If you’ve lived in your home for any length of time than you’ve likely had a stain or two find it’s way onto your carpet or rug. Today, we’re going to discuss ink stains and Carpet Cleaning: How to get ink stains out of your carpet or rugs in Birmingham, AL. There are several methods that could prove themselves helpful in removing those stubborn stains! If all else fails Heaven’s Best would be happy to come tackle the job for you, but first, we’ll give you some pointers on how to do it yourself!
There are two different types of inks: Water-based and non-water-based. Water-based inks are considered temporary because they can be dissolved in water. Sketch pens, magic markers or highlighters are usually temporary inks. Non-water-based inks cannot be dissolved in water and are considered permanent. Sharpies, permanent markers and standard ink pens fall in this category.
Temporary Ink
For a water-based ink stain shampoo works wonders in removing the stain. Any shampoo that suits the your carpet can be used to clean the stain. Baby shampoo works well for delicate surfaces. The sitting time for the shampoo varies depending upon the strength of the shampoo and the fabric of the carpet.
If you’re trying to remove a fresh ink stain, start by blotting the area with paper towel to soak up as much of the wet ink as possible. Repeat the process with a clean paper towel until you’ve removed any remaining wet ink from the area.
Completely saturate the stained area with the shampoo of your choice and let it sit for several minutes. The shampoo will begin to loosen the ink from the carpet fibers. In the event that the ink has dried, the shampoo will need to sit a bit longer.
Blot the stain with a fresh paper towel until the entire stain is lifted from the carpet.
Spray water over the area and dab it with a fresh paper towel. Keep at it until any moisture from the shampoo, along with any remaining ink, is removed. Let air-dry.
Permanent Ink
Rubbing alcohol is one of the most effective agents in removing permanent ink stains from your carpet or rug. It reactivates the pigments in the ink, essentially dissolving the ink so it can be lifted off.
Saturate the area with rubbing alcohol. The rubbing alcohol will immediately start dissolving the ink. Soak up the dissolved ink with paper towel. Discard the paper towel if it becomes too saturated with ink and use a fresh one.
Repeat these steps until the entire ink stain has lifted from the carpet.
These are just a couple of ways to tackle permanent and non-permanent ink stains from your carpet. If you’ve tried our tips for Carpet Cleaning: How to get ink stains out of your carpet or rugs in Birmingham, AL without any luck Heaven’s Best would be happy to come finish the job for you! Contact us today at (205) 739-1880 for all your carpet cleaning needs!