Gravy: Scrape away the excess, then rinse with hot water until the stain begins to dissolve. When no more will rinse away, rub it a few times with bar soap and continue to rinse with hot water. Later: Pat a few drops of ammonia or vinegar and water water into the shirt and rinse it. Then wash in warm water.

Blood: Rinse with cool salt water, then apply a mixture of soap and cold water. Rinse and repeat. Later: If traces remain, mix soap and water with a few drops of ammonia and dab it. Then wash it in a cold-water cycle.

Red Wine: Blot away the excess wine, and rinse the area with cold water. Later: Wash it in a cold water.

Butter: Ask a coworker for some nail-polish remover. (Make sure it says "non-acetone" on the bottle) A greasy stain like this should dissolve with a few drops. Then rinse the spot with cold water. Later: If traces remain, wash it in cold water or take it to the cleaner.