Ink stains are some of the most common types of carpet stains and can be a real eyesore. Whether it’s a pen leak or a spilled bottle of ink, this pesky mess can really detract from the overall appearance of your carpet.
Thus, in this blog post, we will discuss how to remove ink stains from the carpet using homemade as well as commercial solutions to help you restore your carpet to its original beauty.
Remove Ink Stains from the Carpet in 3 Simple Steps
1. Blot and Vacuum the Area
First of all, take a clean cloth, and start blotting the ink. Blotting helps to lift the ink, which prevents it from seeping further deep into the fibers and also reduces the amount that needs to be removed by the cleaning solution.
Next, vacuum the area. Vacuuming removes dirt, dust, and other contaminants from the carpet fibers that can otherwise end up mixing with your cleaning solution and hinder the overall cleaning process.
2. Tackle the Ink with your Preferred Solution
The next step is to remove the ink stain from the carpet for good. There are several solutions you can opt for. But whichever solution you go ahead with, always make sure to test it in a hidden part of your carpet first.
Skipping a step is one of the most common yet worst carpet cleaning mistakes to avoid. Conducting a patch test ensures that the solution is safe to use and yields no damaging effects.
⇒ Rubbing Alcohol
- To use rubbing alcohol, first, pour a small amount of it into a bowl. Dampen a clean cloth with it and gently dab the ink stain.
- As you dab, you’ll observe the ink gradually transferring to the cloth. Keep on blotting, working from the outside to avoid spreading the stain, and change to a clean part of the cloth as needed.
- As you remove most of the ink, lightly dampen another cloth with water and blot the area to remove residual alcohol and ink.
⇒ Dish Soap
Dish soap is also an effective solution to remove ink stains from your carpet. Dish soap contains surfactants that help to break down and lift the link from the carpet fibers. Follow the steps to learn what you are supposed to do.
- Mix ¼ teaspoon dish soap with 1 cup of warm water in a bowl. Dampen a clean sponge in the solution and start dabbing the ink, rinsing out the sponge frequently to remove the ink.
- Once you’ve dabbed enough, blot the area with a clean, dry cloth to absorb the moisture and lift the ink.
⇒ Cornstarch and Milk
Cornstarch is a fine powder that absorbs moisture and helps lift stains from fibers, while milk contains proteins and fats that can help break down ink. When combined, they form a paste that effectively pulls ink out of carpet fibers. Follow the steps below to utilize this method.
- Hence, mix equal parts cornstarch and milk to form a thick paste and adjust the amounts as needed to create a foam.
- Spread the paste over the ink, ensuring it’s fully covered.
- Now gently press the paste into the carpet fibers without rubbing it too hard. Once you are done, let the paste sit for some 20 minutes.
- When the wait is over, use a clean, damp cloth or paper towel to remove the paste from the carpet.
⇒ Hairspray
Hair spray typically contains alcohol, which serves as a solvent to dissolve ink. When you apply hairspray to an ink stain, the alcohol breaks down the ink, allowing it to be absorbed into the cloth when you blot it.
- So, spray the hair spray directly onto the ink and apply it enough to moisten the stain but not to soak the carpet completely.
- Then, using a paper towel, start blotting the stain. If the ink persists, reapply the hair spray and continue blotting with a clean section of the cloth.
3. Rinse and Dry the Area
The third and final step is to rinse and dry the area. One of the main reasons why carpets smell after cleaning is that leftover residues from the cleaning solution can attract dirt if not properly rinsed.
This can lead to the area becoming stained again, causing unpleasant smells in your freshly cleaned carpet. Therefore, rinse the area properly after cleaning it and pat it dry with clean towels to soak the moisture.
End Note!
Ink stains are among the most common types of carpet stains, but they can be particularly challenging to remove. If not addressed properly, ink can seriously damage your carpet beyond repair.
However, with the right solutions and techniques, you can effectively remove ink stains from the carpet and maintain its appearance over time.
