Just in time for you to plan for Valentine’s Day! How do you remove those stains from chocolate treats from your carpets and upholstery? This article from The Spruce has tips to help!
How to Remove Chocolate Stains from Carpet and Upholstery
Whether it is a fancy (and expensive) chocolate creation or just a simple chocolate candy bar, chocolate is perfect except when it stains your favorite shirt or lands on the carpet or sofa upholstery. These stain removal tips will work for milk, dark and even white chocolate.
How to Remove Chocolate Stains on Carpet
Try to lift as much of the chocolate off the carpet as possible with a dull knife or spoon. If it is melted or liquid, place an ice cube on it for a minute to harden the chocolate and make it easier to lift away.
For the remaining stain, dampen a clean white cloth with water and drop a bit of dishwashing detergent on the cloth. Working from the outside edge of the chocolate stain toward the center, rub in the detergent. Do your best to prevent spreading the stain. Allow the detergent to sit on the stain for at least five minutes.
Wet a clean white cloth with water and “rinse” the area to remove the detergent. Repeat until you feel no more soap because soapy residue can actually attract soil. Allow to air dry and vacuum to lift carpet fibers.
How to Remove Chocolate Stains on Upholstery
Grab that dull knife or spoon and lift away as much chocolate as you can. Unless your couch is silk (if it is, just call a professional), mix one tablespoon dishwashing detergent with two cups cold water. Work from the outside of the stain toward the center sponging the solution with a clean white cloth.
Use a dry cloth to blot away the moisture and repeat until the stain is gone. Do one final sponge with clear water and allow to air dry. If the upholstery is vintage, consult a professional or if you need more stain removal tips.
Bous Tip: How to Remove Chocolate Stains on Washable Clothes
When it is time to wash the stained item, treat with a prewash stain remover spray or gel like Zout or Shout or Spray ‘n Wash or a bit of heavy duty liquid detergent (Tide or Persil are rated as the best brands) and then launder as recommended on the care label.
If the chocolate stain is huge or has been left on the clothes for a week or more, you should do a presoak using oxygen bleach and cool water. Mix a solution of oxygen-based bleach (brand names are: OxiClean, Nellie’s All Natural Oxygen Brightener, or OXO Brite) and cool water. Submerge the entire garment. Allow it to soak for at least four hours or overnight and then launder as usual. This is safe to use for all washable fabrics – white and colored – except for silk, wool and anything trimmed with leather.
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If the stain is stubborn, it’s time to call J and R’s Carpet Cleaning! Contact us today and request your FREE quote.