Beer Spills-Apply hydrogen peroxide to dried stains on white cotton. Sponge stains on colored fabrics with white vinegar.

Blood Spots-Douse spots with hydrogen peroxide (if fabric is bleachable) or diluted ammonia before rinsing in cool water. Avoid hot water; heat will set the bloodstain.

Perspiration Stains-Rub stained areas with white vinegar before laundering. (Keep vinegar handy in a squirt bottle to saturate such stains before you toss clothes in the washing machine).

Fresh-Fruit/Vegetable Stains-Stretch fabric tight and pour hot or boiling water slowly over the stain so that water runs through the fabric.

Grass Stains-Apply rubbing alcohol liberally to stained areas before laundering.

Grease/Oil Marks-Gently rub in talcum powder, cornmeal or corn starch; let set, then brush or sponge powder away

Gum Gook-In hair, work in vegetable oil or an oil based cream until gum is loosened. On fabric, rub area with ice until gum hardens and most can be removed. Place wax paper over excess gum and iron lightly over paper.

Mustard Stains-Soak stained area with diluted ammonia before laundering.

Pet Urine-Dampen area with equal parts white vinegar and water and blot dry.

Rust Stains-Rub with lemon juice and salt, then rinse throughly with water.

Scorch Marks-Soak fabric in hydrogen peroxide, rinse; or alternate rubbing the area with a lemon slice, then wiping with a dampened sponge until stain disappears.

Wine Spills-Liberally apply club soda to spill, then sponge up soda and wine.

Bathtub/ Sink Stains-Scrub in a paste made of cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide

Brass/ copper Tarnish-Mix together equal parts salt and flour, then add enough white vinegar to make a paste. Rub into stain. (May require more than one application).

Coffee/ Tea Stains-Wipe clean with a paste made of baking soda and water, or salt and white vinegar.

Mildew-Scrub walls or floors with a brush dipped in borax and water. For books or papers, dust with talcum powder, cornmeal, or cornstarch, let set for two days and then brush off.

Price Stickers-Saturate with vegetable or baby oil before removing.

Water Spots on Stainless Steel-Rub area with a clean, soft cloth dampened with white vinegar.

Tarnish from Eggs-Rub off with table salt.

Vinyl that's Dirty-Sponge down with equal parts rubbing alcohol and water.

This article appeared in Famliy Circle 9/25/90