If youโre wondering how to get chocolate out of car seat, youโre not the only one. Itโs a common car interior detailing query from car owners, especially if you have young passengers who love a sweet treat on their travels. Eating chocolate can get messy quickly, especially in a warm car. But weโll show you how to clean chocolate off car seat with our step-by-step photo guide.
If you take pride in keeping a clean car, download our Eco Wash Benefit Guide to learn how we guarantee a greener clean.
DIY Guide: How to Get Chocolate off Car Seat
Act fast because older stains are harder to remove. However, if you missed the moment, donโt panic. Hereโs how to get dried chocolate out of car seat.
Step 1: Gather Your Car Detailing Supplies
You may already have some of these household items, while the rest is typically found in a car interior detailing kit. If you donโt have them to hand, you can buy car interior detailing products online or from a local retailer selling motoring products and services.
- Car vacuum
- Ice
- Plastic scraper or butter knife
- Water
- Steam cleaner for cars (optional)
- Upholstery cleaner or dish soap
- Soft-bristled car wash brush
- Microfiber car cloths
- Hair dryer
Step 2: Apply Ice
First, use your car vacuum to get rid of loose chocolate particles from the seat. Next, apply ice over the chocolate stain to harden it. This is a neat trick because if you try to remove the stain while itโs still gooey, the melted chocolate will sink deeper into the upholstery material and stain it further.
Step 3: Scrape Ice off
When the chocolate hardens, scrape it off the car seat using a plastic scraper or the blunt edge of a butter knife. Use gentle movements to avoid damaging the upholstery.
Optional Step: Remove Chocolate From Car Seat Using Steam
How to remove chocolate from car seat is easier If you own a steam cleaner. Follow steps 2 and 3 first, using the ice method. Otherwise, the high steam temperature will quickly dissolve the chocolate and create more mess.
Depending on the severity of the stain, you may need to repeat the process. Be patient, allow the steam to work on the stain, and then wipe away the loosened chocolate.
For other stains, see our tips on how to remove stains from car seats. Again, steam works wonders on all kinds of stains and will rejuvenate the appearance of your car upholstery.
However, not everyone owns a steam cleaner. So, if you prefer to leave this job to the professionals, contact a car interior detailing service.
Step 4: Use the Upholstery Cleaner
Spray upholstery cleaner of your choice (suitable for your upholstery type) on the stain. See our guide on best car interior detailing products.
Alternatively, apply the dish soap and water solution to the stain. Let the product or solution sit for at least 5 minutes to give it sufficient time to work on the stain.
Step 5: Blot or Brush the Stain
Use a clean cloth or sponge to blot the chocolate stain. For stubborn chocolate marks, take your soft-bristled auto detailing brush and gently scrub the stain until it disappears. Donโt rub or scrub too hard as it may spread the stain.
If youโre using a steam cleaner, direct the steam at the stain, keeping the nozzle a few inches from the upholstery. At the same time, use the brush to help loosen the chocolate. If you have leather seats, see our tips on how to get stains out of leather seats.
Step 6: Wipe the Stain With Water
If you use an upholstery cleaner, you donโt have to use water to wipe the stain. Use a microfiber towel to dab it gently. However, if you have been working with a dish soap solution, spray a few squirts of water onto the stain and dab the stain with a microfiber towel.
If you decide to steam clean car seats, wipe with a thick microfiber cloth while the stain is still moist with the steam. This type of cloth is excellent for absorbing moisture and wiping away the chocolate residue.
Extra step: If the stain is still visible after treating it, follow steps 4 through 6 again.
Step 7: Use the Hairdryer
If youโve rinsed the stain with water, use a hair dryer to speed up the drying process to help avoid water stains. If this becomes a problem, see how to get water stains out of car seats upholstery.
After-Care
Once you know how to remove chocolate stains from car seat, keep your upholstery fresh and clean with regular care and attention. For example, learning how to deep clean car interior ensures a safe and hygienic space for you and your passengers.
Also, you can add car seat covers to your clean upholstery to prevent all types of staining. The best practice is, of course, not eating or drinking inside the car.
However, spillages and stains do happen โ and itโs not just chocolate that makes a mess. So, if you need some tips, follow these guides:
- How to get coffee out of car seat
- How to remove blood stains from car interior
- How to get oil out of car seat
- How to get ink out of car seat
Conclusion
To sum up, how to get chocolate out of car seat is doable in a few easy steps. The sooner you can address the problem, the better your chance of removing it without too much effort. However, life is busy and itโs not always possible to clean your car interior right away. It might take a couple of goes to get your seats stain-free, but youโll get there.
For stubborn, dried-on chocolate stains, steam cleaning is the answer. Moreover, this environmentally friendly method doesnโt rely on harsh cleaning cleaning agents to clean your car interior.
Finally, if you donโt have a steam cleaner, or the time, leave this task to the professionals. Our friendly team is always happy to help.