Elbow grease goes only so far when it comes to actual grease (and other stains). Arm yourself with this arsenal and follow the directions on the package:

Oil solvents (like K2r and Carbona, available at drugstores) are dry-cleaning fluids and can be used on dry fabrics that have greasy, oily stains.

Combination solvents (like Shout and Spray 'n Wash) attack grease, oil, and many food and makeup stains.

Digestants (a.k.a. enzyme treatments, like Biz, Axion, Era Plus, and Wisk) eat away at protein stains, like those from blood or grass.

Absorbents, like cornstarch and talcum powder, sop up grease and oil.

Bleaches fade the color of stains. They can be store-bought (Clorox is made with chlorine and is strong; Snowy is synthetic and therefore gentler) or mixed at home from ammonia (diluted with two parts water) or white vinegar or lemon juice (diluted with one part water). Use an eyedropper or a Q-tip to make sure the bleach goes only on the stain. (And never mix chlorine bleach and ammonia.)

Detergent or soap mixes with water to attack lots of stains.

Glycerin is a syrupy solvent that is especially good for ballpoint-pen stains.