December is here, and that means it’s finally acceptable to eat chocolate for breakfast. From advent calendars to desserts, chocolatey treats are synonymous with the holiday season. Yet, when chocolate melts it can wreak havoc on your clothes or household items. Can you remove chocolate stains at home? Sometimes. Before you tackle any kind of stain at home, always check the care label. Care labels with “dry clean only” instructions should always be sent to a professional. Here are our top tips on how to remove chocolate stains from you clothes, area rugs, and table cloths. 

How to Remove Chocolate Stains from Your Clothes 

Have you ever gone to wipe your chocolatey fingers on your serviette only to realize you actually used your pants? No need to fear. Here’s how to remove chocolate stain from your clothes:

1. First, grab a dull knife and scrape away any excess chocolate from the stained area.

2. Toss your garment into the freezer or rub an ice cube gently over the stain so the chocolate doesn’t melt and cause further damage.

3. Next, turn your garment inside out and flush the stain with cold running water. After you’ve treated the stain, wash your garment as usual. Like eggnog stains, chocolate stains are classified as “protein stains” and best removed with enzymatic detergents.

And if the stain isn’t gone? Try to wash your garment again or consider leaving it damp and bringing it to a dry cleaner as soon as possible. Drying your garment and adding heat will set the stain into the fabric, and could cause irreversible damage. At Gibson’s we recognize our customer’s needs for convenient service and will be open throughout the holiday season. 

How to Remove Chocolate Stains From Your Rug

If a chocolate stain finds its way to your area rug, there is no need to fret. Here’s what to do: 

1. First, isolate the stain by dabbing or scraping away any leftover chocolate bits.

2. To remove the chocolate stain from your carpet or area rug, mix a small amount of dishwasher detergent with water. Wet a clean cloth or paper towel with this solution and dab the stained area. Let the solution sit for 10 to 15 minutes.

3. Finally, flush the area with cold water and let the rug air dry.

After the holidays, we always recommend scheduling an area rug cleaning pick up to ensure your rugs are fresh and clean. Our area rug cleaning service includes free pick up and delivery. We currently pick up area rugs in the following neighbourhoods: Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton. 

How to Remove Chocolate Stains from Your Table Cloth 

A tablecloth is the focal point of a table – until it’s stained with fondue chocolate or accidently used as a serviette! Here’s how to remove chocolate stains from your tablecloth.

1. First, scrape away any excess chocolate with a butter knife and then cool the stained area with an ice cube.

2. Use the same mixture of dishwasher or dish soap to blot the stain away.

3. Next, sprinkle baking soda over the stain to soak up oil or grease. Work the baking soda into the stain using a clean toothbrush, then let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Prepare to take your tablecloth to the dry cleaner for a secondary cleaning and professional press. 

While chocolate is delicious, it can be a menace when it comes to your wardrobe or home decor. While we hope you don’t need this guide during your holiday, remember our team at Gibson’s is always here to help and answer any of your garment or home care questions. Happy holidays!