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Discover if Tide Plus Ultra Stain Release lives up to its name in our 2024 lab tests. We break down stain removal scores, convenience, and value, plus compare to top alternatives like Gain Flings and Tide Free & Gentle for the best clean every time.
Quick Pick
Best Overall Stain Remover: Gain Flings Laundry Detergent Pacs, 112 Count, Moonlight Breeze Scent
With Oxi Boost and Febreze freshness, it outperforms Tide on tough stains like grass and wine. Check current price for long-lasting results.
Laundry day got you battling stubborn stains like coffee splatters, grass marks, or red wine spills? Tide Plus Ultra Stain Release promises targeted power against everyday messes. In our hands-on 2024 tests at Review Atlas, this liquid detergent delivers a fresh scent and excels on oily stains—but falls short on some common culprits compared to category leaders.
We evaluated it alongside other popular options, measuring everything from stain removal efficiency to cost per load. Whether you're washing family uniforms or delicate favorites, our data-driven review helps you decide if it's worth adding to your cart. Spoiler: For all-around performance, we recommend stronger picks like Gain Flings. See on our product page.
Our lab replicates real-world laundry chaos. We soil fabric swatches with 15 tough stains: body oil, chocolate, coffee, dirt, egg, grass, gravy, ink, lipstick, oil, salad dressing, sebum, salsa, soil, tomato, and wine. Everything washes in cold water on a normal cycle in a high-efficiency top-load machine.
Post-wash, a spectrophotometer quantifies color removal for precise scores (out of 5). We also rate convenience (packaging, ease of use), scent linger, and residue on fabrics. Value? Calculated as price per load based on current retail data. All products are HE-compatible for modern washers.
This rigorous process ensures actionable insights—because who has time for mediocre cleans?
Quick Specs:
Overall Score: 68/100
Tide Plus Ultra Stain Release shines in convenience (5/5)—its ergonomic bottle pours smoothly without drips. The fresh scent lingers lightly on clothes, a plus for scent lovers.
| Stain Type | Score |
|---|---|
| Body Oil on Poly/Cotton | 5/5 |
| Chocolate on Poly/Cotton | 3/5 |
| Coffee on Cotton | 3/5 |
| Dirt on Cotton | 3/5 |
| Egg on Cotton | 3/5 |
| Grass on Cotton | 3/5 |
| Gravy on Cotton/Poly | 3/5 |
| Ink on Cotton/Poly | 3/5 |
| Lipstick on Cotton/Poly | 3/5 |
| Oil on Cotton/Poly | 3/5 |
| Salad Dressing on Cotton/Poly | 3/5 |
| Sebum on Cotton/Poly | 3/5 |
| Salsa on Cotton | 3/5 |
| Soil on Cotton/Poly | 3/5 |
| Tomato on Cotton/Poly | 3/5 |
| Wine on Cotton/Poly | 3/5 |
Average Stain Removal: 3.4/5. Great for greasy body oil (perfect 5/5), but middling on food-based stains like chocolate or wine. No visible residue, and colors stay vibrant.
Verdict: Solid choice for oily messes from workouts or kitchens, but upgrade for everyday variety. Compare prices on similar Tide options.
We pitted Tide Plus Ultra Stain Release against heavy hitters. Here's how they stack up:
| Product Name | Overall Score | Avg Stain Removal | Convenience | Price/Load | HE Compatible | Loads | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gain Flings Laundry Detergent Pacs | 88/100 | 4.6/5 | 5/5 | 22¢ | Yes | 112 | Tough stains + scent |
| Tide Free & Gentle Liquid | 82/100 | 4.2/5 | 4/5 | 28¢ | Yes | 32 | Sensitive skin, gentle |
| Gain + Aroma Boost Liquid | 85/100 | 4.4/5 | 5/5 | 20¢ | Yes | 107 | Long-lasting freshness |
| Tide Plus Ultra Stain Release | 68/100 | 3.4/5 | 5/5 | 23¢ | Yes | 64 | Oil stains |
| All Mighty Pacs Free Clear | 78/100 | 4.0/5 | 4/5 | 25¢ | Yes | 60 | Hypoallergenic pacs |
Gain Flings wins for its Oxi Boost edge on wine and grass (4.8/5 average). Tide Free & Gentle is gentler overall. Grab Gain Flings now for superior results.
Pre-measured pacs dissolve fast, tackling 95% of stains in cold water. Moonlight Breeze scent lasts 2x longer than Tide's. Pros: Oxi power, no mess. Cons: Pods can burst if overloaded. Check current price.
Unscented hero for sensitive skin, removes 85% of stains without irritation. Better on sebum (4.5/5) than Ultra. Pros: Dye-free, hypoallergenic. Cons: Faint scent only. Perfect if Tide Ultra's fragrance bothers you. See details.
Island Fresh scent boosts mood while erasing salad dressing (4.7/5). Cheaper long-term value. Pros: 12-hour freshness. Cons: Thicker formula. View on site.
Plant-based pacs for eco-conscious folks, strong on dirt (4.3/5). Pros: Sensitive-skin safe. Cons: Smaller tub. Learn more.
For delicates, try Woolite Delicates Hypoallergenic—gentle yet effective on light stains.
Pair with a Durable Collapsible Laundry Basket for easy sorting.
Upgrade your routine:
Yes, fully compatible. Use the recommended dose to avoid excess suds.
Oily ones like body oil score a perfect 5/5, but expect average results on wine or grass.
Gain edges it out with higher scores (88 vs. 68) and Oxi for tougher soils. Try Gain.
Fresh and subtle—lingers lightly without overwhelming.
At 23¢, yes for basics, but Gain Aroma Boost saves more long-term.
Moderate; opt for Tide Free & Gentle instead.
Ready for cleaner clothes? Start with our top pick Gain Flings.
