Abstract: A stearate-matrix, pre-spotter composition in solid stick form to be applied by direct contact to stained areas of fabric, thereby transferring the composition to the stained areas of the fabric. The composition includes an alkyl aromatic sulfonic acid and/or sulfonate, at least one nonionic surfactant, and an enzyme uniformly dispersed throughout a semi-hard stearate matrix. By the addition of sodium bicarbonate, the composition optimizes the pH to promote enzyme action, while simultaneously achieving a satisfactory drop point for shipping and warehousing. At pH levels from 8.2 to 9.0, acceptable hardness and transferability are still achieved, which was previously thought not to be possible without the addition of a critical amount of certain salts. The further addition of sodium bicarbonate in an encapsulated form directs the sodium bicarbonate-driven soil and stain removing capabilities of the composition to the point of application on the fabric.