Removing Chocolate Stains

Feb 1999

Can anyone recommend a good method to get out chocolate stains? In addition, does anyone know of a good book with tips on getting out all kinds of stains? Heather

The best book I have re getting out stains is the New York Public Library Reference Desk Book. It may be called something slightly different, but my copy is in my garage w/all my other books since we moved. Sorry I can't look up chocolate for you! It's all I use the book for, actually. Leah

***Note: The New York Public Library Desk Reference says: Sponge the stain with cool water or soak in cool water for 30 min. or more. If the stain persists, work soap or detergent into it, then rinse thoroughly. Allow the article to dry. If a greasy stain remains, sponge with a grease solvent. Allow the article to dry. If a colored stain remains, use a chlorine or peroxygen bleach.

A google search (www.google.com) for the words (chocolate stain removal)leads to:
http://www.ag.uiuc.edu/~robsond/solutions/consumer/docs/barb033.html
http://www.fabriclink.com/holidaystain.html
http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~ohioline/outside/stainrem.html

The first link at UIUC says:Stain Removal--Chocolate and Cocoa Treat stains as soon as possible after staining. The older the stain, the more difficult it will be to remove. All stain removal methods should be applied prior to laundering washable garments. Stains that have been laundered and dried are almost impossible to remove. Stain removal from washable fabrics Soak in cold water. Rub detergent into stain while still wet, then rinse thoroughly. Dry. If a greasy stain remains, sponge with a safe cleaning fluid such as Energine. Rinse. Soak in a solution of cool water and a product containing enzymes such as Biz Bleach or a laundry detergent containing enzymes. Launder in hottest water safe for fabric. If stain remains, bleach with hydrogen peroxide. Wet the stain with hydrogen peroxide and add a drop or two of ammonia. Add more hydrogen peroxide and a drop of ammonia as needed to keep stain moist. Do not bleach longer than 15 minutes. Rinse with water and launder as usual. (NOTE: Ammonia should not be used on washable silks or wools). Stain removal from carpet Remove excess material by blotting up liquids with a clean absorbent towel and scraping up solids with the dull edge of a knife. Sponge lightly with cool water and blot several times. Apply diluted carpet shampoo (1 part liquid carpet shampoo to 4 parts water) with a brush or towel. Let the area dry thoroughly, then vacuum. Repeat if necessary. Jerry