How to Clean Printer Ink Stains (On Just About Everything)

Printer ink primarily comes in two main types:

• Water-based
• Permanent

Both of these can somewhat of a hassle if they are spilled on hands, clothing, carpets, desktops, and other areas around the printer.

Since there are the two different types there will be a difference in the amount of effort needed to clean the affected area. Water-based ink stains can generally be cleaned on the first go but you’ll want to consider doing a second (even third) pass if it’s permanent ink.

Let’s take a look at some of the ways to clean printer ink (from any surface):

Ink Stains on Hands

Water-based inks aren’t going to stain your hands too much so all that is needed is a normal round of hands washing with soap. Permanent ink, on the other hand, can leave a stain in which you’ll need a soap that is abrasive if you want the spot removed.

Soaps brands like Lava are great, gritty types that can remove just about any stain from your hands; you can also try using rubbing alcohol or makeup wipes to deal with the problem.

Ink Stains on Clothes (White & Colors)

Quick action is needed if you want to remove inks from your clothing so don’t wait any longer than you can to get the item of clothing ready for the wash.

Sometimes you may catch the stain before it sets in by using a wet sponge to dab at the area; this may remove the majority of the ink stain prior to washing.

When the stain remains you should do the following:

• Whites – Use chlorine bleach and cold water to remove the stains
• Colors – Use a mixture of detergent and ammonia along with cold water

Cold water prevents the ink from setting into the clothing (so avoid warm water, obviously) and always remember to never mix ammonia with bleach because it will create a toxic gas.

Other alternatives you can consider are nail polish remover, liberally applying a stain stick product to the area, or hand washing the item of clothing in a mixture of cold water and baking soda.

Ink Stain on Carpet

Ink stains on the carpet are the most frustrating but, again, quick action will make the job easier.

Here is our recommended set of steps for removing the stains:

1. Blot the area with a dry paper towel to remove any excess liquid ink
2. Blot the area with a damp paper towel to soak up ink that may have started to settle
3. Soak a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and lightly dab at the area (do not scrub!)
4. Mix a 1:16 ratio of vinegar and warm water to act as a cleaner (apply with a towel)

If the problem persists you can turn to using a basic baking soda scrub, ammonia wash, carpet cleaning products found in stores, or even shaving cream.

Ink stains that leave a large, lasting stain can be removed with a wet vacuum which can be rented from most hardware stores for about $30 a day.

Ink Stain on Hard Surfaces

If you happen to spill the ink on the counter you have successfully dodged the bullet because hard surfaces are the easiest to clean (with the exception of untreated wood which will require some additional effort).

For most surfaces (like vinyl, stone, or plastic tops) rubbing alcohol will do the trick if you soak a cotton ball and dab at the area. Other items that come to mind are the magic erase markers or Clorox wipes that many homes & offices have under the sink.

Additional Suggestions & Warnings

Be careful with whatever product you may use to remove the ink stains from surfaces (especially when dealing with bleach and ammonia). Likewise, try to avoid multiple products in the area just in case there may be chemical reactions between the two (read the labels).

Keep children and pets away from the affected area so they do not come in contact with the stain removing products.

Stay calm when cleaning these items so you clean them effectively instead of getting too worked up, scrub vigorously, and spread the stain even further.

Next time you are removing ink from your printer or transporting it from the box just remind yourself to carry it in one hand and a paper towel in the other, underneath the cartridge, to avoid any potential ink spilling issues.