Getting ink out of carpet, or anything for that matter, can be quite challenging. However, with the right approach and a bit of patience, it is possible.
We’ll break down the best ways to remove ink from carpets below. These methods can also work to remove ink from other fabrics too!
Here’s our step-by-step guide to getting ink out of the carpet.
Act Quickly
The sooner you address the stain, the better your chances are of removing it. As soon as you notice the ink spill, try to blot up as much of the ink as possible using a clean paper towel.
Press down gently to avoid spreading the ink further, and use plenty of paper towels.
Try to avoid reusing any kitchen towel that has ink on it, as this may transfer to a new area of the carpet.
Do a Spot Test Before Applying Any Cleaning Solutions
Before using any cleaning solution (we’ll explore the best cleaning solutions in just a moment), it’s essential to test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the carpet to ensure it won’t cause any discolouration or damage.
This doesn’t have to be on the stained area, just somewhere that you won’t see every day if there is any damage.
Wait a few minutes after applying the solution and check for any adverse reactions.
Choose the Right Cleaning Solution
Depending on the type of ink and the carpet material, there are different cleaning solutions you can try. These are the best things for removing ink from carpets:
Rubbing alcohol
This works well on many types of ink stains, as most common inks are alcohol-based.
Using this cleaning solution is nice and simple. Just dampen a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol and blot the stain, starting from the outside and moving inward.
Avoid rubbing as it can spread the stain. This will take some time, but continue to blot the area, and use plenty of clean cloths to avoid putting any ink back into the carpet.
Washing-up liquid
If you don’t have time to buy rubbing alcohol, you can use washing-up liquid. Add a few drops of washing-up liquid to a small amount of water and apply it to the stain.
Again, blot gently with a clean cloth working from the outside of the stain into the middle. Paper towels are great for this task.
Just dip the paper towel into the cleaning solution, ensuring it isn’t too wet and blot the stain.
Repeat with plenty of clean paper towels, and the ink will be drawn out of the carpet.
Commercial carpet stain remover
There are various stain removers available specifically designed for use on carpets. You will need a strong stain remover, though.
Our pick would be HG Stain Remover. This stuff can remove just about anything from a carpet, including ink. No matter what stain remover product you use, follow the product instructions carefully.
Rinse with water
After applying the cleaning solution and blotting the stain, rinse the area with clean water to remove any residue.
Blot again to dry the area. If the stain removal was successful, the results should speak for themselves. Your carpet should look as good as it did before the pesky ink stain.
If you notice some ink deep in the pile of the carpet or areas of discolouration, you’ll want to repeat the process again. Doing this now will make removing the stain a lot easier.
If you let the carpet dry, the ink may set into the carpet, making it very difficult to remove later on.
Depending on the severity of the stain, you might need to repeat the cleaning process multiple times to completely remove the ink. Be patient and persistent.
Professional cleaning
If the stain persists, you’re unsure about handling the cleaning yourself, or your carpets are delicate, you may want to find local professional carpet cleaning services.
They have specialised equipment and knowledge to deal with tough stains effectively and may be able to do a spot treatment for you to remove the ink stain completely.
In Conclusion
Every carpet and ink stain is different, so removing the stain can be challenging. If you try one of the cleaning solutions above with no success, give another one a try.
Always read and follow the care instructions from the carpet manufacturer, and when in doubt, seek professional help to prevent damage to your carpet.
We hope you remove the ink from your carpet. We have loads of cleaning articles just like this one that can help you remove stains from clothes, carpets, sofas and a great deal more.
So, if you have more pesky stains around the home, explore In The Wash further.
In The Wash is your guide to the best laundry and cleaning products, tips and tricks. Our mission is to solve the UK’s cleaning and laundry dilemmas!
