Removing Stubborn Chocolate Stains

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

27 Jul 2008 04:14 PM

If you spill something on a piece of clothing or the carpet, there is an instant sense of dread. You may rinse the stain and then hope it comes out in the wash, all of the time knowing that the garment is probably ruined and ready for the trash, or that you'll have to rearrange your furniture to cover the spot on the rug. But don't worry. There are some tried and true methods for removing some common and stubborn stains. Try these solutions first, before you think about giving up hope.

Around here chocolate is equally likely to wind up on clothing as it is inside little bellies. Chocolate fingerprints also sometimes find their way onto walls or upholstery. Here is how you can get it out. For clothing and washable fabric: Soak the item in plain cold water for at least 30 minutes. if the stain is still there after soaking, dab it with a little detergent and let that sit for five minutes. Then re-soak. Avoid rubbing as this may force the stain further into the fabric.

For upholstery and carpet: Wait until the chocolate hardens. If it is hot in your home, try using something cold. Be careful of ice because it might wet the stain. Scrape off the excess chocolate with a dull knife, such as a butter knife. Next, mix a tablespoon of liquid laundry detergent with two tablespoons of slightly warm (tepid) water. Blot the stain with the mix using a white washcloth or towel.

For walls: If you have painted walls with an eggshell or satin finish, wipe the wall gently with a damp cloth. Be careful with newly painted walls as the paint could come off if you rub hard. If your wall paint is flat, try using a magic eraser or even a new pencil eraser to remove the stain.

Would you like to learn how to get out other common stains? Please leave a comment.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. Starting June 1st, don't miss her articles in the Baby Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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