Chocolate stains can be tricky to remove from furniture and upholstery. The oils and fats in chocolate can sink deep into the fibers, making it difficult to get the stain out completely. However, with the right techniques and cleaning solutions, you can successfully remove chocolate stains and restore your furniture and upholstery.
What You Need to Remove Chocolate Stains
Before you start, gather the necessary supplies:
- Dish soap – Look for a degreasing dish soap, which helps cut through oil and grease stains. Dawn is a popular brand.
- White vinegar – The acetic acid in distilled white vinegar helps dissolve sugars. Undiluted white vinegar works best.
- Warm water – Use warm, not hot water. Hot water can set in chocolate stains.
- Clean cloths – Opt for soft, absorbent cloths or sponges. Microfiber cloths work well.
- Stain remover – Choose an enzymatic stain remover specifically formulated for grease, oils, and chocolate.
- Old toothbrush – For scrubbing stubborn chocolate residue.
- Laundry detergent – Liquid laundry detergents with added enzymes are ideal for spot cleaning upholstery.
- Isopropyl alcohol – Helps dissolve oils and grease. Use a 90% solution.
- Baking soda – Creates a gently abrasive paste that lifts stains.
- Hydrogen peroxide – Acts as a bleaching agent to lighten discoloration. Use a 3% solution.
- Color-safe bleach – Removes stubborn stains without fading dyes or bleaching.
How to Remove Fresh Chocolate Stains
Fresh chocolate stains that are still wet or tacky are the easiest to remove. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Blot the Stain
Immediately blot up any excess chocolate on the surface using a clean, dry cloth. Don’t rub or scrub yet, as this can push the chocolate deeper into the upholstery or fabric. Gently lift straight up to absorb as much as possible.
Step 2: Flush with Warm Water
Next, flush the stained area with warm water to dilute and loosen the chocolate. Use a damp cloth and press down firmly to soak up the chocolate deposits from the fibers. Change cloths as needed.
Step 3: Apply Dish Soap
Create a dish soap solution by mixing 2-3 drops of degreasing dish soap per 1 cup of warm water. Use a clean cloth dipped in the solution to spot treat the stain. Gently rub the solution over the stain using a circular motion.
Step 4: Rinse Well
Thoroughly rinse the area with clear water on a clean section of the cloth to remove all soap residues. Blot dry with an absorbent cloth once the stain is no longer visible.
Step 5: Repeat if Needed
Check if the stain has lifted after drying. Repeat steps 2-4 if any residue remains. This should successfully lift fresh chocolate stains.
Removing Dried or Old Chocolate Stains
For chocolate stains that have dried or set in, a bit more effort is required. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Loosen with Vinegar
Start by spritzing undiluted white vinegar over the stain. The acetic acid in vinegar will help break down sugary residues. Let it soak in for 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Create Baking Soda Paste
Make a scrubbing paste by mixing 2 tablespoons baking soda with just enough warm water to form a thick paste. Apply this paste on top of the vinegar-soaked stain.
Step 3: Scrub and Rinse
Allow the paste to sit for 5 minutes to lift the stain, then scrub using a clean toothbrush or scrub brush. Scrub for 1-2 minutes using a circular motion. Rinse thoroughly with warm water on a clean section of the cloth.
Step 4: Use Dish Soap
Make a dish soap solution as before. Use a small brush or toothbrush dipped in the solution to gently scrub any remaining residue. Rinse and blot dry.
Step 5: Treat with Hydrogen Peroxide
For stubborn discoloration, apply undiluted 3% hydrogen peroxide. Let it fizz on the stain for 2-3 minutes, then rinse. This bleaching action can lighten the stained fibers.
Step 6: Repeat if Needed
Check if the stain has been completely removed once dry. Repeat steps 1-5 focusing on any remaining discolored areas until no trace of the chocolate stain remains.
Chocolate Stain Removal By Fabric Type
Certain types of fabric and upholstery may require tweaked techniques for optimal chocolate stain removal.
Leather Furniture and Upholstery
- Wipe excess chocolate immediately with a dry cloth. Avoid scrubbing or heat.
- Mix a solution of 1 part vinegar to 1 part water. Dip a cloth in this and gently blot the stain.
- Use a clean section of the cloth to wipe the area with plain water.
- Allow to air dry. Recondition with leather cleaner once dry.
Suede Furniture and Upholstery
- Use a suede brush in one direction to lift surface chocolate.
- Blot excess chocolate carefully with paper towels. Avoid rubbing.
- Apply stain remover made for suede and delicately dab the stain.
- Use short strokes in one direction with a suede brush to restore the nap.
Wool Furniture and Upholstery
- Remove any solid chunks of chocolate gently using a dull knife.
- Mix dish soap with lukewarm water and apply to the stain with a sponge. Avoid scrubbing.
- Rinse thoroughly by dabbing with a clean sponge and water.
- Blot dry with an absorbent cloth and allow to fully dry.
Silk Furniture and Upholstery
- Gently dab fresh stains immediately with a cloth dipped in equal parts white vinegar and water.
- For dried stains, apply stain remover made specifically for silk fabrics.
- Use small, circular motions to work in the remover. Avoid vigorous rubbing.
- Rinse with a clean damp cloth and allow to fully dry.
Cotton Furniture and Upholstery
- Flush the stain well with warm water using a clean white cloth.
- Make a paste with equal parts dish soap and baking soda. Spread onto the stain thickly.
- Allow paste to dry fully, then rinse with water and blot dry.
- For stubborn stains, use a color-safe bleach as directed.
Microfiber Furniture and Upholstery
- Immediately apply isopropyl alcohol to fresh stains using a cotton ball.
- For dried stains, make a solution of 2 tbsp dish soap in 2 cups warm water.
- Dip a cloth in the solution and blot the stain, working from edges inward.
- Rinse with clean water and blot dry with a lint-free cloth.
Polyester Furniture and Upholstery
- Scrape off any solid chocolate gently using a dull knife.
- Apply a mix of 1 part vinegar to 2 parts warm water. Let sit 2-3 minutes.
- Use a soft brush dipped in dish soap solution to scrub stain.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and pat dry with an old towel.
Tips for Preventing Chocolate Stains
The easiest way to deal with chocolate stains is to avoid them in the first place. Here are some handy tips:
- Cover furniture or upholstery with blankets or slipcovers when using or serving chocolate.
- Wipe spills immediately before chocolate can soak in using a dry paper towel or cloth.
- Discourage eating chocolate in rooms with white or light-colored upholstery. The inevitable drips and drops will show.
- Apply a fabric protector spray that resists oil and water-based stains. Reapply after deep cleaning upholstery.
- Store chocolates well sealed or in covered containers to avoid melty messes. Keep chocolate out of hot environments.
- Serve young kids chocolate chips, sweets, or other melty treats on paper towels or napkins that can contain spills.
- Use washable slipcovers on furniture in kids’ rooms or play areas to simplify stain removal after inevitable mishaps.
With some preparation and quick action, chocolate stains don’t need to set in and stubbornly stick to your furniture and upholstery. Arm yourself with the right stain-fighting cleaning solutions and techniques so you can keep your interior looking like new.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get old chocolate stains out of clothes?
For dried or set-in chocolate stains on clothing, pre-treat the stain with dish soap or laundry stain remover before washing. Scrub with a clean toothbrush to work the soap into the fibers before laundering as usual with detergent. For tough stains, apply a mix of equal parts vinegar and water before washing.
What removes chocolate milk stains?
The sugars and proteins in chocolate milk can leave a sticky stain behind. Blot up any excess, then spray with vinegar and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle baking soda onto the stain and allow to sit 5 minutes before scrubbing with a brush. Rinse and follow up with dish soap or laundry detergent if needed.
How do you get chocolate out of car upholstery?
Act quickly by first scraping off excess chocolate from car upholstery or seats. Next, use a dish soap and water solution to spot clean the stain, scrubbing gently with a soft brush. For stubborn residue, make a paste of baking soda and vinegar and apply to the stain, allowing it to work for 5 minutes before rinsing clean.
Can you get chocolate stains out of silks?
Yes, chocolate can be carefully removed from delicate silks. Start by gently dabbing the stain with a cloth dipped in equal parts white vinegar and water. Avoid vigorous rubbing. For set-in stains, use a specialized silk stain remover, working it gently into the fabric. Rinse with a clean damp cloth. Let dry fully.
What gets rid of chocolate ice cream stains?
The fat in ice cream makes these stains tricky. Use ice or a plastic bag filled with ice cubes to harden the chocolate ice cream, then gently scrape off any solidified bits. Next, rub dish soap into the stain and let sit a few minutes to dissolve oils before rinsing and blotting dry with an absorbent cloth.
Conclusion
Chocolate stains can seem impossible to conquer at first glance. However, with some household products and the proper stain-fighting techniques for your particular fabric or upholstery, you can bid those pesky brown spots goodbye. Just be sure to work quickly on fresh stains and arm yourself with enzymatic cleaners, vinegar, dish soap and other grease-cutting solutions to break down those oils and sugars. A bit of patience and elbow grease will leave your furniture and upholstery looking like new once again.