How to wash chocolate stains off clothes: useful and effective tips

Yes, chocolate stains clothes. However, is that a reason to deny yourself the pleasure of eating it? If you know how to properly clean stains from the fabric, it should not be a problem.

OBOZ.UA asked fabric care experts for their advice on how to deal with traces of chocolate. They approach the issue from the point of view of whether the clothes can be washed in the machine or only dry-cleaned. So, find out what kind of item needs care, and then get to work.

If the item is machine washable

Unlike most stains, chocolate is best cleaned when it has dried or hardened. Therefore, put a few ice cubes in a plastic bag and apply it to the stain or put the item in the freezer for about 10 minutes. When the chocolate has hardened, scrape off as much as you can with a spoon, dull knife, or old credit card. Be sure to avoid friction so that the stain is not rubbed deep into the fibers.

When all the hard particles have been removed, turn the fabric over with the unstained side facing up and rinse it under a strong stream of cold water. If you have stained clothing that you are wearing, blot the stain with a cloth or paper towel dipped in cold water.

When you have removed all that can be cleaned in this way, apply a small amount of enzyme laundry detergent or a suitable stain remover. Gently rub the product in with your fingers to make sure it penetrates the fabric. Leave it to work for 15 minutes and then put the item in the washing machine or wash it by hand if it is a delicate item. If you are still wearing the stained garment, apply a drop of stain remover to the stain. It may not remove the chocolate completely, but it will make it easier to solve the problem later.

After washing, make sure that the chocolate residue is completely gone. If not, don't put the item in the dryer as this will only set the stain in place. Instead, soak it in oxygen bleach for a few hours. This bleach is safe for all white and colored fabrics, except for silk, wool, and leather goods. After soaking, wash the item again. If the stain persists, use the bleach again.

If the item needs dry cleaning

For clothes that can only be cleaned chemically, start by freezing the chocolate stain and scraping off the residue. Once it is removed, immediately take the item to the dry cleaner and, when you hand it in, point out the stain and explain that it is chocolate.

If you are using a home dry cleaning kit, treat the chocolate stain with the stain remover that comes with the kit and only then put it in a cleaning bag and send it to the dryer.

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