3 Surprising Ways To Remove Marker And Ink From Your Carpet
Whether you are an artist, klutz, or parents of young children, pen marks and marker may affect your home's carpets. Not only can ink spill, but pens and markers can accidentally mark up your carpet when in use. These marks and stains will affect the look and value of your carpet, so it is important to remove them when possible. Thankfully, cleaning up these imperfections does not have to be a stressful event. Here are a few tips to remove ink from your carpet.
Liquid Dish Soap
If the ink marks stem from a water-based pen or marker, you can use liquid dish soap to remove them. To get started, mix a teaspoon of dish soap with a tablespoon of warm water. Dab a clean towel into the soapy solution before dapping the spot on your carpet.
Use gentle motions when dabbing the ink stain on your carpet. Continue dabbing until the ink marks have lightened and then disappeared.
Rubbing Alcohol
In many instances, permanent ink from permanent markers and pens may require a more involved cleanser. Fortunately, most people have rubbing alcohol in their home already. Be sure to use these steps as soon as you notice the ink spots.
Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto the ink marks. Use a clean cloth to dab the ink marks lightly. After a few dabs, you should start seeing the ink color on the cloth. Once the ink marks have been removed, dampen the area with a second clean cloth soaked in warm water.
Hairspray
If the above method does not work, consider using hairspray. While surprising to learn, an oil-free hairspray is one of the most effective ways to remove ink marks from your carpet. It is important to note that hairspray is most effective on carpets that are manufactured using polyester or a polyester blend.
Spray the hairspray directly onto the areas of carpet with pen and marker stains. Allow it to soak into the carpet fibers for a few minutes. Then, soak a clean cloth in warm water. Use the cloth to gently blot the ink from the carpet. After a few minutes of blotting, the ink should begin to lighten and eventually disappear completely.
If you are still unable to remove the ink from your carpet, it may be beneficial to hire a professional carpet cleaning company to address the problem. Using stain removers and cleaning solutions, the professionals will be able to remove ink marks and freshen up the look and smell of your carpet.