There’s no bigger bummer than sitting down to enjoy a chocolatey snack and noticing that a piece has fallen on your blouse and left a stain. Not to worry, getting a chocolate stain out doesn’t have to be a hassle. Here is a quick breakdown of what exactly causes staining, and how to remove chocolate stains in just four steps.
What Causes Chocolate Stains?
Chocolate contains two elements that frequently cause stains: tannins and oils. Tannins are a natural, highly pigmented substance that is also found in tea, coffee, and wine. Tannin stains are best dealt with as soon as possible to prevent setting–but are absolutely able to be removed when properly treated. Oil stains are best treated with a detergent or cleaning product that contains enzymes, which will cut through and break down oil.
Now that you know what causes these stains, let’s learn how to remove chocolate stains step by step.
How to Remove Chocolate Stains
What you’ll need: Ultra Concentrated Laundry Detergent, White Vinegar, Oxi Booster Pods.
Step 1: Remove remains
First things first when it comes to chocolate stain removal: remove the offending sweet treat! Gently blot or scrape off any excess chocolate that might be lingering on your garment. You may want to use a butter knife or the edge of a credit card. Be careful not to rub it into the fabric, as this may set the stain further!
Step 2: Rinse
Run cold water through the back of the stain to wet the stain in preparation for pretreatment and to help push the chocolate out of the fibers.
Step 3: Pretreat
Pretreat the stain with a laundry detergent that contains enzymes. You can apply a liquid detergent, like our Ultra Concentrated Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent, directly to the stain, or you can dissolve a laundry pod in warm water and soak the garment. Allow the detergent to sit, gently rubbing at the stain every 3-5 minutes, and then rinse in cold water. Repeat this process if needed until the stain is gone.
Step 4: Wash
Once the stain is lifted, wash the item as normally recommended by the care label. Consider adding an Oxi Booster for extra stain removal power and brightening!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about how to remove chocolate stains? We’re here to help.
Are Chocolate Stains Permanent? Do Chocolate Stains Come Out?
Chocolate stains are not permanent. If you act quickly and follow our guide, chocolate stains should come out quickly and easily. The longer you wait to tackle the stain, the harder it is to remove it–but even stubborn set in chocolate stains can be removed with the proper products and patience!
How Do You Get Set In Chocolate Stains Out of Clothes?
You may not know how to get chocolate out of clothes once a stain has set in. While it is more difficult to tackle a stubborn set in stain, it’s not impossible to remove it! Create a solution using cool water, Ultra Concentrated Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent, and white vinegar. Soak the stain in this liquid overnight. By morning, the stain should be nearly, if not completely gone. Repeat the stain fighting process if needed. You can then rinse the stain and wash the garment as usual!
Does Dish Soap Remove Chocolate Stains?
Dish soap can be used to get chocolate out of clothes in a pinch! Soak the stain in a solution of water and dish soap and gently rub at it every few minutes to remove it. The enzymes in the dish soap should break down the source of the stain and lift it out of the fabric.