(Business 2.0) - Between the hustle to the airport, the race to the hotel, and the hurried dinner meeting, you may face every traveler's worst nightmare: a messy stain that ruins your spiffy outfit. Don't panic. Using ingredients that are often close at hand, these time-tested tricks can help you erase the evidence of five common spills.

Warning: Do not use these tips on "dry-clean only" garments, such as silks or wool blends.

BLOOD

1 Soak with Salted Water. 2 Rinse. 3 Apply clear liquid soap. 4 Rinse with lukewarm water. 5 Repeat steps 3 and 4 as needed.

INK

1 Place a paper towel under the stain and apply hair spray. 2 Rinse with water. 3 Pour nail polish remover onto the stain. 4 Rinse.

COFFEE

1 Blot. 2 Gently rub the spot with clear shampoo. 3 Rinse with hot water. 4 Repeat shampooing and rinsing as needed.

RED WINE

1 Douse the spot with white wine. 2 Blot. 3 Pour salt onto the stain and let stand one to two minutes. 4 Rinse with cold water. 5 Repeat the entire process as needed.

GREASE

1 Sprinkle with salt and let stand, dry, for 10 minutes. 2 Scrape off the salt. 3 Gently rub in clear hand soap or dish detergent. 4 Alternatively, use baking-soda-based toothpaste. 5 Rinse with hot water.