Alcohol may be used if the fabric is washable or try rubbing the stain with glycerin and let it sit for 30 minutes before washing. To remove a red wine stain, saturate the stain with white wine and watch it disappear. For makeup stains, spray with hairspray, blot and repeat until the stain is removed. Wash as usual. To remove shoe polish, first scrape off as much waxy substance as you can, then clean the stain with a solution made from isopropyl alcohol and water, in equal amounts.
Whites can handle straight alcohol.
For mildew stains, sponge with lemon juice and salt. Place in the sun to dry. Wash as usual in the hottest water safe for the fabric. Repeat if necessary. Shaving cream makes a good spot remover for upholstery and carpets.