It doesn't live up to its name! (Dr Beckmann Stain Slayer)

Member Name: kingfisher111

Product:	Dr Beckmann Stain Slayer
Date:	01/12/08 (656 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: works well on food stains

Disadvantages: disappointing on ink

I was rather dismayed the other day when I discovered that my five year old daughter had been drawing in bed with a purple felt tip pen. Not only had she created a rather stunning creation on paper but it had also spread onto all her gorgeous pink and white bedding! Although obviously admiring her artistic talent it was all I could do to stop myself from shouting very loudly!

After I had calmed down a little I set about trying to repair the damage. Obviously a normal wash on its own was unlikely to have much impact so I needed to find a strong stain remover and if possible something that was particularly targeted at ink.

Unfortunately Sainsburys did not have a great selection and nothing specifically for ink. I did however spot this promising little spray called Dr Beckmann's Stain Slayer. It's quite a small little can containing 100 ml of spray. It claims to be suitable for clothing, carpets and upholstery which I thought would be useful as we are always getting spills and stains in our living room. It says that this multi purpose formula removes a plethora of stains including chewing gum, candle wax, gravy, butter, tar and even FELT PEN!!

It also displays a rather persuasive statement on the can - it works because we care about cleaning. Well with that and the very convincing name, I was sold and I soon parted with £1.99 and set off home with hope in my heart!

The instructions for use are really quite simple. Spray on the offending stain, leave for a couple of minutes and then rinse thoroughly under warm water while brubbing gently. The spray does have a really strong citrus smell which you can't fail to notice. It's reasonably pleasant but very overpowering.

The first stains I tried removing were some of those horrible greasy stains that you get sometimes when cooking. After following the instructions I put the clothes in a normal wash and when this was complete I was quite impressed to see that the stain had virtually disappeared. In fact the stain slayer seems to work pretty well on all food stains.

Of course the big test was whether the stain slayer would work on the felt pen stains. I dutifully followed the instructions and used the stain remover on the duvet cover, the pillow case and the sheet (oh yes - she managed to get the full set!). Unfortunately, after the wash and although they have faded slightly, the felt pen stains are still there. I was really disappointed because I really had hopes it would work, especially after all its claims. I think that if I continue to use it, the stains might fade a little more over time but it was definitely not the resounding success I had hoped for.

I will still use the stain slayer though, especially on messy food stains but at the same time I will continue with my quest to discover the ultimate stain remover for ink - any suggestions gratefully received!

As I said I bought it in Sainsburys for £1.99 which was not too bad a price. However, I notice at the moment that it is on offer at £1.32.

Summary: Does not live up to its name!