Easy Steps To Save Your Carpet From Dreaded Chocolate Stains

Decadent white, milk, and dark chocolates are considered a comfort and a luxury. However, your carpet won't appreciate these delicious treats much since they stain easily. Moreover, once chocolate melts, it'll create a sticky mess. So, if you accidentally spill chocolate on your beloved carpet or notice a dreaded chocolate stain taking form before your eyes, clean your carpet immediately.

To do so, grab a butter knife, spoon, or spatula (a tool with a dull edge) from your kitchen and lift what chocolate you can from the carpet. When you do, work from the outside in; this will keep the chocolate-stained area about the same size rather than spreading it out by making any movements in that direction. Also, keep wiping the knife and working with a clean edge. Don't use a cloth to try and pick up the chocolate, as this will push the chocolate further into the carpet fibers.

If the chocolate is melted on the carpet, you'll need to harden it so that the knife approach above can work. Add a few ice cubes inside a plastic bag and place the bag over the stain. (A pack of frozen vegetables will also work.) Check the stain; once the chocolate's hardened, you can try your dull tool again to chip/scrape the chocolate off the carpet. Once done, vacuum the stained area to suck up any leftover solid flakes that may have fallen between the carpet threads.

After you've removed as much of the chocolate piece as you can from the carpet, it's time to attack the stain the chocolate left. This is when you'll use a cloth (or brush). Combine 1 cup of cool water with 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Alternatively, you can mix 1 cup of warm water with ¼ tablespoon of mild dishwashing liquid. Once you've prepared your preferred cleaning solution, dip a clean microfiber cloth or nylon brush in the soapy water and rub it on the stain.

Remember to work from the stain's outer edges to the center for best results. After covering the stain in the cleaning solution, let it sit for five minutes to attack the spot. Using another clean microfiber cloth, blot the affected area until the stain is no longer visible. You might have to repeat this step a few times till the chocolatey stain is completely gone. Now, dampen another cloth and use it to remove the soapy residue from the rug. Finally, let the carpet air dry for a couple of hours or overnight before vacuuming it to breathe life into the knotted carpet fibers.