Ink is defined as a coloured fluid used for writing, drawing, or printing. It can be either a liquid or a paste and maybe water or oil-based. Different types of ink create different types of stains and each one will require a certain method to remove it, as the ink often contains fluorescents, lubricants, and other solvents.
Accidentally got ink on your carpet? Don’t panic – see how to remove ink stains from your carpet here… Ink removing methods
For any of the cleaning, techniques suggested you should do a spot test on a hidden area of your carpet to make sure the solutions don’t fade or damage your carpet fibres.
See how to get dry ink out of your carpet below:
Shaving cream: Spray and spread shaving cream onto the ink stain and agitate with an old toothbrush. Then rinse with a lot of water to produce foam. Add more water to thoroughly rinse and then finish with a wet/dry vacuum to remove all excess moisture.
Hairspray: Hair spray contains alcohol which is an essential ingredient for removing permanent ink. Spray onto the stained area and blot with paper towels or a clean microfibre cloth until the stain has gone.
Acetone: Saturate a cotton ball with acetone (100% acetone nail polish remover is an ideal solution) and dab it onto the stain. This will gradually dissolve the ink and be absorbed by the cotton ball. Repeat the process until the stain has completely gone.
How to get temporary ink stains out of your carpet are highlighted here:
Baby shampoo: Baby shampoo can be used instead of a traditional carpet cleaning shampoo as it’s extremely gentle on carpet fibres. Spray enough water around the stain to just dampen it, then use a clean microfibre towel to soak up the moisture. Coat the stained area with a small amount of baby shampoo and let it soak for around 15 minutes. Then blot the stain directly with a clean towel to absorb the loosened particles – repeat the procedure until all traces of ink have been removed. After drying vacuum thoroughly.
Rubbing alcohol: As soon as you can get a clean cloth and wet a corner with some rubbing alcohol. Blot the stain rather than scrubbing as this only causes the stain to spread. Start at the edge and dab into the centre, working in a clockwise motion. Re-wet the cloth with rubbing alcohol and then leave to sit for about 30 minutes. Rinse the area with warm water mixed with a little vinegar as this will help prevent the fibres from drying out. Finally, rinse again with clean water and allow it to dry before vacuuming.
Lubricant: WD-40 is a spray lubricant that generally removes ink stains well. Spray directly onto the stain and leave to sit for a few minutes before wiping with a sponge and warm soapy water. Massage into the carpet to remove the lubricant and the ink. Rinse with warm water to remove any excess residues, then allow to dry before vacuuming.
Learn how to remove water-based ink stains from your carpet:
Water-based ink stains include washable markers and rollerball pens. To remove this type of ink stain you can mix a teaspoon of washing up liquid with warm water. Dab a clean microfibre towel into the solution then carefully blot the stain without rubbing. Repeat until the stain has gone, allow to dry, and then finish by vacuuming.
Takeaways
If you use paper towels bear in mind they can dissolve and go into the stain.
Don’t press too deeply into the fabric as this can push the stain further into the carpet fibres.
Avoid using heat near the stain as this will only set it and make it more permanent.
Allow wetted areas to dry thoroughly as damp carpets can become mouldy and smell unpleasant.
Need some help with ink stain removal from your carpet?
Get Dan's Property Services Ltd, your trusted company and you won’t have to worry about whether you’ve got the tools or the skills to get the job done! You’ll get a qualified and experienced carpet cleaning technician bringing all the cleaning solutions needed to remove those ink stains. Once your stain removal service is completed your carpet will look clean, smell fresh and you’ll never know the ink was spilt.
