How to Remove Chocolate Stains from Carpet

It is important to know how to remove chocolate stains, especially from carpeting. Most people love chocolate, and the time will come when you or one of your children will spill or drop some on the carpet; don't despair. There is an easy way to lift the chocolate and the stain left behind. Obviously, the sooner you can treat the stain the better; however, there are situations that you will not know about the stain immediately. This article will deal with the best way to deal when chocolate spills happen to good people.

Step 1 - Get the Chocolate Up

This may sound weird, but you need the chocolate to dry. After it is dried, take a butter knife and gently scrape the chocolate off, be very careful to not accidentally rub the chocolate into the fibers of the carpet. Vacuum the carpet after you've finished scraping; use the vacuum attachment hose or a hand held vacuum.

Step 2 - Iron

Warm up the iron setting on low, without steam. Then take paper towels and set several layers on the chocolate spot. After the iron has warmed up, gently rub it on the paper towels; this will warm the chocolate. While rubbing the iron on the paper towel, they will begin to soak up the chocolate. Don't let the iron get too hot, because this will cause the chocolate to get to warm and may end up spreading; however, if the iron isn't warm enough the chocolate will fail to be absorbed. As the chocolate is removed you will need to use new paper towels, as the old ones will become dirty and you may end up transferring the chocolate stain back onto the carpet. Keep repeating this process until all the chocolate has been removed.

Step 3 - Cleaning the Stain

If a dark stain remains on the carpet, use a spray cleaner for carpets. Rub the cleaner in, then use a clean towel to dab it out; the carpet will then need to air dry. If the stain is proving especially stubborn, you can try other stronger products, but only if the stain is in an area that isn't highly visible.

You can also use a solution that is made from 1 tbsp. of liquid dishwashing detergent and 2 cups of warm water; then using a clean cloth, rub the solution into the stain. After the solution has been rubbed into the stain, dab it of with a different clean cloth. Repeat this process until the carpet is clean.

Step 4 - Cleaning Stubborn Stains

If after the above treatment, the stain still remains, there is another solution to try. Make a solution of 2 cups of warm water with 1 tbsp. of ammonia; then using a clean cloth, rub the solution into the stain. After the solution has been rubbed into the stain, dab it off with a different clean cloth. Repeat this process until the carpet is clean.

After the stain has finally been removed, let the carpet air dry.