You come home from a long day, toss your tee in the hamper, and don't think about it until laundry day. By then, that coffee or sauce stain has had time to bond with the fibers. Here's what to do:

• Act fast: As soon as you notice a stain, pre-treat it with a dab of liquid detergent or a stain stick. Gently rub it in, then let it sit for 5–10 minutes before washing.
• For sweat stains (yellow underarms), make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it, and let it sit for 30 minutes before washing.
• Avoid hot water on stains—it can set them. Cold water is your friend.

If the stain is already dried, soak the tee in cold water with a bit of detergent for an hour before washing. It's not a guarantee, but it's your best shot.