How to Get Ink Out of Carpet – Ink Spot Removal Guide

Are you looking for ways to remove ink stains from carpet? Removing ink stains from carpets can be a challenging task. The method you choose will largely depend on the type of ink – whether it is permanent, pen, oil-based, or water-based.

When dealing with an ink stain, you should avoid spreading it outwards. Small rubbing motions will restrict the stain to the affected area.

Regardless of how ink got on your carpet, you must remove the stain immediately. The tips that we have provided in this article will help you in getting ink out of the carpet.

Types of Ink

The following are the main kinds of ink stains:

Ballpoint Pen

Colour is added to ballpoint pens by an oil-based fluid and colorants. This ink is made of oil. When it strikes the carpet, it can spread and dry. Pour cornstarch over the stain of oil-based ink.

Even if the ink has dried, cornstarch can prevent it from becoming lasting. Leave it for a few minutes.

Gel Pen

Gel pens use vibrant, spongy water-based ink. They contain metallic particles, and you can use stain removers that eliminate grease and rust.

If the gel pen contains glitters or sparkles, use a toothbrush to remove them before cleaning the ink stain. When a gel pen breaks, the glitters can become entangled in the carpet. Before brushing, ensure the carpet is wet.

Fountain Pen

A fountain pen is a modernized quill and ink pen. Since it does not leak as much as other pens, it starts bleeding when the ink resource is opened.

Fountain pen stains are made of water and can be removed the same way as regular pens.

Printer Ink

Printers use dye ink. A colorant is suspended and dissolved in a liquid in the special ink. Printer ink stains are classified into powder ink stains and liquid ink stains.

Thoroughly clean the powder on the upper surface before using any method for a powder ink stain. To remove a liquid ink stain, lightly remove the ink spot on top.

Permanent Ink

Permanent markers have some of the hardest-hitting ink of any ink pen available. Their spots on the carpet can be eliminated with rubbing alcohol or a non-oil-based hairspray.

Apply it to the stain and blot it with a paper towel. Sprinkle water on the affected area and then remove the stain.

Things to Do Before Getting Ink Out of Carpet

Determine Your Ink Type

First, you must determine the type of ink stain present. This is the most vital step in deciding how the ink stain is removed.

There are numerous ink types, and each requires a distinct cleaning solution. For instance, tattoo ink stains differ significantly from powdered ink and printer ink stains, which differ from ink pen stains.

The inks utilized by gel pens, fountain pens, and Roller-ball pens are all water-based. Some pens, including ballpoint pens and permanent markers, utilize oil-based ink.

If the Type of Ink is Unknown

Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine the type of ink stain. Therefore, if you are unsure, you should begin with a dry solvent.

Since water prevents the effectiveness of dry solvent, the carpet must be completely dry before use.

Protect Yourself and the Carpet

Protecting yourself and your carpet from damage is an additional essential step. Ensure that you have a sufficient open area for ventilation. And always take extra care for skin protection.

There are a few steps you must take for your carpet cleaning. Use cleaner in little quantity as possible and never use it directly on the carpet. This will effectively protect the carpet.

Additionally, you should always check your cleaner in unnoticeable areas. You can determine whether the materials will discolor the carpet before applying them to the entire surface.

How to Quickly Remove Ink from Carpet?

The first stage is to act on the ink stain area as quickly as possible. The harder the ink, the more difficult it is to clear away, so don’t delay if you find it.

How to Remove Ball Point Ink Stains from Carpet?

Getting Ink Out of Carpet with Hairspray

If your carpet is made of natural fibers, use the following action to eliminate the ink stain:

Two containers of inexpensive hair spray are required.
Spray the stain with hairspray to make the ink soft.
Use a white towel to blot the varnish. Instead of scrubbing the stain, continue this procedure until the stain is gone.
After the stained area has dried, brush it by hand and vacuum it. This should eliminate any varnish residue.

Get Ink Out of Carpet with Rubbing Alcohol

Use rubbing alcohol to soak the ink stain.
As you gently wipe away the ink stain from the carpet, the color will move onto the towel.
Once the stain has been removed, blot the surface with a lukewarm cloth.

How to Get Rid of Permanent Ink Stains on Carpet?

Permanent ink stains can be challenging to remove. Try a cleaning solution that mixes detergent and ammonia.

Fill the spray bottle with warm water and one tablespoon of ammonia.
Spray from far away and try to wipe with a wet cloth. Spray the stain from about 20cm away to prevent damage to the surface, then lightly rub it with a wet towel.
To avoid pushing the ink deeper into the carpet, lightly blot the stain instead of scrubbing it. Get ink out of wool carpets by using half a tablespoon of ammonia and fill half of the spray bottle with water.

How to Remove Water-Based Ink Stains?

Tools Required

White cloth
Brush
Scraper
Ink grease remover
Dish soap
Clean water
Vacuum

Directions

The first step in removing ink from the carpet is to create a water boundary. To prevent the stain from spreading, create a circle of water around it.
Apply a small amount of cold water to the stain. Be cautious about adding too much.
Wipe the ink stain gently with a clean cloth or towel. Ensure that you work with care and do not brush the carpet. You can further embed the ink into the fiber if you do so.
Utilize a fresh cloth to remove the stain. Dab it gently, and avoid rubbing it. To dry the area, you could use your normal vacuum.
If the stain persists, combine 1 cup of hot water and 14 teaspoons of dish soap. Then, wet a clean cloth into the solution and apply it softly to the stain.
Wash away the soap and dry the area with a towel.
Eventually, allow the area to air-dry entirely. Then, use a vacuum to remove any remaining traces and repair the carpet fibers.
Try a solvent if the steps mentioned above fail to clean ink from your carpet. This is effective for removing tough stains.
There are various dry solvents available, and they are all effective.
- Paint ink and grease removal solvent
- Acetone
- Rubbing alcohol or alcohol denatured
Ensure that these stains are completely dry. This is extremely important because the solvent will not work if there is any moisture on the carpet.
Add a small amount of solvent to a wet cloth. Apply it to the stained area.
Quit working for approximately fifteen minutes to allow the solvent to treat the stain.
Then, add a cleaning agent and use a scraper during this step.
Finally, moisten the stained area to remove any remaining substances.
After applying the cleaning solution, you must rinse the carpet thoroughly. Be especially cautious with the paint ink grease remover, as it may leave substances on your carpet.

How to Get Rid of Oil-Based Ink Stains?

Tools and Materials Required

Shaving cream
Hand sanitizer

Process

Spray the foam of shaving cream on the ink directly. Load a sponge with water and squeeze out any excess water.
Clean up any excess foam by gently rubbing the foam into the carpet with a sponge. Repeat this procedure until the stain is gone, then thoroughly clean the carpet with a vacuum. Once done, pat the carpet dry with a paper towel.
If this method does not work, you can use hand sanitizer. Alcohol is present in hand sanitizer. As the alcohol level of hand sanitizer is lower, you do not have to be as cautious. Sanitizers will not damage your carpet.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Get Pen Ink Out of the Carpet?

Apply Rubbing alcohol to the ink stain. Leave it for a few minutes. Take a paper towel and remove the ink stain. If the alcohol fails to work, try shaving cream and perform these steps.

How Does Vinegar Get Ink Out of the Carpet?

Fill an equal amount of water and vinegar into a spray bottle. Gently rub the stained area. Mix liquid soap in warm water and wash it.

Can You Use Baking Soda to Remove Ink from the Carpet?

Mix baking soda and water to make a paste. Dip a cotton ball in it and apply it to the stained area. Use a paper towel to clean the paste.

Does Hairspray Remove Ink from the Carpet?

To loosen the ink stain, spray it with hairspray. Take a clean white cloth and gently rub it. Avoid scrubbing. Try to wipe the stain until the ink has disappeared.

Is it Possible to Remove Ink Stains with Vinegar?

Yes, you can use white vinegar and cornstarch to eliminate an ink stain from your carpet.

Final Thoughts

There are numerous DIY remedies to get ink out of the carpet. Make sure you have a few solutions available every time because ink stains should be cleaned as soon as possible.

A permanent ink stain can ruin the carpet, and you’ll need to hire an expert to clean it. Almost all ink stains on the carpet can be easily removed with ammonia, baking soda, rubbing alcohol, and vinegar.

You may need to apply these agents several times to remove the stains. Excellent results can be achieved if you are patient and persistent.