“Good Housekeeping Stain Rescue! The A-Z Guide to Removing Smudges, Spots & Other Spills,” offers a collection of stain-busters to keep on hand:

¢ Absorbents: Cornstarch, cornmeal and talcum powder to sop up greasy stains.

¢ Ammonia: Purchase the nonsudsy, unscented household version for dried blood, perspiration, juice, felt-tip pen, urine and other acid-based stains.

¢ Bleach: Keep two types, chlorine and oxygen (all fabric). When in doubt, use the oxygen bleach. .

¢ Glycerine: Softens hardened stains on carpets and upholstery, can be purchased at pharmacies.

¢ Hydrogen peroxide: Useful for stubborn stains that include bird droppings, feces and chocolate. Use a 3 percent solution.

¢ Rubbing alcohol: Removes pencil, mascara and colored candle-wax residue, even from dry-cleanables.

¢ Waterless hand cleaner: Good as prewash for stubborn oil and grease stains.

¢ White vinegar: Particularly effective on old perspiration stains and for neutralizing pet stains and odors on carpets and upholstery.