How to Remove Ink Stains from Carpet Proven Techniques That Work

If you have ever had a leaking pen or a child’s drawing mishap, you’ll know just how stubborn and challenging ink stains can be when it comes to carpet cleaning. However, while they are certainly some of the toughest to remove, the good news is that with the right approach and proper techniques, you’ll be able to leave your carpets spotless.

We know how frustrating it can be to see ink stains soaking into your carpet, which is why our experienced team has put together some of their top DIY stain removal tips.

Why are ink stains so difficult to remove?

Ink stains are one of the biggest and often most common challenges of home cleaning. The dyes and pigments within the ink are designed to become permanent once they come in contact with and dry on a surface. That means when ink spills onto your carpet and begins seeping into the carpet fibres, traditional cleaning methods might not be able to do it.

In addition to that, certain inks can also pose different issues. For example, water-based inks are easier than oil-based alternatives. The good news is that regardless of the severity of your stain, quick action and the right DIY stain removal strategy can help you tackle the stubbornest of stains.

Key preparation before removing ink stains

Before you start diving into the stain, it’s first important to take some key steps to reduce the size of the stain and stop the ink from soaking deep into your carpet fibres. The first thing that you should do when you spill ink is to blot the area with a clean, dry paper towel. This will soak up as much of the excess ink as possible – just remember to blot rather than rub, as that will only spread it around.

The next step is assessing the cleaning solution by testing it on a hidden part of the carpet first, as the last thing that you want is to cause further damage or discolouration to your carpets. Once the ink has been blotted as best as you can, it’s time to start using your DIY stain removal technique.

The best DIY stain removal tips for ink stains

When it comes to carpet cleaning, there are lots of home cleaning methods that you can choose from, and some of the most effective include:

1. Rubbing alcohol

The first DIY stain removal you should try to remove your ink stains is rubbing alcohol. This is very effective for carpet cleaning, as the alcohol breaks down the pigments in the ink and makes it much easier to lift from your carpet fibres.

Using a clean cloth or cotton ball, dip it into your chosen rubbing alcohol and gently dab the ink stain. When dabbing the stain, work from the outside in to reduce the risk of the stain spreading. Once the majority of the ink has been lifted, use a paper towel to remove any excess alcohol and then rinse with clean water and dry.

2. Hairspray

This might seem a strange DIY stain removal technique, but it’s actually very effective. Most hairsprays contain alcohol, which helps to break down the ink stains, making them easier to lift from the carpet fibres.

Spray a liberal amount directly onto the ink stain and let it sit for around five minutes. Then, blot the ink-stained area with a clean paper towel or cloth, applying gentle pressure. You’ll notice the ink begins to be transferred over and continue to blot until no more ink is being removed.

Rinse the area with cold water to remove any remaining hairspray residue then blot dry with a paper towel.

3. Dish soap and vinegar

If you would prefer to utilise a more natural approach to our home cleaning techniques, then you can utilise a powerful solution of washing up liquid and white vinegar. This a particularly useful option if you are trying to remove water-based ink stains from your carpet.

To start with, mix one tablespoon of dish soap with around two tablespoons of white vinegar and add 400 ml of warm water. Dampen a clean cloth or a clean sponge with the solution and start by lightly pressing it into the stain – avoid scrubbing the area as this can further spread the ink, creating more work for you.

Continue the process until the stain has completely faded and then rinse the area with cold water to remove any residue that might remain. If you are facing a particularly stubborn stain, then you can add a teaspoon of baking soda into the mix, as the mild abrasive properties can help lift the stains as the vinegar breaks down the ink.

4. Ammonia

While the tips so far have been most effective for fresh stains, when it comes to home cleaning, you’re not always that lucky. For very stubborn stains or older died ink stains, then an ammonia solution can be very effective – just be sure to use with caution as it can damage delicate carpets.

Mix one tablespoon of ammonia with around 200 ml of water and place it into a spray bottle. Lightly spray the ink stain, ensuring not to oversaturate your carpet, as this could cause further damage. Leave the solution to work for around 5-10 minutes, depending on how bad the stain is, and then begin to blot with a clean cloth. You should see the ink begin to lift off the carpet fibres and keep blotting until the stain is removed.

As with the other DIY carpet cleaning options, rinse the area with cold water as this will neutralise the ammonia. You can then blot dry with a towel and leave to air dry.

5. Commercial carpet cleaning

Finally, if all of your home cleaning methods haven’t worked and you’re still facing stubborn ink stains that aren’t lifting, then consider using commercial carpet cleaning products. There are lots of products designed to help tackle the toughest of stains, including ink, and they can be very effective.

When using these kinds of products, always make sure you are following the instructions and remember to blot rather than scrub. Rinse with cold water and blot dry.

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Final thoughts

While ink stains might appear a daunting prospect to clean, they are not impossible. From DIY stain removal methods to commercial carpet cleaning products, careful and quick action is essential to prevent long-term damage to your home. Whatever your chosen method, always remember to test your chosen solution in a small and inconspicuous area just in case it has a negative impact to your carpet and causes discolouration.

So if you’ve had a pen mishap or your child has dropped their pens all over your carpet, fear not. These proven techniques and tips will remove even the most stubborn of ink stains, leaving your carpet looking as good as new!

FAQ: How to Remove Ink Stains from Carpet