This article was co-authored by Haim Shemesh and by wikiHow staff writer, Cheyenne Main. Haim Shemesh is a Carpet and Rug Cleaning Specialist and the Owner of Sunlight Fine Rug Care & Restoration, a business based in New York City. Haim specializes in Oriental, Persian, handmade, and antique rug cleaning and repair. He also conducts rug restoration along with fire damage care. He has over 17 years of experience in the carpet cleaning industry. Sunlight Fine Rug Care & Restoration has been awarded Angie's List Super Service Award in 2017 and 2018. Their clients include Staples, Ace Hotel, Momofuku, Banana Republic, and more.
There are 20 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Removing an ink stain from a rug or carpet might seem daunting, but there are several methods that can make it disappear in minutes. The most effective way to lift any ink stain is to apply rubbing alcohol. If you don’t have rubbing alcohol available, you can also try using hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, or even cornstarch and milk. Keep reading for the fastest and easiest ways to get ink out of your carpet.
Best Way to Get Ink Out of Carpet
Put on rubber gloves and make sure the room is well-ventilated. Saturate a paper towel with rubbing alcohol, then lay it on top of the ink stain. Place 1 to 2 dry paper towels on top and apply pressure to the stain. Replace the paper towels when the ink soaks through, repeating until the stain disappears.
Steps
Community Q&A
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QuestionHow do I remove dried computer cartridge ink from carpet?Community AnswerThe shaving cream works best, helped with a light agitating from a soft toothbrush. Leave the foam on for a few minutes for stubborn stains.
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QuestionHow do I remove an ink stain that has been sitting for 3 months?Community AnswerGet some carpet shampoo and rub it in with a brush or cloth. Let it dry for an hour or so, then hoover it up. You may have to do it multiple times to fully eliminate the stain.
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QuestionCould you be more specific in what type of water to use?Community AnswerUse lukewarm fresh water. Tap is fine, just make sure it’s about room temperature.
Video
Tips
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Try to avoid scrubbing the ink stain so it won’t sink deeper into the carpet. Instead, lightly dab at the stain.[28]Thanks
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Make sure that you spot-test any cleaning solution you use in an inconspicuous area first to make sure that it doesn’t stain the carpet.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/stain-removal-guide
- ↑ https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/cleaning-organization/how-to-remove-carpet-stains/
- ↑ https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/diy-cleaning-hacks/
- ↑ https://site.extension.uga.edu/textiles/care/stain-removal/remove-stains-from-ink-ballpoint-felt-tip-india-mimeo-stamp-pad/
- ↑ https://www.kidspot.com.au/lifestyle/home/home-solutions/how-to-remove-ink-stains/news-story/5543e824c70c6b2914de749844db06c8
- ↑ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/no-stain-no-pain/
- ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/q-and-a/a20981/remove-ink-carpet-oct01/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/xeuZvZPAd6g?t=99
- ↑ https://www.lovetoknow.com/home/cleaning/how-remove-set-ink-stains
- ↑ https://www.lovetoknow.com/home/cleaning/ink-stain-removal
- ↑ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/no-stain-no-pain/
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/floor-and-surface-cleaning/how-to-get-ink-out-of-a-carpet.html
- ↑ https://www.oakland.edu/Assets/upload/docs/Facilities/OU-Campus-Cleaning-Custodial-Services-Handbook---Final-Version-January-2011.pdf
- ↑ https://www.oakland.edu/Assets/upload/docs/Facilities/OU-Campus-Cleaning-Custodial-Services-Handbook---Final-Version-January-2011.pdf
- ↑ https://files.wd40.com/pdf/WD-40_Multi_Use_Product_2000_Uses_final.pdf
- ↑ https://wd40.in/home-uses/remove-ink-stains-from-clothes/
- ↑ https://www.stain-removal-101.com/remove-ink-stains-from-carpet-with-wd40.html
- ↑ https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/cleaning-organization/how-to-remove-carpet-stains/
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/floor-and-surface-cleaning/how-to-get-ink-out-of-a-carpet.html
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/stain-removal/easy-carpet-stain-solutions
- ↑ https://www.popsci.com/remove-any-stain/
- ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/institute/a22808/does-hairspray-remove-ink-stains/
- ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/q-and-a/a20981/remove-ink-carpet-oct01/
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/carpet-stain-removers/buying-guide/
- ↑ https://www.lovetoknow.com/home/cleaning/how-remove-set-ink-stains
- ↑ Haim Shemesh. Carpet & Rug Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 12 May 2020.
- ↑ Haim Shemesh. Carpet & Rug Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 12 May 2020.
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/floor-and-surface-cleaning/how-to-get-ink-out-of-a-carpet.html
About This Article
To remove ink from carpet, wet a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently blot the stain. Keep blotting for 30 minutes so the alcohol has time to dissolve the ink. When the ink is gone, rinse your carpet with a warm water-vinegar solution to prevent damage from the alcohol. Then, rinse it with plain water. Alternatively, you can spray shaving cream on the stain, spread it around, and then rinse the area with a lot of water. For more suggestions on how to remove ink from carpet, including by using WD-40, keep reading!
Reader Success Stories
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"My home is on the market, and some little visitors came to tour with yellow and purple pens or markers. Noticed the stains when I raised the blinds. I used Method #1 with alcohol/vinegar/water and did this several times for about 2.5 hours over and over. I then used a wet vac. It got the purple out, and the yellow is barely visible! Thanks, wikiHow, for the advice! "..." more