justify spending more on a Sard spray when the Aldi option delivers comparable results. The test showed that both sprays performed similarly on stains such as sweat, olive oil, baby food, and collar grime, though the Sard spray had a slight edge in removing blood stains.
Other supermarket sprays also fared well in the evaluation. Aldi's Di-San Pro Oxy With Enzymes secured third place with a score of 75%, priced at $2.09. This was followed by Coles Ultra Pre-wash Stain Remover at $2.10 with a 73% score, and Woolworths Clean Ultimate Oil & Grime With Enzymes Pre-wash Stain Remover, also $2.10, scoring 72%.
Powder Stain Removers: Brand Names Dominate
In contrast to the spray category, the test of 23 stain remover powders revealed a different trend. Barnes explained that while cheaper supermarket brands have historically performed well in powder tests, this round was dominated by name brands. The top-performing pre-soak powders were led by Sard and Vanish products.
Sard Super Power Stain Remover Toughest Stains Antibacterial Soaker claimed first place with a score of 76%, costing $1.22 per 100g. It was closely followed by Sard Whiter & Brighter Stain Remover Major Stain Types Antibacterial Soaker at 75% and $1.10 per 100g, and Vanish NapiSan Oxi Action Gold Advanced Crystal White Stain Remover with a 73% score and $1.70 per 100g.
Testing Methodology and Consumer Advice
To ensure accuracy, Choice used pre-stained fabric swatches that were identical in colour and darkness for each type of stain, such as sweat. After applying the products according to their directions, the whiteness of the swatches was measured using a spectrometer. This scientific approach allowed for precise quantification of stain removal, rather than relying on visual assessment alone.
Barnes provided practical guidance for consumers, suggesting that pre-soaker powders are ideal for treating entire, heavily soiled garments, like those from sports activities. On the other hand, sprays are better suited for spot cleaning smaller stains, such as on collars or from food spills.
This test underscores the importance of informed purchasing decisions, showing that in some categories, supermarket own-brands can offer exceptional value without sacrificing performance.
