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Dropped A Piece Of Halloween Chocolate? Here's How To Get That Stain Out!

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With Halloween just around the corner, it's hard to keep your mind off of all the delicious chocolate you'll be indulging in soon. But what happens if you or one of the kids accidentally drop a piece on your pristine carpet? Keep calm! Removing a chocolate stain is easier than you think:

Know Thy Enemy

Typically, a stain will fall into a single category. Chocolate is particularly tricky because it falls into two separate categories:

  • Tannin stains. Tannin stains are typically dark and can leave permanent stains, but are water-soluble. Other common tannin stains include coffee, tea, and wine.
  • Oil stains. Chocolate contains butter and fats, making it an oil stain, as well. Other oil stains can include automotive oil, lotions, and salad dressings.

What You'll Need

Because chocolate falls into two distinct categories, treating a chocolate stain requires several steps to properly remove it. Fortunately, you won't need any special supplies. Here's everything you'll need:

  • Vacuum hose extension.
  • Hot water.
  • Several dishrags.
  • Detergent soap (without bleach).
  • Cold water.

Now that you have everything you need, let's get rid of that stain!

Remove Excess Chocolate and Blot Gently

If the chocolate is dry, you should use a vacuum hose to suck up any remaining bits. If it is wet and sticky, however, you can skip this initial step. By removing all excess chocolate, you will ensure that you aren't smearing any additional stain into your carpet.

Begin treating your carpet by gently blotting the area with warm water. Do not wipe the carpet side-to-side, since they can simply smear the stain. When you have removed as much of the stain as you can, move on to the next step.

Apply Bleach-Free Detergent Soap

It is important to use bleach-free detergent soap, since a bleach-based one may stain your carpeting. Carefully set the detergent over the affected area and let it sit for a minute. 

After waiting a minute, wash vigorously with a rag and hot water. For darker, more stubborn stains, a heavy-duty detergent should do the trick.

Final Touches

Once you have washed the carpet and the detergent has done its work, all that's left is to remove the soap left in your carpet. Simply use a rag dipped in cold water to mop up all remaining soap residue. Finish up by drying the area thoroughly with a dry dishrag.

Next time you drop a bit of chocolate on your carpet, there's no need to panic. Remember that removing the stain with common house supplies can be a snap. If the stain persists, or you need expert assistance, make sure to reach out to a local carpet professional, like those at Carpet One Of Mobile Carpet One Floor & Home!


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