There isn’t a miracle formula on the market that treats every type of stain, but some laundry stain removers come close. While most of these products are intended for in-home use, the Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover Pen is designed with portability in mind. This pen features a microfiber tip that releases a powerful cleaning solution. After applying the solution, you rub the tip across the stain like an eraser to lift and absorb stains. It can be used on washable whites, colors, and most fabrics. I put the Tide To Go pen to the test, applying it to a variety of fresh stains while I was out of the house. Read on to see how well it performed. For my first test, I used the Tide To Go pen on a white T-shirt that seemed stained beyond repair. While eating Chinese food, I managed to spill both sriracha and soy sauce on the front of it. Following the instructions, I pressed the tip of the pen directly onto the stain. Each time the tip is pressed down, a small amount of cleaning solution is released. Once the stain was well-saturated, I used the pen’s tip to rub the liquid across the affected areas. I let the shirt sit for a few hours before machine washing it on a normal cycle in warm water. (Hot water can further boost a stain solution’s power, but I chose warm water to prevent shrinkage.) After a run through the wash, the soy sauce was completely gone. The sriracha stain was still prominent, but it had faded a bit. For my next round of testing, I purposely soiled another white t-shirt with some common staining agents: lip gloss, canola oil, and tomato juice. I applied the Tide pen, waited a few hours, and laundered the t-shirt as normal on a warm cycle. My results were fairly successful. The canola oil and tomato juice were gone, but the lip gloss was still visible. I used the pen on another shirt that had collected splatters of ketchup and mustard. The pen had little to no effect on the mustard, but the ketchup stains faded significantly. I’ve used many stain removers and know there isn’t one miracle product on the market that will remove all types of stains from every fabric type. The Tide To Go Pen didn’t work on all stains, but it was effective enough for some that I recommend it. Even the stains that weren’t eliminated entirely still improved considerably. Since this pen has a small and narrow point, it is best for spot treatments rather than larger, ground-in stains.
Is the Tide to Go Pen easy to use?
This pen is comfortable to handle and simple to use. Press down the tip to release the cleaning solution and rub it across the stained area as you would an eraser. The pen’s smart design eliminates the possibility of a mess. None of the cleaning solution gets on my hands, which had been a problem I had encountered with gel formulas.
Is it safe to use on all types of fabrics?
Since Tide To Go doesn’t contain bleach, it is safe to use on white and colored clothing. The manufacturer says the pen is safe to use on most fabrics, even some dry clean only items. If you’re unsure about using it on certain fabrics, test it on an inseam for colorfastness.
How is the scent?
Once the Tide to Go cleaning solution is applied, it has a faint chemical scent. Even when the pen’s liquid was applied to the clothes I was wearing, the smell wasn’t overly strong or bothersome.
Is the Tide to Go Pen worth buying?
Affordably priced at $7 for a set of three pens, Tide To Go gives you plenty of stain-fighting power for your money. The portable, slim pen-like container is this product’s biggest selling point. The pens are small enough to fit in my purse, pocket, or desk drawer. I have an added peace of mind knowing that I can treat spills or stains on my clothing when I’m not home.
Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover Pen vs. the Competition
If you’re looking for a product that you can use at home to tackle larger stains, OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder is a solid choice. It retails between $7 and $13, depending on the size you choose. Our tester says it’s very effective on grass, tomato sauce, mustard, and butter stains (even more so if you pre-soak your items for at least four hours). Since this stain remover is in powder form, it’s safe to use on other surfaces like carpets, upholstery, and tile. The Laundress Stain Solution is another product that works well on an array of common household stains. This liquid solution is intended for in-home use and should be applied to a stain before laundering as normal. (Pre-soaking is recommended for tougher stains.) I found the Laundress to be just as effective as the Tide To Go Pen at eliminating culprits like oil, tomato juice, and ketchup. This formula is on the pricey side—$18 for a bottle—but it goes a long way. You can’t beat the portable convenience of the Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover Pen. I love having the option to treat a fresh stain when I’m not at home. This pen is effective at removing some stains, but don’t expect it to work on everything.
