11 Ways To Remove Ink From Carpet - WikiHow

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• Home and Garden
• Home Maintenance
• Floors and Stairs
• Carpets and Rugs
• Carpet Stain Solutions

The 10 Best Solutions to Get Any Ink Out of Your Carpet Download Article Tackle pen, cartridge, marker, and tattoo ink spots like a pro Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Rubbing Alcohol 2 Hydrogen Peroxide 3 Cornstarch and Milk 4 Ammonia 5 WD-40 6 Dish Soap 7 Hair Spray 8 Vacuum 9 Commercial Carpet Cleaner 10 Bleach + Show 7 more... - Show less... Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Haim Shemesh and Cheyenne Main

Last Updated: April 10, 2024 Fact Checked

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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. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 906,712 times.

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

1

Rubbing Alcohol

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1. Dab any kind of ink with rubbing alcohol to remove it. Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a paper towel, lay it on top of the stain, and place 1 to 2 other paper towels on top. Apply pressure to the stain, replacing the paper towels when the ink soaks through.[1] Repeat until the stain disappears.
   • Wear rubber gloves and keep the room well-ventilated to avoid inhaling potentially harmful fumes.[2]
   • Apply the alcohol to a sponge and test it on a corner of the carpet before applying it to the stain.
   • Alternatively, use isopropyl alcohol.[3] Butyl alcohol might work better than rubbing alcohol if the ink is from a ballpoint pen or stamp pad.[4] Denatured alcohol (methylated spirits) can also work on ballpoint pen ink.[5]
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2

Hydrogen Peroxide

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1. Dab any ink stain with a cotton ball dipped in hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide can turn ink stains invisible.[6] Simply pour hydrogen peroxide on a cotton ball and dab at the stain. Repeat until the stain is gone.
   • Hydrogen peroxide can also get ink from a liquid ink cartridge out of carpet.[7]
   • Alternatively, sprinkle hydrogen peroxide on the stain, place a damp cloth on top, and iron over the cloth to pull the ink into the cloth.[8]

3

Cornstarch and Milk

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1. Apply a milk cornstarch paste on tattoo ink or dried ink stains. Mix cornstarch and milk to make a paste, then carefully spoon the paste on top of the ink stain, making sure to cover all the stained fibers. Wait 30 minutes or until the paste is hardened, then brush it off the area with your fingers and vacuum up the paste.[9]
   • If the stain is still there after, repeat this method or try another in this list.[10]
   • Cornstarch absorbs the molecules of the stain and also works well on grease and food stains.[11]
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4

Ammonia

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1. Use ammonia, water, and laundry detergent on permanent ink stains. Fill a spray bottle with warm water and add 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of ammonia. Hold the bottle 8 inches (20 cm) away and spray the area liberally. Blot with a damp cloth, then fill a bowl with warm water and 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of laundry detergent. Dab the area with a sponge dipped in the solution until the stain disappears.[12]
   • Use ammonia on synthetic carpets only—natural fibers like cotton, wool, or linen might become damaged.[13]
   • Test the ammonia on a small area first before applying it to the stained area.
   • Alternatively, mix 1 part ammonia with 1 part hydrogen peroxide and apply it to the area with a paper towel or sponge.[14]

5

WD-40

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1. Spray a lubricant like WD-40 on permanent and oil-based ink. WD-40 can remove permanent and oil-based ink from carpet.[15] Spray the stained area with WD-40 and let it sit for 5 minutes.[16] Dab the stain with a sponge dipped in warm soapy water, then soak another sponge in water and dab to remove the ink and soap.[17]
   • Allow the area to dry completely, then use your fingers to fluff the carpet fibers.
   • Test the WD-40 on a small area first to make sure it won’t harm your carpet.
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6

Dish Soap

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1. Apply warm water and mild dish soap to water-based ink spots. Mix 1⁄4 teaspoon (1.2 mL) dish soap with 1 cup (240 mL) of warm water.[18] Soak a sponge in the solution and dab at the ink stain, rinsing out the sponge occasionally to remove the ink.
   • Alternatively, fill a bowl with warm water and add 1 teaspoon of laundry detergent. Dab the stained area with a sponge soaked in the solution until the stain is gone.[19]
   • This ratio of water to dish soap works best for synthetic carpets. For natural fiber carpets, mix 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of dish soap in 1 cup (240 mL) of warm water.[20]
   • If the ink won’t come out all the way, scrub the soaped-up area with a clean toothbrush to work it out of the fibers.

7

Hair Spray

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1. Spray alcohol-based hair spray to remove any kind of ink. Saturate a paper towel with hair spray, then press it down over the stain. Discard the paper towel, then blot the area again with a dry paper towel.[21] Dab the spot with a damp sponge to soak up the residue.
   • This method only works if you have a hair spray with a high amount of alcohol, so double-check the label to make sure it isn’t alcohol-free.[22]
   • If the stain doesn’t come out completely, try applying hydrogen peroxide to the area in the same way to take the rest of the color out.
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8

Vacuum

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1. Vacuum the area if the stain is printer toner or powdery ink. Hold the vacuum hose slightly above the area to avoid pushing the powder into the carpet. Apply a foaming carpet cleaner and blot the area with a paper towel. Dab the fibers with a clean damp sponge and blot with a clean paper towel to remove the cleaner residue.[23]

9

Commercial Carpet Cleaner

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1. Use a store-bought carpet spot remover that can take out ink stains. Look for a carpet cleaner that mentions inks on the label. Follow the instructions on the product to apply it to your carpet. Typically, you just spritz the area with the cleaner, wait a few minutes, and dab the area with a rag or paper towel.[24]
   • For best results, use a wet vacuum to lift the spill, then apply the spot remover and use the vacuum to suck up the cleaner and the stain. Repeat until the stain is gone.
   • As a more natural alternative, apply a mixture of 1 part vinegar and 1 part water to the area. Wait a few minutes, then soak up the spot with a paper towel.
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10

Bleach

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1. Use bleach as a last resort to remove ink from white carpets. If your carpet is bleach-safe, mix 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of bleach with 1 gallon (3.8 L) of hot water and 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of liquid laundry soap. Dip a sponge in the solution and scrub at the stain, then let it sit overnight. Use a clean damp sponge to soak up the excess solution.[25]
   • Carpet and rug cleaning specialist Haim Shemesh never recommends using bleach to remove stains on colored carpets because it can “also take away the color that the rug has.”[26]
   • Shemesh also says that “bleach is not really a way to remove stains… because it's too strong and it could cause damage.”[27]

Community Q&A

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• Question How do I remove dried computer cartridge ink from carpet? Community Answer The shaving cream works best, helped with a light agitating from a soft toothbrush. Leave the foam on for a few minutes for stubborn stains. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 24 Helpful 61
• Question How do I remove an ink stain that has been sitting for 3 months? Community Answer Get 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 12 Helpful 24
• Question Could you be more specific in what type of water to use? Community Answer Use lukewarm fresh water. Tap is fine, just make sure it’s about room temperature. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 7

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Video

Tips

• Try to avoid scrubbing the ink stain so it won’t sink deeper into the carpet. Instead, lightly dab at the stain.[28] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• 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 Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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References

1. ↑ https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/stain-removal-guide
2. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/cleaning-organization/how-to-remove-carpet-stains/
3. ↑ https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/diy-cleaning-hacks/
4. ↑ https://site.extension.uga.edu/textiles/care/stain-removal/remove-stains-from-ink-ballpoint-felt-tip-india-mimeo-stamp-pad/
5. ↑ https://www.kidspot.com.au/lifestyle/home/home-solutions/how-to-remove-ink-stains/news-story/5543e824c70c6b2914de749844db06c8
6. ↑ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/no-stain-no-pain/
7. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/q-and-a/a20981/remove-ink-carpet-oct01/
8. ↑ https://youtu.be/xeuZvZPAd6g?t=99
9. ↑ https://www.lovetoknow.com/home/cleaning/how-remove-set-ink-stains

More References (19)

10. ↑ https://www.lovetoknow.com/home/cleaning/ink-stain-removal
11. ↑ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/no-stain-no-pain/
12. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/floor-and-surface-cleaning/how-to-get-ink-out-of-a-carpet.html
13. ↑ https://www.oakland.edu/Assets/upload/docs/Facilities/OU-Campus-Cleaning-Custodial-Services-Handbook---Final-Version-January-2011.pdf
14. ↑ https://www.oakland.edu/Assets/upload/docs/Facilities/OU-Campus-Cleaning-Custodial-Services-Handbook---Final-Version-January-2011.pdf
15. ↑ https://files.wd40.com/pdf/WD-40_Multi_Use_Product_2000_Uses_final.pdf
16. ↑ https://wd40.in/home-uses/remove-ink-stains-from-clothes/
17. ↑ https://www.stain-removal-101.com/remove-ink-stains-from-carpet-with-wd40.html
18. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/cleaning-organization/how-to-remove-carpet-stains/
19. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/floor-and-surface-cleaning/how-to-get-ink-out-of-a-carpet.html
20. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/stain-removal/easy-carpet-stain-solutions
21. ↑ https://www.popsci.com/remove-any-stain/
22. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/institute/a22808/does-hairspray-remove-ink-stains/
23. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/q-and-a/a20981/remove-ink-carpet-oct01/
24. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/carpet-stain-removers/buying-guide/
25. ↑ https://www.lovetoknow.com/home/cleaning/how-remove-set-ink-stains
26. ↑ Haim Shemesh. Carpet & Rug Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview
27. ↑ Haim Shemesh. Carpet & Rug Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview
28. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/floor-and-surface-cleaning/how-to-get-ink-out-of-a-carpet.html

About This Article

Co-authored by: Haim Shemesh Carpet & Rug Cleaning Specialist 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. This article has been viewed 906,712 times. 23 votes - 79% Co-authors: 42 Updated: April 10, 2024 Views: 906,712 Categories: Featured Articles | Carpet Stain Solutions Article SummaryX

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! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Haim Shemesh Carpet & Rug Cleaning Specialist 23 votes - 79% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 42 Updated: April 10, 2024 Views: 906,712

Susan Hernandez

Oct 18, 2019

"My home is on the market, and some little visitors came to tour with yellow and purple pens or markers. Noticed the..." more

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Nov 17, 2016

"I used methylated spirits and followed the blotting instructions (or I would have scrubbed!). I blotted the 5 ink..." more

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"We were able to remove the black ink stain from the carpet! Until we used shaving cream, it did not look like we..." more

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Dec 15, 2018

"Our puppies found an ink pen and it stained two areas. Used rubbing alcohol and dabbed each. Amazed how it pulled..." more

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Apr 7, 2017

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