How to Get Chocolate Out of Clothes (Even Set in Stains!)

Find out how to get chocolate out of clothes like a pro. Includes tips for removing chocolate ice cream stains and getting set-in chocolate stains out of clothing.

Who doesn’t love chocolate? But having to get chocolate out of clothes is a real struggle. This is because chocolate contains a high amount of fats and oils that bond with the fabric fibers, making it resistant to simple washing.

In this article, we explain how to easily remove chocolate stains from clothes using everyday household items; whether it's a simple smudge from an ice cream cone or a full-blown chocolate meltdown, fresh stains or set-in stains. We have a method for it all.  

Plus, we’ve included a bonus section on how professionals remove chocolate stains from upholstery (just in case).

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What you’ll need

  • White vinegar
  • A clean cloth or sponge
  • Cold water
  • Liquid detergent (optional)
  • A washing machine (optional)
  • A spoon or butter knife
  • Paper towels

How to get chocolate out of clothes

One of the best ways to get chocolate out of clothes is with vinegar. Scrape off excess chocolate, then flush with cool water. Dab a solution of equal parts water and vinegar onto the stain and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Next, gently scrub the area, then rinse and wash as normal.  

Follow the detailed instructions below to learn how to get chocolate out of clothes using this method. 

Step 1: Scrape off the excess chocolate from the fabric

Use a spoon or a blunt knife to scrape off as much excess chocolate as possible. Be careful not to spread the chocolate further onto the fabric. This step is vital because it helps to prevent the stain from becoming larger or more embedded in the fabric fibers.

Step 2: Dampen the stained area with cold water

Run cold water through the back of the fabric to flush out any remaining chocolate particles. This helps to loosen the stain and make it easier to remove.

Step 3: Prepare a solution of vinegar and water 

Mix equal parts white vinegar and cold water in a bowl or small container. White vinegar’s acidic properties help break down and dissolve the proteins and fats found in chocolate, making it easier to lift the stains.

White vinegar is an all-around recommended cleaner that can handle more than just sticker residue. It's a go-to solution for various home cleaning challenges, like removing cat pee smell out of clothes or getting slime out of clothes without leaving stains

Step 4: Apply the cleaning solution

Dampen a clean cloth or sponge with the vinegar solution and gently dab it onto the chocolate stain, working from the outside of the stain inward. This technique prevents the stain from spreading further. 

Next, allow the solution to sit on the stain for 5-10 minutes. This gives the vinegar enough time to penetrate the fabric fibers and loosen the stain. Taking your time with this step is essential, as the vinegar needs time to work effectively. 

However, be careful not to leave the vinegar on for too long, as it can cause discoloration or damage to some fabrics.

Step 5: Gently scrub the stain

Use a soft-bristled brush or cloth to gently scrub the stained area. The aim is to loosen the chocolate particles from the fabric fibers without damaging the fabric. Be gentle and patient while washing, as aggressive scrubbing can cause damage to the cloth or spread the stain further.

Step 6: Rinse with cold water

Once you've finished scrubbing, rinse the stained area thoroughly with cold water. Make sure to remove all traces of the vinegar solution, as any residue left behind can cause damage or discoloration to the fabric. 

Step 7: Wash as usual

If the clothing item is machine-washable, wash it according to the care instructions on the label. The combination of the vinegar solution, laundry detergent, and regular washing is a perfect combo for removing the chocolate stain. 

Check to make sure the stain is completely gone after washing before drying the cloth. If the stain remains, repeat steps 4 to 6.

Chocolate stain removal: How to get set-in chocolate stains out of clothes

Chocolate stain removal is best done as soon as possible, but sometimes you don’t notice a chocolate stain right away. Although this makes your job more difficult, it’s still possible. 

What you’ll need

  • Cold water
  • Bowl
  • Liquid laundry detergent
  • Baking soda
  • Soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush
  • Washing machine (optional)

Steps to clean

Follow these steps to get set-in chocolate stains out of clothes.

  • Scrape excess: Scrape any excess chocolate from the fabric using a spoon or blunt knife.
  • Soak for 30 minutes: Soak the stained clothes in cold water for 30 minutes to loosen the chocolate stain. 
  • Mix cleaning solution: Mix equal parts liquid laundry detergent, baking soda, and water.
  • Scrub gently: Gently rub in the mixture using a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. 
  • Rinse well: Rinse the stained area with cold water to remove the cleaning solution and the chocolate stain.
  • Wash clothing as usual: After this pre-treatment, wash the fabric in the washing machine with cold water. Follow the care instructions on the label.
  • Repeat as needed: If the stain is still visible, repeat the pre-treatment and washing steps until the stain is completely removed.

How to get chocolate ice cream out of clothes

Need to know how to get chocolate ice cream out of clothes? Here’s how it’s done.

What you’ll need

  • Spoon or blunt knife
  • Cold water
  • Liquid laundry detergent
  • Vinegar (for stubborn stains)
  • Washing machine (optional)

Steps to clean

Follow these steps for cleaning chocolate ice cream stains from clothes.

  • Scrape with spoon or knife: Scrape excess ice cream from the fabric using a spoon or blunt knife. Be careful not to spread the stain further.
  • Rinse with cold water: Rinse the stained fabric with cold water to flush out as much chocolate ice cream as possible.
  • Pretreat with laundry detergent: Apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent directly to the stain and gently rub it into the fabric with your fingers. 
  • Let sit for 5-10 minutes: Let the detergent sit on the stain for 5-10 minutes.
  • Rinse: Rinse the fabric with cold water again to remove any remaining ice cream and detergent.
  • Vinegar and water for stubborn stains: If the stain is still visible, apply a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and cold water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes then rinse with cold water.
  • Wash in machine: Finally, wash the clothes in the washing machine using cold water and laundry detergent. Follow the care instructions on the label.
  • Repeat if necessary: If the stain is still visible, repeat the pre-treatment and washing steps until the stain is completely removed. 

It's important to make sure the chocolate ice cream stain is gone before drying, as heat can cause any remaining stain to set permanently into the fabric.

Does chocolate stain clothes permanently?

Chocolate sometimes stains clothes permanently, but not always. The key is to act quickly by pretreating with laundry detergent and using a suitable cleaning method for the fabric. However, if the stain is not treated early, it may become more difficult or impossible to remove.

Is chocolate hard to get out of clothes?

Chocolate is hard to get out of clothes if the stain sets in because the oils and fats in chocolate bond with the fabric fibers. Your best chance to get a chocolate stain out of clothes is to rub in a mixture of equal parts liquid laundry detergent, baking soda, and water. Let sit for 15 minutes then wash as usual. 

Bonus: how to remove chocolate stains from upholstery

Accidents happen. Here’s how to remove chocolate stains from upholstery. 

What you’ll need

  • Dish soap
  • White vinegar
  • Warm water
  • Spray bottle
  • Clean cloth
  • Bowl

Steps to clean 

Follow these steps to clean a chocolate stain from your upholstery. 

Scrape off excess

If the chocolate has already dried, use a scraping tool to carefully scrape any excess chocolate flakes or pieces of chocolate from the upholstery. However, if the chocolate is still wet, gently blot the area with a clean, dry cloth.

Make sure not to scrub the stain. This can push the leftover chocolate pieces deeper into the fabric fiber.

Prepare your cleaning solution

Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap and 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 2 cups warm water in a spray bottle. This mixture will help to break down the oils and fats in the chocolate stain and make it easier to remove. 

Spray the cleaning solution

Spray the cleaning solution onto the stain and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. This allows the cleaning solution to penetrate the stain and break it down further.

Blot the stained area and vacuum

Next, use a clean cloth dampened with warm water to blot the stained area and remove any remaining chocolate residue and cleaning solution. Continue blotting until the stain is no longer visible.

Finally, vacuum the area to lift any remaining residue from the upholstery. 

Meanwhile, if you have chocolate stains on your carpet, we’ve got you covered there, too. Read our article on how to remove chocolate stains from carpet.

Clean more than just chocolate stains

Chocolate stains aren’t the only thing that can keep you up at night. 

Need help keeping on top of your house cleaning tasks? With Homeaglow, you can easily book an affordable, top-rated cleaner in your area. Read reviews, compare your options, and schedule online in minutes.

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