Don’t let ghoulish and gooey Halloween chocolate stains spook you! Contrary to laundry lore, chocolate stains can usually be removed. Here are some Halloween laundry tips and tricks for removing chocolate stains.
Fresh is The Best Defense
The best defense in removing chocolate stains, or another type of spillage is to treat the spill fast prior to the stain being absorbed permanently, setting, into the fabric.
In the case of dried chocolate, gently scrape off any “caked” on remnants. A tooth pick or dull butter knife will assist with task. If the chocolate stain is very fresh and still wet, try to transfer the soiled remnants to a clean paper towel or rag. Do this in a blotting fashion. Do not further press the spilled chocolate substance into the fabric. Blot from the underside of the fabric onto the transfer surface.
It is important to read the fabric care instructions on the garment or textile items label to determine if the soiled article can be machine washed or requires dry cleaning. Items that require dry cleaning should be promptly taken in for treatment. The longer stains sit, the more likely they will become permanent.
Greasy Food Stains
Chocolate stains fall into the category of “Greasy Food Stains”. Due to the oil component of chocolate the stain is considered both a wet and dry stain. Stains from chocolate should be treated just as you would any other oil based food stain such as gravy, mayonnaise or dairy products.
Laundry Tip – Get Tough With a Pretreatment
Generously apply, to the point of saturation, the stained area with a pretreatment laundry remover that is enzyme based. Let the remover sit a full minute on the product to achieve penetration of the fibers. Heavily stained items should also be treated by applying and then rubbing liquid laundry detergent into the soiled area. After the above treatments, the item should be placed in a regular wash cycle.
If the stain has not come out, repeat the above. Do not dry the stained article as this will permanently set the chocolate stain into the fabric.
If the stains still remains after a stain remover treatment and washing, try using chlorine bleach or a color safe bleach depending on what the fabric care label states is safe. When in doubt, test drop on a hidden seam.
So enjoy your Milk Duds, Milk Ways, Musketeers without fear! Say Boo to Chocolate stains today!
That is our safe laundry tip for a Happy Halloween to all!
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