Every recommendation on Fabric Care Guide is backed by independent testing data, textile science research, or verified practical experience. We don't accept sponsored products or affiliate commissions. Product grades come from Stiftung Warentest, Germany's leading independent consumer testing organization. Our stain removal methods are grounded in chemistry, not internet myths.
Our Testing Methodology
How We Evaluate Products
We assess stain removal products using a weighted scoring system based on four criteria. These weights reflect what matters most when you're trying to remove a stain:
| Criterion | Weight | What We Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Stain Removal Effectiveness | 40% | How well the product removes stains across standardized test categories (grass, blood, wine, grease, etc.) |
| Fabric Safety / Gentleness | 25% | Impact on fabric integrity, colorfastness, and fiber structure after treatment |
| Value for Money | 20% | Cost per application compared to effectiveness. A budget product with the same test grade as a premium one scores higher |
| Ease of Use | 15% | Application method, soaking time required, clarity of instructions, and practical convenience |
Evidence Tiers
Not all evidence is equal. We use a three-tier system to classify the strength of our sources:
🥇 Gold — Independent Testing (Highest Confidence)
Sources: Stiftung Warentest results, ISO textile testing standards (ISO 105 series), independent laboratory testing
What it means: Products were purchased anonymously at retail and tested under standardized, reproducible laboratory conditions. These results are as close to objective truth as consumer testing gets.
🥈 Silver — Verified Research (High Confidence)
Sources: Manufacturer specifications, published textile chemistry research, peer-reviewed studies
What it means: Data comes from credible sources but may not have been independently verified through blind testing. We cross-reference manufacturer claims against independent results when available.
🥉 Bronze — Practical Testing (Moderate Confidence)
Sources: Our practical testing, verified consumer experience, expert consensus
What it means: Methods have been tested on actual fabrics and verified to work, but without the statistical rigor of laboratory testing. Clearly labeled as practical observation.
Why Stiftung Warentest Is Our Gold Standard
Stiftung Warentest is Germany's most trusted consumer testing organization:
- Founded: 1964 by the German federal government
- Funding: Government-backed + test publication sales (no manufacturer funding)
- Testing method: Products purchased anonymously at retail — never supplied by manufacturers
- Laboratory conditions: Standardized, reproducible tests under controlled conditions
- Grading scale: 1.0 (Sehr gut / Very Good) to 5.5 (Mangelhaft / Inadequate)
- Recognition: Trusted by over 90% of German consumers; results legally citable
When Stiftung Warentest grades a stain remover 2.4 ("Gut" / Good), that grade represents standardized testing across multiple stain types, multiple fabric types, and multiple wash cycles. It is not a subjective opinion — it is a measured, reproducible result.
How We Select Products to Review
We prioritize products based on:
- Availability: Products widely available to consumers in Germany and Europe
- Test coverage: Products tested by Stiftung Warentest or comparable independent organizations
- Market relevance: Best-sellers and commonly recommended products
- Category gaps: Underrepresented product types where consumers lack reliable guidance
We do not accept manufacturer requests for reviews, sponsored placements, or product samples.
Update Schedule
- Quarterly minimum: All product reviews and stain guides are reviewed at least every 3 months
- Immediate updates: When Stiftung Warentest publishes new test results, we update within days
- Price checks: Product prices and availability verified regularly
- Freshness dates: Every page includes a "Last verified" date so you know when it was last checked
Stiftung Warentest typically publishes new stain remover tests every 1–2 years. Between major test publications, we verify that current recommendations remain accurate and available.
Evidence Markers in Our Content
Throughout our content, you'll see markers like [S1], [S2], [S3]. These reference specific sources listed at the bottom of each article. We believe in showing our work — if we claim a product earned Grade 2.4, we tell you exactly who tested it and when.
What We Don't Do
- No affiliate links. We earn nothing from your purchases. Zero.
- No sponsored reviews. No manufacturer has paid for or influenced any review on this site.
- No anonymous claims. Every factual assertion is sourced. If we can't source it, we label it as practical observation.
- No myth propagation. We actively debunk popular stain removal myths (like salt on wine) that appear across the internet.
Content Creation Process
Our guides follow a consistent structure designed for maximum usefulness:
- Direct answer first — the key information in the first paragraph
- Evidence and sources — test data, research references
- Step-by-step methods — practical, actionable instructions
- Honest assessment — strengths AND weaknesses
- Alternatives — because one solution doesn't fit everyone
Corrections and Updates
If you find an error or outdated information, we want to know. Accuracy is our foundation. Contact us at editorial@fabriccare.guide with corrections and we'll investigate promptly.