How Stingray Became a Viral Sensation…

… And Why Supporting Small Businesses Matters Now More Than Ever

It’s every theatergoer’s worst nightmare: you’re at a Broadway show, proudly wearing your fabulous new white pants, when tragedy strikes. A candy bar smudges chocolate on your leg—right before you’re supposed to meet Tony Award nominee Sarah Snook. Now imagine you’re one of the most recognizable faces on the planet: Oprah Winfrey. In live theatre, wardrobe emergencies happen every day. Spilled coffee, makeup smudges, stage blood, chocolate—if it can stain, it will. That’s why, long before Stingray Spot Remover became a viral sensation, Manhattan Wardrobe Supply had already fallen in love with the miracle product.

Thankfully, in this scenario, Scotty Westervelt , a fellow Local 764 member, was able to be a literal deus ex machina and save the day. As a consummate professional—and an avid Manhattan Wardrobe Supply shopper—he knew all about Stingray and its ability to penetrate deep into fibers, breaking down stains on contact without discoloring the affected area.

When Stingray first landed on the shelves at MWS, we knew instantly: this stuff works. Our customers—dressers, stylists, stage managers, performers—knew it too. It quickly became one of those insider favorites that wardrobe crews quietly rely on to prevent discoloration disasters.

The Public Stain That Changed Everything And Made Stingray a Viral Sensation

Oprah and Gayle King shared the story publicly and subsequently featured the product in their famous “Oprah’s Favorite Things” list. And the internet did what the internet does best: it exploded. Suddenly, Stingray was everywhere—recommended, linked, reposted, reshared. Bigger retailers added it immediately. The world discovered what wardrobe professionals already knew.

In-store, we couldn’t help but smile. Because before the viral moment, before the global stampede, before the flood of “add to cart,” MWS already believed in Stingray.

How Stingray Works

THE BASICS
Stingray Instant Spot Remover is a family owned and operated company. It began in 2014 when Jean Paul Daluz, using a formula from his late father, launched Stingray Spot Remover, an exceptional multi-purpose cleaner.

THE BENEFITS
The product is biodegradable and non-toxic, so it is completely safe to have around your family and pets.

THE USES
It works wonders on all carpeting and fabrics. From automotive grease stains, juice spills on the carpet, makeup, pets, or even as a laundry pre-spotter Stingray Spot Remover gets the job done.

THE BOTTOM LINE
The solution works by penetrating deep in to the fibers, helping to break down stains on contact, without discoloring the affected area.

The Power of Small, Specialist Shops

When products go viral, people often assume they launched with giant retailers. But in reality, many of the best tools in our industry take off because small, specialized businesses champion them first—places where working pros gather, trade knowledge, and talk about what actually holds up under pressure.

At MWS, we stay close to the products we carry. We talk directly with the crews who use them eight shows a week and the costumer who rely on them on film and televisions sets. We choose our inventory deliberately, and we stand behind every item.

So while we love watching Stingray enjoy its well-earned moment in the spotlight, we also want to honor the local makers, innovators, and shops that lift great products long before they reach the mainstream.

Why Shopping Small Matters More Than Ever

When you buy from a small business like Manhattan Wardrobe Supply, you’re supporting:

• Real industry professionals whose livelihoods depend on craft, reliability, and community

• Product discovery that prioritizes effectiveness, not algorithms

• Independent makers and niche brands that large retailers often overlook

• A local NYC institution that’s been serving theatre, film, and fashion since 1998.

Viral moments come and go—but the backstage magic that keeps performers looking flawless? That’s built every day by the small businesses and artisans who care deeply about their craft.

Stingray: Still a Favorite. Still on Our Shelves.

If you’re here because you saw the viral clip, or the social posts, or the gift list—welcome. You’re in the right place. At Manhattan Wardrobe Supply, we’ve loved Stingray from the beginning 12 years ago and we’re proud to continue offering it to the community that recognized its power long before the internet did.

And when the next big backstage secret becomes a global sensation? Chances are, it’ll be something we believed in early—just like always.