I know this sounds like a super basic question, but Japan does sometimes do things different than I would usually expect. I don’t know if this is one of those cases. Typically (where I am from) we go to larger supermarket chains in my home country, then “go to the laundry product section” and find the stain remover. Easy.
However, in my local area I have been to every conbini (7-11, Family Mart, Lawson, My Basket, Daily Yamazaki), and to the larger 24-7 super market chain (Peacock). And none of these places seem to have anything beyond simple washing powder, and when I try to ask the staff for assistance they almost feel the word “stain remover” is a foreign word / concept (I don’t know if it’s just my own bad luck), and have no idea what to do or how it should look like.
I cannot for the life of me know where to go from here just for (what should be) such a simple product.
Any advice? I live around the Nihonbashi Hamacho area if any one local in the area would happen to know.
12 comments
Go to a drug store. They usually have a lot of cleaning supplies.
>I know this sounds like a super basic question, but Japan does sometimes do things different than I would usually expect. I don’t know if this is one of those cases. Typically (where I am from) we go to larger supermarket chains in my home country, then “go to the laundry product section” and find the stain remover. Easy.
I….wha….
Why are you going to convenience stores? Do convenience stores where you live carry a full selection of cleaning products…?
>word “stain remover” is a foreign word
Why are you asking for something in English…? At least give them the Japanese word for it… (シミ取り）
Go to a drug store. Go to a large supermarket like an Aeon. Go to any store that isn’t a 7-11 or tiny corner store…
If you want to buy at the store, drug stores and Donki would carry brands like Oxiclean and ワイドハイター .
JpnGal stocks up on “Tide Stain Remover Pen” whenever we visit the US. She swears by those things. Amazon JP has them available on Prime (marked up of course).
Also try vinegar and baking soda, natural way to clean all sorts of things.
Try Utamaro laundry soap. They definitely have it in drugstores and grocery stores, and I _think_ I sometimes see it in combinis?
It is nuts. I ran out and had thrown away the bottle. I went to drugstores, supermarkets and home centers and finally found something that cleaned socks. Ugh! I think I finally went with Attack in a spray bottle.
This was months ago. Was in a Joyful AK last week, and suddenly they had a full selection. Including Nanox’s Shimi Tabekoboshi, which is exactly what I wanted. Good for blood, too, the label says.
Keep looking. It’ll show up. Shokuyoku no aki and all that, there’s bound to be more food stains.
https://www.amazon.co.jp/s?k=food+stain+remover&crid=EQL4NMI7QDIO&sprefix=%2Caps%2C224&ref=nb_sb_ss_recent_1_0_recent
Combinis almost all sell this, or another brand which looks identical to it: https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Stain-Removal-Rescue-Absorbent-Sheets/dp/B082RKG7G9
Like others said, Oxiclean is widely available.
My go-to though is washing liquid you use in the kitchen for dishes on the stain. Usually works.
Costco has a great spray. I haven’t found anything as good in Japanese stores. Maybe you can get it on Amazon.
https://www.costco.co.jp/c/Sprayn-Wash-Resolve-650ml-42L/p/423836
National Azabu stocks imported household and laundry products on their second floor. It’s quite expensive, but also an option if there’s a particular kind of treatment that you’re looking for.
Tokyu Hands has about 8 different types of Stain Devil stain removers (small yellow bottle and it’s in English too). Literally one for tomato sauce, one for grease, etc etc.