Ice Cream Stain Removal Guide

Ice cream stains are some of the best stains you can get, at least if you are measuring the amount of enjoyment you receive while getting them.

Of course, removing those stains is not quite as fun. Fortunately, below are the instructions for how to remove them from your clothing, upholstery and carpet.

Please note, however, that various types of ice cream contain different ingredients.

Therefore, if the general instructions below do not help you in removing the spot you should consult the A-Z Stain Removal Guide for the ingredients contained in the ice cream you spilled.

Some of the most popular flavors include:

• Banana
• Cherry
• Chocolate (see below for section about this one); and
• Strawberry

Ice Cream Stain Removal From Clothing

Step 1: Run the fabric, inside out, under the cold (not warm or hot) water to flush out as much of the ice cream as possible.

Step 2: Pretreat the stain with liquid laundry detergent containing enzymes, soaking for 30 minutes in cold water, or in the alternative pretreat with an enzyme pretreater.

Hint: Do not use hot water, because this can set the stain, and also cook the protein contained within the ice cream.

If the stain is older, you may need to soak even longer, perhaps even overnight.

Step 3: Launder the item.

Hint: Make sure the spot is gone after washing, but before you place in the dryer or you may set it.

If the stain is not gone let the item air dry and pretreat again with a laundry stain remover. Repeat laundering if necessary.

You may also find these home remedies for removing these spots from clothing helpful.

Removing Ice Cream Stains From Upholstery

Step 1: Blot any excess ice cream from the upholstery, being careful not to spread it further.

Step 2: Mix a solution of two cups cool water and one tablespoon dishwashing liquid.

Step 3: Using this solution, sponge the spot with a clean white cloth.

Step 4: Next, blot at it until the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Repeat steps 3-4 until it is removed from the upholstery.

Step 6: Now that the stain is removed you should get plain cold water and a new white cloth and sponge the area to remove the cleaning solution, and then blot dry.

Hint: Be sure to get the upholstery only as wet as necessary to remove the stain from the ice cream.

In the alternative you may try to remove the stain with a dry cleaning solvent.

You can get more information on how to clean upholstery here.

How To Remove Stains Caused By Ice Cream From Carpet

The instructions for removing stains caused by ice cream from carpet is the same as for the dishwashing solution instructions above for upholstery.

However, if you don't have luck with this method you can also do something additional with the carpet stain, which is to mix a solution of one tablespoon of ammonia with two cups warm water, and use this as a cleaning solution.

Extra Steps For How To Remove Chocolate Ice Cream Stains

Chocolate ice cream is very popular, and also has a tendency to stain easily.

Therefore, a commonly asked question is "how to remove a chocolate ice cream stain?"

An extra step for removing chocolate stains is to apply a solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide, in an eye dropper, to the stained area.

In the alternative, you could apply ammonia to the spot, also with an eye dropper.

With both of these methods you need to check the surface you are trying to clean in an inconspicuous location first, and make sure whichever remover you try will not harm the fibers of the cloth, upholstery or carpet.

Recommended Ice Cream Stain Removers

Perhaps you don't want to make your own stain remover, but instead want to use something designed to remove an ice cream stain. Since these are combination stains you may need to use a couple of things to get the stain out, including a product which contain enzymes for the protein part of the stain, and a product to remove the fruit or chocolate part of the stain.

Here are some articles and reviews on this site which discuss various products that are designed to remove these spots, or where readers have said they had luck using a specific product:

Carbona Stain Devil #4

Borax To Remove Spot From Chocolate Variety

Dry Cleaning Solvent

Zout Laundry Pretreater

Shout Free Pretreater

Whink Wash Away Pretreater

Shout Advanced Spray

BIZ Stain Remover Powder

You can also share your own stain remover reviews here for other removers that work on ice cream, or any other stain.

Do You Have Any Tips To Share For Removing These Stains?

I'm always looking for more tips and ideas for how to remove spots. You can share your stain removal tip here, for removing spills and drips caused by ice cream or anything else.

Get Even More Stain And Spot Removal Help Here

Are you a stain magnet like me? If so, check out the A to Z Stain Removal Guide which gives directions for how to remove over 100 types of stains from all kinds of surfaces.

Fourth photo by Amanda Govaert, sixth photo by Neeta Lind, seventh photo by saragoldsmith and eight photo by stevendepolo

Related Pages You May Enjoy

A-Z Guide: Instructions For Removing Over 100 Types Of Stains

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Go From Ice Cream Stain Removal To Home Page

CAUTION: This website is provided for informational purposes only. It is provided as is, without warranties or guarantees. Some stains and messes just won't come out, and are permanent. Further, some cleaning methods can harm your item, so if what you want to clean or launder is sentimental or expensive call a professional. See disclaimer of liability for more information.