Instead of chucking a stained shirt or dress into the wash - or sending it off to the drycleaners - try spot-cleaning. I know it's a bit time consuming, but in the long run this will help preserve your clothes. Especially when there is a spot on a big-ticket article of clothing, you want to minimize the time it is blasted with harsh chemicals.

To spot-clean like a pro, press a damp white towel with a bit of delicates detergent, like ...