The only downside to this pen is that it runs out, so don't get too tappy with the solution – you'll miss it when it's gone. The main aim of the pen is to dilute the stain, lifting most of it out so it can be completely erased in the wash. What type of stains does the Tide to Go pen"beat"? This pen is easy to use and comfortable to hold. To release the cleaning solution, press down on the tip and brush it across the soiled area like an eraser. The pen's clever design reduces the risk of a spill. You won't get any of the cleaning solutions on my hands, which was a problem I had with gel formulas. From the dark soy sauce to the olive oils, it definitely “lightens” the stains, as my mom put it. Though her instinct was to add on, “It seems to only temporarily clean it, and when you get home you need to still work on it.” In the end, we did determine it was a solid runner-up, or as Mom put it frankly, “pretty good.” 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.

Once finished, blot the fabric dry. If the stain has been treated with the Tide to Go pen, blot away any excess solution. You can also air-dry the clothing until you're ready to clean it properly. A cleaning solvent that, like ethanol, helps keep the surfactants liquid so they can infiltrate and remove the stain from your clothes’ fibers. But it also one-ups ethanol by dissolving oily material from the stain itself and doesn’t evaporate into so much vapor as soon as it leaves the pen. Tide To Go is safe to use on white and colored clothing because it does not include bleach. According to Tide, the pen is safe to use on most fabrics, including those that must be dry cleaned. Test it on an inseam for colorfastness if you're unsure about using it on particular textiles. How to Use a Tide To Go Pen As a Stain Remover 1. Testing

A powerful alternative 

Other ingredients used on the Tide To Go instant stain remover pen include various surfactants and detergents that grab stain molecules to assist draw them from the fabric, as well as water, which activates the surfactants and helps them swoosh off spots. The garment should be washed as directed on the care tag using a laundry detergent. Pay attention to the care tips for the fabric and style of your specific item. Hand wash, machine wash, or dry clean as directed. The Tide To Go pen is effective at treating a wide range of stains, from coffee and food spills to ink and more. It's particularly useful for dealing with stains before they have a chance to set in, which can greatly improve the chances of successful stain removal. It’s hard to resist anything with a homemade-like label and squeeze bottle. The two-ounce bottle is easy to stash on the go, though the directions are a bit contradictory. On the one hand, it says “just a drop is all it takes to remove…” with a list of items from oil and grease to make-up, grass, rust, and blood. But the actual step-by-step instructions say to let it sit for five to 10 minutes and then to wash by hand or in the machine, and then rinse thoroughly to get rid of stains.

As my mom watched me purposefully create stains, she looked doubtfully at the lineup of stain removers. Her skepticism only gave the lineup of products an even bigger challenge as we started going down the line to test them out. Things to remember If you're worried about a stubborn stain, you can alter the drying directions on your garment's care tag. Drying an item by hanging it up or placing it on a towel away from direct sunlight is a better option that won't cause any damage. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Tide To Go Pens 1. Does Tide to Go remove oil stains? Rub the stain with the pen tip, then wait several minutes until the solution has mostly dried on the fabric. Use your Tide to Go pen until the solution runs out. Continue to use the same Tide to Go pen to remove new stains until the solution runs out. The typical Tide to Go Pen size of 10 ml (0.338 fl oz.) will last approximately 10-20 uses. This instant stain remover can be stored at room temperature. Dispose of the product in a dump according to your local regulations.After washing your clothing, follow the care directions carefully. Avoid using heat from a dryer or iron until the stain is gone. As directed, hang, lay flat, or machine dry.