How to Remove Chocolate Stains From Carpet

By
Mary Marlowe Leverette
mary marlowe leverette spruce gardening board
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary has been a Master Gardener for 30+ years and a commercial and residential gardener for 50+ years. She is a former Clemson University Extension Agent.
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Updated on 03/09/23
Chocolate bar stain on carpet

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In This Article
Project Overview
  • Working Time: 10 - 20 mins
  • Total Time: 10 mins - 8 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $5 to 10

A chocolate stain on carpet is complicated. The delicious treat contains at least two components that can make stain removal more difficult: oil and tannins. But with a bit of patience and a few household cleaners you probably already have on hand, the stains can be removed. For the best results:

  • Don't wait. Act quickly to lift away chocolate solids and treat stains.
  • Don't rub. Lift away as much of the chocolate as possible with a spoon or spatula instead of rubbing the stain deeper into the fibers.
  • Don't make the stain larger. Always work from the outside of the stained area toward the center of the stain to prevent it from spreading.
1:10

How to Remove Chocolate Stains From Fabric

 Stain type  Tannin, oil
 Detergent type  Carpet stain remover, dishwashing liquid
 Water temperature  Cold

Before You Begin

If the chocolate stain is on an area rug on a hardwood floor, move the rug to a tarp or washable floor before treating the stain. If the wood floor beneath the rug becomes wet during cleaning, remove the rug completely to allow the floor to dry or dark stains may appear.

The cleaning tips will work to remove white, milk, and dark chocolate stains on both natural carpet fibers like wool and cotton, as well as synthetic fibers. However, if you have a wool carpet, do not use oxygen-based bleach to remove difficult stains. Use hydrogen peroxide instead.

If the stain is on a vintage or antique rug, call a professional carpet cleaning company to help you clean the stain from the fragile fabrics. Time can wear down fibers, and professionals can help you clean and preserve those items.

The 9 Best Carpet Stain Removers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • 1 dull knife or spoon
  • 1 to 2 microfiber cloths
  • 1 vacuum
  • 1 soft-bristled nylon scrub brush
  • 1 small bowl
  • 1 set measuring cups and spoons

Materials

  • 1 bottle dishwashing liquid
  • 1 container oxygen bleach
  • 1 container carpet stain remover
  • 1 bottle hydrogen peroxide
  • 1 bag ice cubes

Instructions

How to Get Chocolate Stains Out of Carpet

  1. Lift Away Solid Chocolate Residue

    • Lift away the chocolate solids from the carpet with a dull knife, spoon, or spatula. Do not rub to prevent pushing the chocolate deeper into the fibers.
    • If the chocolate has melted, try placing an ice cube in a plastic bag. Place the bag on the chocolate for a minute or two so it will harden, which may make it easier to lift away.

  2. Use a Commercial Carpet Stain Remover

    Follow the product instructions on the label. Always use a microfiber cloth to prevent accidental dye transfer from other fabrics.

  3. Mix a Cleaning Solution

    In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of cool water and 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Stir well to disperse the soap.

  4. Treat the Stain

    • Dip a soft-bristled nylon brush into the cleaning solution.
    • Working from the outside edge of the chocolate stain toward the center, scrub the stained area.
    • Allow the solution to work for at least five minutes.
    • Blot the stained area with a damp microfiber cloth.
    • Keep moving to a clean area of the cloth as the stain is transferred from the carpet fibers.

  5. Blot With Water to Rinse

    • Wet a clean microfiber cloth with water and wring until it is not dripping.
    • Use the cloth to rinse the freshly cleaned area by blotting to remove the soap.
    • Repeat until the area no longer feels soapy. Soapy residue left in the carpet will attract more dirt.
    • Blot with a dry microfiber cloth. Do not oversaturate the carpet.

  6. Air Dry and Vacuum

    • Allow the area to air-dry away from direct heat and avoid walking on that area of the carpet until it is fully dry.
    • Check the area for any traces of chocolate stains.
    • Vacuum to lift any matted fibers.
    • If stains remain, move to the next steps.

Additional Tips for Removing Tough Chocolate Stains From Carpet

  • Use a dry cleaning solvent. Working in a well-ventilated space, follow the product label directions carefully.
  • Try rubbing alcohol. Moisten a clean white cloth with rubbing alcohol, blot the stain with alcohol. Keep moving to a clean area of the cloth as the chocolate stain is transferred. Rinse the area by wiping the carpet with a clean, damp cloth.
  • Use hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is the chemical compound H2O2, made up of two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms. The 3 percent solution sold in drugstores acts as a mild bleaching agent to remove dark stains from light-colored carpets. Do not use on darker-colored carpets.
  • Try oxygen-based bleach. Mix a solution of powdered oxygen bleach with warm water and saturate the stained area. Allow the carpet to air-dry, do not rinse or blot away. This solution is safe to use on all colors of carpet but should not be used for wool carpets.
How to Clean Carpet