Ink stains on carpets or rugs can be difficult to remove. If you leave them untreated, they may damage carpet fibers permanently. There are so many modern cleaning techniques and technology available for ink stain removal. But you need to act as soon as possible to remove these stains quickly. Please check out this guide and lift ink stains from carpets using some handy household items.
Apply Isopropyl Alcohol on Stain Marks.
First of all, you can tackle ink stains by using isopropyl alcohol. Please read these tips and know how to do it:
- Dab the Stain Mark without Scrubbing – You can take a white cloth and moisten it with isopropyl alcohol. You may consider a high concentration for better results. Then, you need to dab the stained area gently, rather than scrubbing it. Otherwise, this may spread the ink further into the carpet fibers.
- Allow the Stain to Sit – You should allow the alcohol to sit on the stain for a few minutes that can dissolve the ink, making it easier to lift.
- Vacuum the Area - After a few minutes, you can use a vacuum cleaner that works for liquids to remove the moisture and any loosened ink.
Reapply If Required.
If the stain still persists, you may need to apply this solution again. Sometimes, other alcohol-based products can help, like:
- Hairspray with a high alcohol content
- Nail polish remover, if it’s safe for your carpet
- White wine or vinegar for their natural acidity.
These alternatives can break down ink stains; though they may require rinsing to avoid their residues.
Rinse and Steam Clean the Carpet.
Once you apply an alcohol-based solution, you need to rinse the area with water to remove any lingering cleaning agents. Please consider the following approaches to do so:
Blotting with Water – You can use a damp cloth to rinse the area gently. After that, you can blot dry to absorb excess liquid.
Consider Steam Cleaning – Steam cleaning can work wonders by applying hot, high-pressure steam to take away the ink particles, followed by a vacuum to eliminate the remaining moisture.
Test First to Prevent Damaging Further
You should start with a patch test on a hidden area of the carpet to make sure that the cleaning solution won’t cause additional discoloration or damage. Carpets made from natural fibers or delicate materials can react differently to certain cleaning agents; so you should test it beforehand.
Bottom Line –
You can follow these steps and handle ink stains so that you can keep your carpet looking clean and fresh. Acting promptly, using a few household products, and considering the right approach, you can minimize or remove stubborn ink stains altogether. If you need additional tips for carpet cleaning in Chicago, please contact ServiceMaster Chicago at +1-773-583-4300 and let us handle your carpet cleaning requirements.