How to Clean a Rubber Stamp

Cleaning rubber stamps is a preparatory activity for their next use and can also prolong their life, keeping them from cracking or breaking from dried paint or ink. Crafters who take the time to clean their stamps will also take the time to store them correctly. Rubber stamps can be stained and still be clean. Over time, the use of the stamp may cause the surface to become stained but it will still stamp a crisp image as long as the surface is kept clean. There are multiple ways to clean a rubber stamp.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Baby wipe
• Toothbrush
• Cloth
• Rubber stamp cleaner
• Paper

1. Working with a used stamp, first stamp the image onto a scrap piece of paper, removing as much of the ink or paint as possible.

2. Wiping the rubber stamp with a baby wipe will remove the ink or paint.

3. Soaking the stamp in warm soapy water can remove most inks and paint. Wood-mounted stamps should not be left to soak in water because it can affect the bond between the stamp and the wood.

4. Using the warm soapy water you can use a toothbrush to scrub the rubber stamp surface if there is stubborn ink or paint remaining.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a baby wipe that does not contain alcohol. The alcohol can dry out the rubber stamp, making it brittle.