How to Get Chocolate Out of a Couch: 3 Stain Removal Methods

Whether it's chocolatey fingerprints, accidental spills, or smudges on the couch, dealing with the aftermath of chocolate stains can be challenging.

In this article, we show you how to get chocolate out of a couch using everyday items like dish soap, vinegar, and baking soda. Grab the supplies below, and let’s get started.

What you’ll need

• Butter knife or spoon
• A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment
• Dish soap
• Warm water
• Clean clothes or sponges
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• A bowl or bucket

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How to get chocolate out of a couch

If you're dealing with melted chocolate on a couch, blot the excess with a clean cloth. If the chocolate is hardened, scrape it off with a butter knife. Then, mix a few squirts of dish soap with water, dampen a cloth with the mixture, and blot the chocolate stain. Rinse with clean water and pat dry with paper towels.

See below for detailed instructions on this method, plus two other options for getting chocolate stains out of a couch. 

Method 1: Dish soap

Follow these detailed instructions to get chocolate out of a couch with dish soap.

Remove excess chocolate

If the chocolate is still melted, gently use a clean cloth or sponge to blot the excess from the couch. Be careful not to rub the stain, which can push the chocolate deeper into the fabric and make it harder to remove.

If the chocolate is hardened, use a butter knife or a spoon with a blunt edge to carefully scrape off as much of the hardened chocolate as possible. Be gentle to avoid damaging the fabric.

Then, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove loose chocolate particles from the couch's surface.

Prepare your cleaning solution

Fill a bowl or bucket with warm water. Add a small amount of dish soap to the water and mix gently until it creates a soapy solution. Be careful not to use too much dish soap, as excessive amounts can leave residue on the couch.

Apply the solution

Dip a cloth or sponge into the soapy solution and wring out any excess liquid. Then, gently dab the chocolate-stained area with the soapy cloth. 

Allow the soapy solution to sit on the stain for a few minutes, then blot the stained area again with a clean, dry cloth or sponge.

Rinse and air-dry the couch

Dampen a separate clean cloth or sponge with water and blot the previously stained area. This will help remove any soap residue from the couch. Then, gently press a dry cloth or paper towel on the damp area to soak up excess moisture.

Finally, allow the couch to air dry completely. Avoid using any heating devices to speed up the drying process, as this may damage the fabric.

Method 2: White vinegar

If chocolate residue remains after trying the dish soap method, or if you need an alternative, you can use white vinegar to remove a chocolate stain from your couch.

• Remove excess chocolate: Like the first method, blot melted chocolate with a cloth or sponge. Remove hardened chocolate with a butter knife, then vacuum. 
• Mix cleaning solution: Combine equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a bowl. 
• Spot test: Spot test an inconspicuous area and wait five minutes to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage. 
• Apply solution to couch: If it doesn’t cause discoloration, dip a clean cloth or sponge into the vinegar solution and wring out until cloth is damp but not dripping. 
• Blot gently: Gently blot the chocolate stain with the damp cloth. Start from the outer edges and work your way toward the center. Avoid rubbing, as it can push the stain deeper into the fabric.
• Let solution sit: Allow the vinegar solution to sit on the stain for a few minutes to break down the chocolate residue.
• Blot again: After the solution has soaked, blot the stained area again with a clean, dry cloth or sponge to absorb the dissolved chocolate and vinegar solution.
• Rinse the area: Dampen a separate clean cloth or sponge with clean water and gently blot the previously stained area to rinse off the remaining vinegar residue.
• Dry well: Finally, use a dry cloth or paper towel to absorb excess moisture from the couch and then allow the couch to air dry completely. 

Method 3: Baking soda

A paste made of baking soda and water is another good option for getting chocolate out of a couch. Here’s how to do it.

• Make baking soda paste: Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a thick paste. The consistency should be similar to toothpaste.
• Apply paste to stain: Use a clean cloth or sponge to apply the baking soda paste to the stained area of the couch. Gently rub the paste into the fabric, covering the entire stain.
• Let sit: Let the baking soda paste sit on the stain for at least 15 minutes. This will give it time to absorb and lift the chocolate residue.
• Vacuum: After the baking soda has had time to work, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to carefully vacuum the treated area. If necessary, repeat the process.

Removing chocolate stains and more

Stubborn stains are a headache, but with the right cleaning methods it’s possible to remove most stains from your house. Check out some of our other stain-removal articles for easy-to-follow, proven methods for getting stains out of your life once and for all. 

• How to Get Chocolate Out of Clothes (Even Set in Stains!)
• How to Remove Chocolate Stains from Carpet
• How to Clean a White Couch (It’s Possible!)
• How to Get Cat Pee Out of Your Couch: A Step-By-Step Guide

Get chocolate stains out of the couch as they come

When dealing with chocolate stains on your couch, it’s important to use cold water, as it helps to prevent the chocolate from setting further into the fabric. Additionally, remember to first blot the stain with a clean cloth or sponge, using gentle motions to avoid spreading the stain.

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