How to Get an Ink Stain Out of Carpet

Remove ink stains with common household items.

Ink spills don't have to leave permanent stains on your carpet. Although getting the unsightly stain out of your carpet might seem like a daunting chore, several common household items can effectively lift ink out of carpet fibers. The trick is to treat the ink stain as soon as you notice it. The longer the ink stain sits, the harder it will be to completely remove it from your carpeting.

Things You'll Need

• Small spray bottle
• White cloths
• White paper towels (optional)
• Isopropyl rubbing alcohol
• 1 tsp. liquid dish soap without bleach or lanolin
• 1 tsp. glycerin
• Commercial stain remover

Instructions

1. Fill a small spray bottle with cool tap water. Spray the stained carpet area to rinse out as much of the ink as possible. Blot up excess moisture with a dry white cloth or white paper towels.

2. Pour isopropyl alcohol onto a white cloth. Gently blot the alcohol onto the ink stain and allow it to sit for about 30 minutes. Rinse the affected are with cool water and blot up any excess moisture. Repeat this process until the ink stops transferring to your cloth.

3. Combine 1 tsp. of liquid dish soap and 2 cups of cool tap water in a clean spray bottle if the ink stain remains. Spray the ink stain with this solution and promptly blot the carpet with a white cloth or white paper towels. Keep spraying and blotting until the ink no longer transfers.

4. Add 1 tsp. glycerin to the soapy solution in the spray bottle if the stain proves stubborn. Spray the ink stain with this solution and promptly blot the carpet with a white cloth or white paper towels. Keep spraying and blotting until the ink no longer transfers.

5. Use a commercial stain remover on any remaining ink stain. The Utah State University Extension suggest using a stain remover that contains a grease solvent such as trichlorethylene or petroleum naphtha. Follow the instructions on the product's label.

Tips & Warnings

• Only repeat the steps that effectively remove the ink stain. Use as few steps as possible when cleaning your carpet to prolong the life of carpet fibers.

• Always end any stain removal process with rinsing your carpet with cool water and blotting it dry.

• Don't get your carpet too wet when applying cleaning solutions. Excessive moisture can destroy the carpet backing.

• Never rub ink spills, or the stain will spread.

References

• Utah State University Cooperative Extension: Frequently Asked Questions, Carpet or Upholstery

Resources

• University of Missouri Extension: Carpeted Floor Care and Removing Food and Oil-based Stains
• Wolfe Flooring: Home Remedy to Get Out Ballpoint Pen or Permanent Ink Stain