Chocolate Stain Removal
Most of us like to enjoy a chocolate treat every once in a while, and they’re often the favorite goody for our kids. Chocolate can create a mess, however, and can easily stain your clothes. If you have a stain to take care of, here are some tips to help you take care of it.
Types of Chocolate Stains
Chocolate ice cream, chocolate milk, chocolate sauce, chocolate pie- the list of possible chocolate treats can go on and on. While you may do your best to avoid a stain, when they happen it’s important to know how to take care of them. Luckily, getting rid of the unsightly brown stains is simple.
Remove Chocolate Stains: Step by Step
- Remove as much excess chocolate as possible
- Turn the clothing inside out and flush the back of the stain with soda water or cold running water
- Choose a detergent that works well for the fabric color and type
- Pre-treat the stain by applying the stain remover, then soaking the garment
- Wash in the hottest water possible according to the garment label
- Check the stain to see if it’s gone
Act Quickly
The first thing you need to do for effective chocolate stain removal is to remove as much excess chocolate on the garment as possible. Then, turn the clothing inside out so you see the back of the stain. Flush it with cold running water or soda water.
Pre-Treat the Area
Check the colorfastness of the fabric, then apply the detergent to the stain. Rub it in thoroughly until it saturates the fabric. Soak the garment for at least 15 minutes, rubbing the stain occasionally.
Wash and Rinse
Check the garment label on the clothing to determine the highest water temperature allowed for the clothing. Wash using your detergent.
Check for the Chocolate Stain After Washing
Always check the stain after washing to see if it is completely gone. If not, repeat the above steps.
Getting Chocolate Stains Out of White Clothes
Need to get a chocolate stain out of white shirt or pair of pants? This type of brown stain can quickly become permanent if you aren’t careful. One of the best ways to take care of it is to revert the chocolate to a solid state. To do this, place the garment in a plastic bag and stick it in the freezer. Once the stain is frozen, use a spoon or blunt knife to scrape the chocolate off the clothes.
After you do this, follow the steps above to flush, pre-treat and wash the clothing and get rid of the stain.
Special Conditions of Chocolate Stains
So, what do you do when the stain is old or dried? Dried chocolate stain removal isn’t as hard as you might think. The secret is pre soaking in cool water. Let the stain soak overnight in cool water mixed with your detergent of choice, then wash it the following day.
Chocolate happens and stains do too. Don’t let a moment of bliss ruin your favorite clothing. Use these simple steps to get rid of chocolate stains.