Chocolates are a town favorite. Indulged in different forms–chocolate ice cream, chocolate chip cookies, regular chocolate bars – they are a delight to both young and old.

What isn’t a delight is biting into the deliciousness only to find its gooey counterparts on the front of your shirt. That can lead to a loss of appetite.

Chocolate is notorious for being difficult to remove. That, however, is not entirely correct. Yes, it is more difficult the longer it remains on, but it is not impossible! This guide will show you quick and simple steps to remove stubborn but sugary goodness from your favorite outfits!

You will also learn a little about why chocolate causes such havoc–some would say, why something so sweet acts so bitter– and you’ll find out how to get it out of your carpet and upholstery too.

One thing you should note is that for chocolate stains, you need to act quickly! Also, before you start doing your own laundry, check the care label for instructions or requirements.

You’ll have to ensure that you handle your furniture differently, as well. You should have it professionally cleaned if the fabric is silk or vintage.

Why Do Chocolates Leave Stains?

Getting rid of chocolate stains is a common struggle, and there is also a collective thought about why it leaves such a persistent stain. Chocolates contain two main components responsible for the stains; Dark tannins and oils.

This dark tannin is an ingredient in chocolate cocoa powder. It contributes to the darkness of the chocolate. They are found in chocolates, tea, coffee, and red grapes. All of these have in common dark red or brown stains left behind from their spills.

Cold water is the best way to get rid of these kinds of stains. Applying cold water immediately, the tannin gets on the fabric, preventing it from setting and causing a stain.

The second of the dynamic duo is the cocoa butter or vegetable oil present in chocolate. These oils contribute to the smoothness of chocolate. The best way to deal with oil is first to soak it up and then fight it with a known opponent like detergent. Dish soaps or detergents are effective means of getting rid of oil-based stains.

Since there are two causative agents of the stains, this means you have to tackle chocolate stains with more than just a wash. Don’t fret, you’ll be properly informed.

How to Remove Chocolate Stains from Clothes

The materials and equipment used for this procedure are household items such as butter knives, washing machines, dish soap, cold water, and the like.

1. Scrape off the excess to Remove Chocolate Stains from Clothes

This could be dealt with in two ways. The extra chocolate could be removed immediately with a butter knife. Alternatively, you could place your fabric in the freezer for the chocolate to harden before removing the top.

Of course, the second option creates less of a mess. However, if you need to remove the stain quickly, the first method would also work; but extreme caution is required.

If you choose to store the cloth in the fridge first, keep it away from other items to avoid causing further damage. Refrigerate the garment for 10 to 15 minutes. Place the fabric on a flat surface, then carefully chip at the chocolate with a spoon or the edge of a credit card.

While scraping, ensure not to push the chocolate bits onto unaffected areas. This step simply ensures that when the real process begins, you are working with less, not more.

2. Use Cold Water to Remove Chocolate Stains from Clothes

Now, go over to your kitchen sink and run the tap directly on the stained spot, both front and back. The force of the running water coerces the chocolate from the fibers of the cloth.

While hot water may be helpful, it is also dangerous because it may set the stain. It loosens up the bits that don’t come out with the cold water. As a result, it makes it easier for the detergent to get in and work.

You could also use rubbing alcohol on the affected area for this step. Rubbing alcohol is especially effective for removing stubborn stains. Or, you could spray hand sanitizer on this spot as this also contains alcohol which is good for removing stains.

3. Pretreat the Stain to Remove Chocolate Stains from Clothes

Soak the stained area in your preferred prewash stain remover. You can also use your heavy-duty liquid detergent or dish soap. These are all very effective regarding dirt, grease, or oils.

Rub the substance into the spot with your fingers from the front and back and allow it to sit for about five minutes. Ensure you do not rinse.

Then, soak the fabric in cold water for about 15 minutes. Rub the stained area again at 5-minute intervals. This aids in the separation of the two ingredients from the fibers.

4. Use a More Powerful Stain Remover to Remove Chocolate Stains from Clothes

This step is only necessary if the last step does not remove the stain completely. If you can still see the stain after all that, it is time to bring out the real deal–baking soda. Baking soda humbly takes the award for the best household item for removing stains.

Pour some cold water on the stubborn stain. Put some baking soda on the damp stain and massage it using your fingers. This could be done on opposite sides simultaneously. Continue until the stain is completely out.

Another natural household staple that can be used in place of baking soda is vinegar. Combine 1 part vinegar and 1 part water and soak the spot for ten minutes.

Here’s how to make your own stain remover: Get a dish soap, like the Dawn, and mix one part of it with two parts of 3% diluted hydrogen peroxide. Apply this solution directly onto the stain. Then, blot the stain with a clean cloth.

This is a superpower combo because while the dish soap attacks the oils, the peroxide combats the dark color of the tannin. However, be cautious of bleaching.

This stain remover is mostly recommended for white clothes. If you use it on colored clothing and notice a color change, stop the process.

If not, continue for 15 minutes. It is also essential you wear protective gloves when using this remover because peroxide is harsh on bare skin.

5. Wash the clothes to Remove Chocolate Stains from Clothes

Wash the clothes with hot water according to the care label. Use your regular cycle. Or if you’re hand washing, wash as you normally would. When you’re done, check properly for stains. If you still see stains, rewash with a detergent booster.

6. Line-dry the clothes to Remove Chocolate Stains from Clothes

Ensure you do not dry your clothes with a dryer. This is because any remaining stains will immediately set and become impossible to remove. Instead, hang your washed laundry to dry. Also, be sure to spread it under a shade. Spreading it directly in the sun can cause sun bleaching.

How to Remove Old Chocolate Stains

Getting rid of the chocolate stain your child just freshly imprinted on their clothes is one thing. However, getting rid of the chocolate stains from your child’s laundry that you procrastinated on for more than a week is another. Old stains of any kind are difficult to remove because they have settled deeply into the fabric’s fibers.

With chocolates, it’s even worse because it contains the two worst stain offenders. Immediate cleaning is necessary. Here’s the simple procedure:

Chocolates dry out after a while. Still, you should begin by chipping away the excesses with a butter knife.

After that, take your liquid detergent and rub it into the fabric from opposite ends simultaneously. To loosen the fabric, soak it in cold water for an hour. Then, wash and line dry as usual.

If that doesn’t work, try this: Wet the stained spot with distilled white vinegar. Blot the area with paper towels. Then baking soda comes in to finish things off.

Scrub a baking soda and water solution into the stained area with a soft, bristled brush. If the care label allows it, wash in hot water with detergent. This will be sure to get out that stubborn stain.

Again, do not dry your clothes with a dryer, just in case. You want to be able to keep trying if the stain is still present afterward.

How to Remove Chocolate Stains from Upholstery and Carpets

Chocolate stains are even more of a pain to get out of carpets and upholstery because they are not mobile like clothes. You cannot take them to the sink and run cold water through them. However, following these simple and similar steps will give you a chocolate-free carpet or couch.

To begin, remove any chocolate residue. You can either use a dull knife to lift the particles off or a vacuum cleaner to suck up the excesses. Vacuum cleaners work well because their nozzles allow them to target specific, smaller areas.

If the chocolate is fresh and still gooey, you can use a towel to gently dab it. Be careful not to spread it, though.

If you are concerned about making a mess with the towels, solidify the chocolate by placing a plastic bag of ice cubes on the stain. You can try once it becomes difficult.

Now, make your cleaning solution which could be a solution of liquid detergent and water or other stain removers like enzyme cleaners or vinegar solution. If you’re going for the detergent solution, here’s how:

Step 1:

Combine one tablespoon of liquid detergent and two cups of cold water. Apply it to the stain with a sponge or an old toothbrush. Do not be too enthusiastic so the item doesn’t get too wet and the stain does not spread. Continue by rinsing the toothbrush with clean water at intervals to remove the stain.

Step 2:

When the stain remover has rested on the stain for about ten minutes, it is time to clean it up. You can not exactly wash it off, so grab some towels. Use it to soak up any excess stain remover. To clean, dab gently rather than rubbing.

If the stain remains, reapply the sponge or toothbrush. When the stain has been removed, dab the remover away with a clean towel. Allow your carpet or couch to dry completely.

For a carpet, you can pour some cornstarch on the spot. It acts like an absorbent to soak up moisture. After some time, brush it away. On the spot vacuum a couch. It loosens the fibers and dislodges particles in the fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can You Get the Chocolate Out Without Washing It?

Yes. While you should not expect it to look brand new afterward, you can. If you are outside and you at least need to look presentable, try steps (1) and (2). Then, rub the spot with hand soap for a few minutes and rinse again.

What Else Can I Use to Get Out Stains?

Lemon juice is also effective! If you don’t have baking soda, vinegar, or peroxide, lemon juice is a good substitute.

How Do I Get Chocolate Out of My Jeans?

Apply a dish soap and water solution to the stain. Baking soda can also be used to help lift the particles.

Final Words

Chocolates in the mouth are sweet, but chocolates on clothes are a nightmare. Chocolate spills on clothes, carpets, your brand-new couch, and even the walls are unavoidable when you have children, and you will be responsible for the cleanup.

Don’t worry, if you follow these steps and take all of the precautions, you’ll be able to say goodbye to those stubborn chocolate stains! Kindly leave a comment below f you have any questions or suggestions.