How to Get Chocolate Out of Clothes, Whether Fresh or Set-In

It doesn’t get much better than biting into a piece of rich, decadent chocolate. But when chocolate, in any of its various forms, happens to get on your clothes? That’s another story. A melted chocolate bar, liquid hot chocolate or a smear of chocolate frosting are all going to cause dark brown stains.

Although chocolate can be difficult to remove, it’s not permanent—as long as you take the right stain-fighting approach. Here’s how to get chocolate out of clothes, carpet and upholstery in a few easy steps.

Will Chocolate Stain Clothes?

Chocolate will certainly cause a stain on your clothes, but if you act quickly, you’ll never be able to tell it was there. Why does chocolate stain? The dark color has a lot to do with it, of course. Chocolate is made from the fruit of cacao trees, which are high in tannins—a naturally occurring organic compound known for their dark pigments. (Tannins are also found in wine and tea, both of which stain.)

Chocolate stains can be oily as well, due to the butter content. It’s no surprise that a dark, greasy chocolate stain is intimidating to remove, but we’ve got the right steps to save your favorite shirt—even if it’s white!

How to Remove Fresh Chocolate Stains from Clothes

TMB Studio

Things You’ll Need

• Dull knife or spoon
• Cold water
• Enzyme detergent

Directions

1. While the stain is fresh, immediately use a dull knife or a spoon to slough away as much of the chocolate as you can from the fabric. (Editor’s Tip: With solid chocolate that’s starting to melt, you can place the garment in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. This will help solidify the chocolate and make it easier to lift off.)
2. Turn the garment inside out and rinse the stain with cold water. This will help flush the stain out of the fabric.
3. Apply enzyme detergent like Tide Ultra Stain Release directly to the stain. Enzymes help to break down components in the stain. Help the detergent permeate the stain with a soft-bristled toothbrush or gently rub the fabric together. Let the detergent sit for five to 10 minutes.
4. Without rinsing off the detergent, run the stained garment through a regular cycle of laundry on the hottest water setting.
5. When the cycle is finished, check the garment and repeat the process as needed. Do not put the stained clothing in the dryer util the stain is completely vanished. Otherwise, the stain might permanently set in the fibers.

How to Remove Set-In Chocolate Stains from Clothes

Things You’ll Need

• Dull knife or spoon
• Stain remover
• Enzyme detergent
• Oxygen bleach

Directions

1. Set-in chocolate stains will take a little more work to remove. First, scrape away any dry, solid chocolate left on the garment.
2. Apply a strong stain remover. Shout Advanced Stain Remover has a built-in scrubber brush in the lid that will help work the product into the stained fibers. Let it sit for about five minutes.
3. Wash the stained garment along with a regular load of laundry. Use an enzyme detergent and a scoop of color-safe oxygen bleach, like OxiClean, to help boost stain-fighting power.
4. If the stain is still visible after the wash cycle, repeat this process as needed before drying.

How to Get Chocolate Out of Carpet and Upholstery

TMB Studio

Things You’ll Need

• Vacuum
• Ice cube
• Spoon
• Stain remover
• Clean cloth

Directions

1. Vacuum any dried chocolate flakes. You can also use an ice cube to harden the chocolate and then gently scrape it away with a spoon.
2. Apply a stain remover. We like Folex Instant Spot Remover because it uses surfactants that break up proteins and oils without added solvents or harsh chemicals. It’s a carpet stain remover, but it’s also safe to use on upholstery.
3. After applying a generous amount of stain remover, gently agitate with your finger. Then, blot with a clean, absorbent cloth. Get to know how to remove butter stains from clothes.