Stain Devils #3 Laundry Stain Remover vs Fels Naptha Laundry Bar Soap: which is safer?

Fels Naptha Laundry Bar Soap is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.

Carbona

Stain Devils #3 Laundry Stain Remover

PFAS grade

C 75/100

Overall grade

F 29/100

Verdict

Buy with care

Hazard flags

⚑ 5

Material

liquid solvent-based stain remover

Confidence

72%

LikelyVolatile organic compound (VOC) inhalation

ReportedDermal absorption and skin irritation

PossibleFabric damage and dye bleeding

Why this gradeBuy

Our pick

Fels-Naptha

Fels Naptha Laundry Bar Soap

PFAS grade

C 75/100

Overall grade

F 63/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 3

Material

Soap base (tallow, coconut oil, other saponified fats), hexachlorophene preservative (historical)

Confidence

78%

PossibleFragrance allergens and skin sensitization

PossibleSodium silicate alkalinity

PossibleMicrobial growth on bar storage

Why this gradeBuy

Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →

More fabric protection treatment sprays: see the full ranking