Chocolate lovers know there’s nothing quite as comforting as the taste of a nice chunk of chocolate, a slice of chocolate cake, or even a tub of chocolate ice cream for that matter. And while no chocolate-lover would ever intentionally waste their favorite treat by spilling it on their clothing, it does occasionally end up there. With the right method, however, it is possible to remove chocolate stains from clothes.
Chocolate is notoriously difficult to remove, in part because it’s a stain that’s both protein-based and oil-based. It’s also considered plant-based, because it’s made from the cocoa plant. It’s important to note then when chocolate is produced, the two main components are cocoa powder and cocoa butter. These two different substances need to be cleaned in two different ways. The powder is what leaves a visible, dark residue that stains the fabric once dried, while the butter creates a stain that’s similar to oil, leaving a greasy splotch that’s difficult to remove.
Add on the type of fabric that has been stained and you have another major issue to deal with. Delicates like wool or silk require different cleaning routines than cotton to prevent further damage.
So, what can we do to battle this tricky stain? We put together this step-by-step guide on how to remove chocolate stains from clothes so you don’t have to stress when enjoying your favorite treat.
If you have a chocolate stain that needs treating, follow these steps:
Gently scrape off any excess chocolate. If possible, freeze your garment for around 30 minutes to get the chocolate a bit harder, which makes it easier to scrape off. Only do this for non-delicate garments, as this may damage the fibers of delicate fabrics.
Flip the garment inside out and rinse the back of the stain using cold water.
Pre-treat the stain with Persil® liquid laundry detergent and let it sit for about five minutes. The enzymes in the detergent will start breaking down the stain.
Soak the garment in cold water for 10-15 minutes, gently rubbing the stain every few minutes until it has gone.
Rinse the stain thoroughly using cold water.
Wash according to care instructions, making sure to use cold water.
Air-dry the clothing. Check the stain to make sure it has gone. If not, repeat the process.
The most important part of treating chocolate stains is to make sure to always use cold water. Warm or hot water will end up setting the protein-based stain, making it much more difficult to lift.
Chocolate milk stains can be especially bothersome. Not only are they difficult to get out, milk stains end up having an unpleasant odor. Luckily, chocolate milk stains, even ones that have dried, can be removed using the same method mentioned above. Remember to use cold water when you remove chocolate milk stains.
As for delicate fabrics, make sure to do a spot test on an inconspicuous part of the garment before treating the stain. If the fabric is not colorfast or the fibers are very delicate, bring the garment to a dry cleaner to have it professionally cleaned.
Removing stains can be tough, but with our step-by-step stain removal guide and a powerful stain-fighting detergent, you’ll be prepared to chocolate stains from clothes.
For more laundry tips that help keep you looking and feeling good, explore our library of fabric care guides.