PLENTY of us will be looking forward to tucking into some chocolate tomorrow – after all what is Easter without it?
But of course, more chocolate around the house means more risk of potential stains, especially on fabric, furniture and carpets.
Ahead of the Easter holiday, the Home Insurance team at Compare the Market asked textile expert Barbara Stern for her tips on how to remove chocolate stains from fabric and carpet.
Textile expert Stern shares her top dos and don’ts for removing chocolate stains from carpet and fabric…
Remove any extra chocolate using a spoon or dull knife
Do this quickly, as the less time the chocolate remains on fabric or carpet, the less it melts into the fibres. Just be careful to scrape it off gently so you do not push the chocolate further into the surface.
Blot rather than rub
Blot the area of the stain with a clean white cloth or paper towel to soak up the chocolate once you have removed the excess. Avoid rubbing the area – this will spread the stain and make it more difficult to clean.
Use a cool water mix
A drop or two of washing up liquid or laundry detergent diluted with cool water works well. Apply the mixture onto the stained area using a new cloth and blot it gently.
Repeat
Repeat this process until the discoloured spot pulls up. For tougher stains, use a cleaner that contains enzymes, as it helps break down the protein component of chocolate and should make it easier to remove the stain.
Never use hot water
Hot water will set the stain due to the bonding of fat with the fabric, so it’s a complete no-no for chocolate spills. Blotting must be carried out with cold or lukewarm water.
Don’t rub the stain
Rubbing may be your first instinct; however, this action can smear or push the chocolate further into the fibres. Always blot.
Avoid high-power cleaners
They can destroy any tender fabric or change the colour of carpets or upholstery. Instead, choose a cleaner that is mild and safe for fabrics.
Don’t apply heat first
Do not ever apply heat first to a stained area (such as using a blow dryer) until you have had success in removing the stain.
Heat sets the chocolate stain and makes it way worse for removal in the future. Let the spot air-dry post-cleaning.
