“The most effective and efficient way to spot clean a white shirt is to mix one part each of baking soda and benzoyl peroxide in small amount,” explains Freeman. “You will know the mix is right when the consistency of the solution is a somewhat loose paste. Use a soft toothbrush to gently work it in and you will see results almost instantly. This solution is especially great for wine and coffee.” Rather than using a common yet harsh chemical like bleach, Barnes says it’s best to treat stains with a stain remover, then washing on a cold cycle. She recommends Ecover Stain Remover, which uses biodegradable and plant-derived ingredients, to target tough stains without contaminating aquatic ecosystems.