How to Get Chocolate Out of Clothes

We've all been there. Here's the fix.

By

Published on April 12, 2023

get-chocolate-out-of-clothes-GettyImages-168848887 — Photo:
Martin Barraud/Getty Images

"No thanks, I don't eat chocolate because it will stain my clothes," said no one ever. For most of us, the possibility of stains from chocolate is totally worth it to be able to enjoy the indulgent treat. Chocolate leaves behind oil and tannins which can be tricky to remove from fabric. But with just a couple laundry supplies and a few simple steps, you'll be able to remove the stain like a pro—and you'll never have to panic again. Keep reading to learn how to get chocolate out of clothes.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

Machine Washable Clothes

Spoon, dull knife, or old credit card
Washing machine or sink

Dry Clean Only Clothes

Spoon, dull knife, or old credit card
Dry cleaning kit (optional)

Materials

Machine Washable Clothes

Ice cubes
Plastic bag
Heavy-duty enzyme-based laundry detergent
Enzyme-based laundry stain remover
Oxygen-based powdered bleach

Dry Clean Only Clothes

Ice cubes
Plastic bag

Instructions

How to Get Chocolate Out of Washable Clothes

Chill the Chocolate

If the chocolate has melted into the fabric of your clothing, it will be much easier to remove if you harden it first. Put a couple of ice cubes in a plastic bag and place the bag on the stain until it hardens. Or, put the entire garment in the freezer for about 10 minutes.
Lift Away the Chocolate Solids

Use a spoon, a dull knife, or an old credit card to lift away excess chocolate from the fabric. Never rub! Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into the fabric fibers.
Flush the Fabric with Cold Water

Hold the chocolate-stained fabric, with the unstained side up, under a cold water faucet running at full force to flush the chocolate out of the fabric.

If you are trying to remove a chocolate stain while wearing the garment, dab the stain with a cloth or paper towel dipped in cold water. Keep moving to a clean area of the cloth as the chocolate is transferred.
Pretreat the Stain

Place a small amount of a heavy-duty enzyme-based laundry detergent or enzyme-based stain remover on the chocolate stain. Rub it in gently with your fingers to make sure it saturates the fabric all the way through. Let the product work for 15 minutes before washing the garment.

If you are wearing the garment, use a stain removal pen to treat the stain. It may not remove the chocolate stain completely but it will help to more easily get out the stain later on.
Wash the Clothes

Wash the clothes as usual in cold or warm water with your regular detergent by hand or in the washing machine. Be sure to follow the care label on your garment.
Check the Stain

Check the garment to make sure the chocolate stain is gone. Don't put a stained garment in the dryer, as the heat will further set the stain.
Remove Remaining Traces of Chocolate

If there are traces of the chocolate stain left, mix a solution of oxygen-based powdered bleach and cool water, following the directions on the product label.

Completely submerge the garment and let it soak for at least four hours. Oxygen-based bleach is safe to use on all white and colored fabrics except silk, wool, and leather-trimmed items. Rewash the garment and repeat the oxygen bleach soak if needed.

Don't put the garment in the dryer until the stain is completely gone.

How to Get Chocolate Out of Dry Clean Only Clothes

Chill and Lift the Chocolate Solids

Place a couple of ice cubes in a plastic bag and place the bag over the chocolate stain. This will harden the chocolate so that you can lift it away with a spoon or the edge of a credit card. Make sure not to rub the stain.
Visit Your Local Dry Cleaner

Take the chocolate-stained item to your dry cleaner as soon as possible and point out and identify the stain.
Use a Home Dry Cleaning Kit

If you are using a home dry cleaning kit, treat the stain with the provided stain remover before putting the garment in the kit's cleaning bag and tumbling it in the dryer.