Sil 1 für Alles and dm Denkmit share the top spot with Grade 2.4 (Good) in Stiftung Warentest testing [S1]. Denkmit costs less than half the price (€1.45 vs €3.50). Vanish Oxi Action (Grade 2.9) trades some effectiveness for spray convenience. For most households, a powder stain salt plus optional spray covers all scenarios.
Best Stain Removers Compared — Independent Test Results
Complete Rankings
| Rank | Product | Grade [S1] | Price | Format | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1 | Sil 1 für Alles | 2.4 | ~€3.50 | Powder | Overall best performance |
| 🥇 1 | dm Denkmit | 2.4 | ~€1.45 | Powder | Best value (dm exclusive) |
| 3 | Persil Universal | 2.6 | ~€4.99 | Powder | Premium detergent + stain removal |
| 4 | Ariel Pods | 2.7 | ~€6.99 | Pods | Pre-portioned convenience |
| 5 | Vanish Oxi Action | 2.9 | ~€5.95 | Spray | Quick spot treatment |
Takeaway: The two top performers are both oxygen-bleach powders — and one costs €1.45. Spray formats like Vanish trade effectiveness for convenience. Premium detergent brands (Persil, Ariel) perform well but cost more per treatment than dedicated stain removers.
Category Winners
🏆 Best Overall
Sil 1 für Alles — Grade 2.4
Highest stain removal score (2.3) with excellent fabric protection. Available everywhere.
⚡ Most Convenient
Vanish Oxi Action — Grade 2.9
Spray-on format, no soaking needed. Perfect for quick fixes and travel.
Detailed Score Breakdown
| Product | Stain Removal | Fabric Safety | Color Protection | Ease of Use | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sil | 2.3 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 2.5 | 2.4 |
| Denkmit | 2.4 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 2.4 | 2.4 |
| Persil | 2.5 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.8 | 2.6 |
| Ariel | 2.5 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 2.5 | 2.7 |
| Vanish | 2.7 | 2.1 | 2.3 | 2.0 | 2.9 |
Grading: 1 = Very Good, 6 = Inadequate. Lower is better. [S1]
How to Choose
Decision tree:
- Shop at dm? → Get Denkmit (€1.45, Grade 2.4). Done.
- Don't shop at dm? → Get Sil (€3.50, Grade 2.4). Available everywhere.
- Need spot treatment too? → Add Vanish spray for emergencies.
- Want one product for everything? → Persil Universal does laundry + stain removal (Grade 2.6).
Powder vs. Spray: Which Format?
| Factor | Powder (Sil, Denkmit) | Spray (Vanish) |
|---|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Higher (extended enzyme contact) | Lower (brief surface contact) |
| Convenience | Requires soaking (30-60 min) | Spray and wash immediately |
| Cost per treatment | ~€0.15–0.25 | ~€0.50–0.75 |
| Best for | Planned laundry, big items | Quick fixes, travel, upholstery |