How to Remove an Ink Stain From a Rug or Carpet

Removing an ink stain isn't such an easy task because of its chemical properties. But with a little patience and persistence, the stain will be gone before your eyes.

Ink Stain

Ink Pen Stain on Carpet

Removing an ink stain is easier than you think with our simple tips and tricks.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

How to Remove Carpet Stains
Loading Video...

We’ve all been there. Either you’ve dropped an ink pen or stepped on one and the ink is everywhere. Ugh! Ink stains can be a pain to remove from carpet. Why? Ink contains chemical properties such as pigments, dyes and lubricants that make the removal tougher than most household products. The sooner you get to cleaning up the stain, the better. This way, the ink doesn’t have time to soak into the carpet, making it even more difficult to remove.

Denatured alcohol is a great secret weapon to get out tough ink stains because of its heavy-duty cleaning properties. Denatured alcohol also evaporates quickly, which will help avoid damage to the padding underneath the carpet. It differs from rubbing alcohol in that it contains roughly 10 percent methanol, which is very poisonous. However, denatured alcohol is better for cleaning than rubbing alcohol because it works and dries faster. Just make sure to keep it away from children and pets.

What You'll Need:

  • denatured alcohol
  • light-colored rags
  • wet/dry vacuum
  • old toothbrush

Step 1: Blot the Stain

If the ink stain is fresh, use a light-colored rag to blot as much of the stain up as possible. Be careful! Make sure not to press the fresh stain deeper into the carpet.

Removing Ink

Removing Ink From Carpet

Blot the ink stain with a light-colored rag.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Step 2: Soak With Alcohol

A dry stain will need to be soaked in denatured alcohol for at least five minutes. Do not pour too much alcohol on the stain. Apply enough to cover the stain, and allow it to soak down about half an inch. The alcohol will penetrate the stain but it can also go deeper and harm the padding under the carpet if you are not careful. Once the alcohol has soaked for a minute, take a clean rag and begin blotting more ink from the stain. Repeat this process a few times. Add alcohol, wait then blot.

Removing Ink

Removing Ink From Carpet

Soak the carpet with denatured alcohol and blot.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Step 3: Use a Toothbrush If Needed

If there seem to be some fibers that the alcohol is not reaching, take an old toothbrush and gently massage the alcohol into the stubborn fibers. Let the alcohol sit for five minutes, then begin blotting more ink up again.

Removing Ink

Removing Ink From Carpet

Use an old toothbrush to penetrate the alcohol into the stain and carpet fibers.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Step 4: Use a Vacuum

You may not be able to get all of the ink out of the carpet just by blotting and massaging. A wet/dry vacuum can make this process much quicker and much more effective. Add the alcohol, and let it sit for five minutes. Once it has had a chance to soak in, vacuum up the alcohol and ink with the wet/dry vacuum. Note: Be sure not to have a filter inside your vacuum. Filters are for dry cleaning only, and removing the filter will allow the vacuum to suck up liquids. This process of soaking and vacuuming is very similar to what professional carpet cleaners use. Repeat this process as many times as necessary. This should completely remove that pesky ink stain.

Removing Ink

Removing Ink From Carpet

Use a vacuum to suck up the moisture in the wet stain.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Be patient and persistent when tackling an ink stain. It may take several applications of alcohol and blotting or vacuuming for the stain to completely go away. If the stain still persists, call in a professional cleaner to do the job.

Carpet Cleaning Guide

How to Get Stains Out of Carpet

A good quality carpet could last for many years with proper care and maintenance. Learn how to remove stains from wine, nail polish, coffee and more.

Next Up

How to Remove Coffee Stains From Carpet

With just a few household items and our simple tips and tricks, that daunting coffee stain will be no more.

How to Remove Wax From Carpet

Don't let a little bit of candle wax on the carpet put you in a bad mood. The removal process is actually easier than you think.

7 Ways to Get Slime Out of Carpet and Clothes

Clean slime from your carpet and clothes with items you already have around the house.

How to Get Stains Out of Carpet

A good quality carpet could last for many years with proper care and maintenance. Learn how to remove stains from wine, nail polish, coffee and more.

How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter So Your Dishes Shine Again

Your dishwasher does so much cleaning for you, it’s time you gave it a good cleaning in return — starting with the dishwasher filter.

How to Remove Pet Stains From Carpet

Urine or vomit on carpet can be a pet owner's worst nightmare. Here's how you can clean some of the most common pet messes without too much stress.

A Must-Try Laundry Stripping Recipe

Laundry stripping is an inexpensive, easy way to bring life back to your dull and dirty laundry. Learn how you can refresh your garments and linens with this easy laundry stripping recipe.

Dry Carpet Cleaning vs. Steam Cleaning

There are two ways to deep clean your home’s carpet. Find out which is best for your type of carpeting.

How to Get Fingernail Polish Out of Carpet

Before panic sets in, check out these tips that’ll save the day when someone (obviously not you) accidentally spills nail polish on the carpet.

How to Get Blood Stains Out of Sheets, Carpeting and Other Fabrics

Lifting blood stains from common fabrics and thread counts is easier than you’d think. When in doubt, give stains a good kick with these tricks.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.