Stains from sweets often cause panic, especially if the chocolate gets on light-colored fabric or expensive upholstery. However save clothes It is possible if you act quickly and know the chemistry of the process. The main mistake that many people make is trying to wash away the stains with hot water, which only makes the situation worse.
The main rule of first aid
The first thing you need to do is carefully remove the remaining chocolate with a blunt object, such as a spoon or the back of a knife. Do not rub with a napkin so as not to drive the fat deeper into the fibers.
After that, use only cold water. Chocolate contains proteins and fats. Hot water causes the protein to coagulate, permanently “sealing” the stain into the fabric. Rinse the contaminated area from the wrong side under running ice water.
Salt as a powerful absorbent
If the stain is fresh, ordinary table salt. It works like a sponge, pulling fat from the fibers.
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Lightly dampen the stain with cold water.
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Sprinkle the area thickly with salt.
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Leave for 15-20 minutes to allow the crystals to absorb the dirt.
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Shake off the salt and wash the item as usual.
Milk method
This may seem strange, but milk perfectly dissolves chocolate marks. The point is the enzymes contained in the dairy product, which break down the fats of cocoa butter.
Soak the stained area in a small amount of milk for half an hour. After this, lightly rub the fabric with your hands and put it in the wash. This method is especially good for delicate fabricswhich cannot be treated with aggressive chemicals.
Solution for stubborn stains
For old stains or thick fabrics, a mixture that can be easily prepared in the kitchen is suitable. You will need dishwashing gel and hydrogen peroxide.
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Mix one part dish soap with two parts peroxide.
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Apply the solution directly to the stain (test in an inconspicuous area first if the fabric is colored).
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Leave for 10 minutes.
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Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
The dish soap dissolves the fatty base of the chocolate, and the peroxide works as a mild bleach, removing the cocoa pigment.
Boric acid and ammonia
If the chocolate is deeply embedded in the fibers, pharmaceutical artillery will help. Mix a teaspoon boric acid with half a glass of water. Gently apply to the stain, being careful not to go beyond its borders. For white cotton items, you can use a solution of ammonia, but this should be done in a well-ventilated area.
A timely reaction and the right choice of product will help restore things to their original appearance without dry cleaning.
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