How To Remove Chocolate Stains
March 28, 2023
We all love chocolate, but its sensitivity to temperature can lead to accidents and chocolate stains. And sometimes we don’t notice the stains right away until it’s harder to remove. Well, that’s okay! The good news is removing chocolate stains is possible with a bit of time and effort. Here’s how.
When chocolate gets to your clothing, what should you do? Well, the best way to prevent chocolate stains is to treat and wash your item as quickly as possible. Don’t wait for it to set and harden. But what if you didn’t notice the dark spot before? Is it too late now? Should you just throw your clothes, or your rugs, and everything else?
The first step to remove an old stain is to rub liquid detergent on the area and soak in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes. Repeat this step until the stain is soft enough to remove then follow the process below.
What makes chocolate stains so stubborn?
Chocolate contains tannins, which is a chemical that gives cacao beans their dark color. Chocolate also contains cocoa butter and other oils that are insoluble in water and will oxidize, therefore causing discoloration. Together, they make chocolate stains that will test your patience.
This is why it’s best to deal with chocolate stain as soon as possible before they set in the fabric, so it’s easier to remove them.
A good technique to do this is to solidify the oils by freezing the stain, or to clump the grease using baking soda so it can be brushed off.
Tips to Get Chocolate Stains Out of Clothes
- Remove excess chocolate. Use a spoon or the smooth side of a butter knife and carefully scrape extra chocolate. Then get a paper towel and blot the remaining oil from the fabric.
- Apply enzyme cleaner directly on the stain then sprinkle baking soda. Let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the oil and grease to clump up.
- Then use cold water to wash the back of the stain. Doing this will help loosen the chocolate and push it out of the fibers.
- Gently rub liquid detergent or stain remover into the chocolate stain from both sides of the fabric. Let it sit for 5 minutes then soak in cold water for another 15 minutes. Give it a scrub about every five minutes on opposite sides of the fabric.
- If the stain is still there, repeat step#4 and soak for 30 minutes more. Then wash the clothing as usual. Avoid placing it in the dryer unless the stain is completely gone. The heat from the dryer causes the stain to set, making them much harder to remove.
Tips to Get Chocolate Stains Out of Upholstery
- Remove excess chocolate. Use a spoon or the smooth side of a butter knife and carefully scrape extra chocolate. Then get a paper towel and blot the remaining oil from the fabric.
- Sprinkle baking soda directly on the stain. Let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the oil and grease to clump up. Brush any residue.
- Apply detergent to damp sponges, paper towels, or small cloth and gently press over the chocolate stain. Do not press too hard and do not rub. Then pat dry the area using clean paper towel. Repeat the stain is completely removed.
Conclusion
Always keep in mind that the fabric’s material is important and many stain removers can easily damage fibers in delicate fabrics like silk and wool. So, check the material in your clothing or upholstery first before doing this DIY.
Now that you know how to remove chocolate stains, lets make and eat more chocolates! Check out this easy chocolate oat bars recipe.
Store your chocolate stash properly to be able to use them longer. Follow these simple tips.
Have you tried these tips to remove chocolate stains? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and don’t forget to follow our Facebook and Twitter accounts for more fun and interesting chocolatey ideas!
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