Cleaning up after parties

3 Tips for Getting Ink Out of Office Carpeting

There are many different things that could stain the carpeting in your office, from coffee to the dark cranberry juice you have each morning. You might also spill ink on the carpet, which quickly stains it, regardless of the colour of carpeting. However, you might be able to remove the stain if you act quickly.

Water-Based Ink

If you have spilled ink on the office carpeting that is water-based, you are in luck. This is the easiest ink to clean up, especially when you catch it while the ink is still wet. This is a good reason to use ink that is water-based whenever possible. If you catch the ink while it is still wet, start by blotting it up with a clean, dry towel. Get up as much of the liquid as you can. Now get a spray bottle and fill it with warm water and some dish detergent. Spray it onto the ink stain, then get another dry towel and begin dabbing at the ink, rotating the towel as needed. Keep repeating this until you no longer see the ink stain on the carpet.

Ballpoint Ink

Another easy ink to remove from the carpeting is ballpoint ink. This doesn't absorb as quickly into the fibers, so it tends to be easier to remove. Again, if it is still wet on the carpet, blot as much of the ink as you can with a dry towel. You can then either use stain remover or rubbing alcohol to start lifting the stain. It is best to start with carpet stain remover since it tends to be gentler on different types of carpeting. Some carpeting might have colour changes when using rubbing alcohol. If you do decide to use the alcohol, test a small section fist. Apply your chosen cleaning product to the stain, then blot it with a dry towel, rotating it often so you don't put more ink on the carpet. Rinse the area with warm water and another dry towel when you're finished.

Permanent Ink

You will have the hardest time with permanent or oil-based ink, though it isn't impossible to remove. You need to get the ink wet first with some hairspray or rubbing alcohol, then start blotting it to lift as much as possible with a towel. You can then rinse away the stain removal product with warm water. You may need to repeat this multiple times until you see the ink stain fade.

For more information, contact a local carpet cleaning company.


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