December 27, 2018
The leaves are changing colors, the nights are getting longer and the air is beginning to lose the stifling heat of summer. Fall is in the air, which means that children throughout the country are preparing for one of their favorite holidays, putting together a Halloween costume and hanging up decorations.
Candy is, of course, the October holiday’s biggest draw, and the sticky-sweet confections may end up all over your home. Finding empty wrappers everywhere is a tiny problem compared to all the stains that come with chocolaty fingers and dropped bits of candy. While covering all of your carpets and furniture in plastic for the season is impractical, homeowners may still be able to easily remove small chocolate stains with only a few simple steps.
As with any time of stain, quick action is key. The sooner you treat a stain, the more likely its complete removal. When chocolate is spilled or squished onto upholstered furniture or carpets, first remove any excess with a damp sponge. Always use cold water as hot water may cause the stain to set.
Next, put a few drops of dishwashing liquid or natural liquid soap onto the sponge and blot gently, making sure not to use too much water. Rinse by sponging with a clean, wet sponge and then towel dry. Repeat these steps on stubborn stains. You can also use baking soda as a removal tool after the initial step in order to freshen up the surface.
These tips work well for small, infrequent stains, but if your carpets and furniture are prone to frequent wear and tear, professional cleaning is recommended. Consistent stains will also likely require meticulous cleaning from skilled professionals in order to restore damaged upholstery and carpets.
