How to remove chocolate stains on natural stone?

Q. We have 4 chocolate stains on our natural stone hearth. The stains have been there just a few days. We got off the actual chocolate and tried to clean the stain with a window surface cleaner. It helped but the stains remain. How should we proceed? This is at our condo, and we will only be here a few days to clean it.

A. Chocolate is a mix of oils, sugars, and sometimes dairy proteins, which can leave behind both dark discolorations and greasy residues on natural stone. As you have observed, if you wipe away the chocolate itself, the oils can still soak into the pores of the stone and leave a stain that regular cleaners (like glass cleaner) aren’t strong enough to remove.

Since these stains are fresh, you have a good chance of getting them out with a poultice, which draws the stain out of the stone over time. For detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to mix and apply a poultice correctly, check out our free Stain Management App.

For your poultice, you'll use hydrogen peroxide, but not the kind sold in grocery or drug stores. Use a strong “20 volume” hydrogen peroxide, sold at beauty supply stores. Some types of stains will come out on the first try, others may take two or three poultice applications. Don’t be discouraged—it’s normal for deep stains to need a few rounds.

Since you’re short on time with only a few days to stay at the condo, it might be in your best interest to call a local stone care professional. Assuming they have availability on short notice, they can use stronger products, more complex methods, and professional tools designed specifically for this type of problem. To find a vetted PRO in your area, visit www.surfacecarepros.com and click on Find a PRO.

The good news is that since your stains are only a few days old, they are much more likely to come out than older, set-in stains. With a little patience, you should see your hearth looking clean again.