How to Remove Chocolate Stains from Upholstery

Bear asked, “Does anyone know how to get a chocolate stain out of a white cushion?”

You Will Need:

• A dull knife
• Dish liquid
• A cloth
• Non-gel shaving cream
• Enzyme stain remover
• Enzyme laundry detergent
• Borax
• Hydrogen peroxide
• A dry towel
• A hair dryer

Steps to Remove the Chocolate Stain:

1. If the chocolate is melted, let it harden, then scrape it off with a dull knife.¹ Do not attempt to scrape off the chocolate while it is melted, as it can easily spread or be ground further into the fabric, making it more difficult to remove.²
2. Mix ½ tablespoon dish liquid in 1 cup cold water. Moisten a cloth with the solution and blot the stain until it is removed.³
3. Spray a small amount of white non-gel shaving cream onto the stain and gently rub it into the stain. Blot the area with water to rinse and repeat until the stain is removed.⁴
4. Mix together borax and water to make a thick paste and spread the paste over the stain. Let the paste dry, then brush off or vacuum up the powder. Sponge the area with water to remove any residue.⁵
5. Another option is an enzyme digester, such as a pet accident cleaner that is made for upholstery.
6. If you have an enzyme laundry detergent, you can use that instead. Mix the detergent in water to the ratio suggested on the label and blot the solution onto the stain. Let it soak for several minutes, then sponge thoroughly with water to rinse. Keep in mind that enzyme digesters cannot be used on protein-based fabrics, such as wool or silk.⁶
7. If nothing else has worked, try hydrogen peroxide. Test a hidden area on the upholstery first, as peroxide can cause a bleaching effect on some fabrics, and if safe, blot the stain with the peroxide. Then, blot the area with cool water to remove the peroxide residue.⁶
8. When the stain appears to be gone, blot the area with a dry towel to remove excess water.
9. Use a hair dryer on the cool setting to dry the area so as to prevent any water stains. Do not use heat, as heat can cause the stain to set if it has not been completely removed.²

• If you have a dry cleaning solvent, moisten a cloth with the solvent and blot the stain until it is removed.³
• Do not try to clean the stain with soap, as it can cause the stain to set.⁷

1. 101 Essential Tips: Removing Stains by Cassandra Kent
2. Don Aslett’s Stainbuster’s Bible
3. Stain Rescue! by Anne Marie Soto
4. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Green Cleaning by Mary Findley & Linda Formichelli
5. The Naturally Clean Home by Karyn Siegel-Maier
6. How to Clean Practically Anything by Consumer Reports
7. Green Housekeeping by Ellen Sandbeck