How to get rid of ink cartridge stains
We’ve all done it. Whether it is at home or at work – we’ve had to change the ink cartridges (toner) in copiers and printers.
Easy as 1-2-3! So they say. But many times something goes wrong and the ink or toner spills onto the carpet, or an upholstered piece of furniture, or your clothing and gets on your hands.
The hand washing part is the easy part! It’s removing the stains from everything else that is not so nice. Wash hands using an abrasive (gritty) soap.
To begin with – you need to get to the stain as soon as possible and the cleaning method will depend on the type of ink used.
Let’s start with the carpeting. You don’t want to step in it and track it elsewhere making a bigger mess. If it is a powdery ink/toner cartridge you will need to vacuum immediately. But you can’t let the nozzle touch the carpeting. By touching the carpet fibers with the vacuum you can easily grind the ink powder further into the fibers making it worse. You need to hold the nozzle above the stain. After you have vacuumed up as much as possible, apply a spot cleaner to the stain. You can also use one of those rug cleaners that has the foaming action to lift particles in a carpet. Blot using a clean rag and repeat this process until the stain is removed. Finally, rinse with clean cool water and blot dry with a clean rag. You don’t want to see any detergent or cleaning agent residue left on the rug.
If it is a liquid ink/toner that is on the carpet, blot as much as possible with a dry towel working from the edge of the spill to the middle so that you do not spread it any further. Using another clean cloth, dampen the cloth with isopropyl alcohol and blot the stain. Do not pour the alcohol directly on the carpet. Repeat this process until the ink is no longer being transferred onto the towel. Each time you blot, use a different part of the towel so that you are not transferring it back into the carpet. If the stain is still noticeable, blot with a white cotton towel dampened with hydrogen peroxide. Once again do not apply the peroxide directly to the carpet. Rinse thoroughly with clean cool water and allow to dry overnight.
If it spills on an upholstered office chair, vacuum without letting the nozzle touch and use a foaming spray rug cleaner. Blot using a clean rag and repeat this process until the stain is removed. Finally, rinse with clean cool water and blot dry with a clean rag. You don’t want to see any detergent or cleaning agent residue left on the chair.
As far as getting any ink/toner on your clothing – well that is just as difficult as trying to get any other type of ink stain out. Have no fear – there are a few sure-fire methods that will work. And if it happens at work – you can still get the stain out and not worry about carrying the stain with you all day.
Using a clean, damp towel or sponge, dab the stain in short motions. You do not want to push it into the fibers of the fabric any further. Allow the stain to dry. When dry, spray with hair spray or dab it with alcohol – either will work. Spray both sides of the fabric where the stain is and then place clean paper towels on both sides of the fabric and dab forcing the stain onto the paper towels. Remember to move the paper towel around so that the stain does not transfer back into the fabric. Once the stain is lifted – you’re done. To launder – follow up by applying a laundry pre-treatment (stain remover) and let sit for 15 minutes; launder as usual. Secret tip – if you haven’t got any laundry pre-treatment you can always use liquid dish detergent.
Have you got a printer ink stain in an article of clothing that has been dried and set for some time? Dab with liquid dishwashing detergent and gently scrub with a tooth brush or an abrasive towel. The stain will begin to lift. No luck? Try mixing 1 part bleach and 1 part water in a cup. Grab the tooth brush and gently brush the stain. This should really lift the stain right out of the fabric. Immediately launder the garment – do not let it dry between the stain lifting process and the wash cycle or the ink you have lifted will settle right back into the fabric.
If you stain your clothing at work and there is no where to clean the stain without getting undressed and you cannot place the garment in water – try using a stain stick. These sticks are small and will fit in your purse or pocket and can be kept in your desk. Purchase at your local grocers – it can really come in handy. Once you get home you will have to follow the instructions for a fresh printer ink stain (not a dry one), but at least the stain stick will keep the stain from setting terribly and should also lighten it considerably.
If you get a printer ink stain on a white garment, use chlorine bleach and cold water to remove it. Using hot or warm water will only make the stain set into the fabric.
If your garment is colored fabric, use sudsy ammonia which is a mixture of liquid dish detergent and ammonia – and use cold water. You need to act quickly to remove the stain.
Never combine bleach with ammonia! That combination can be fatal.
Can you prevent ink/toner spills? Yes – very easily. Place the new ink/toner cartridge in a plastic bag before removing the covering strip and use the bag to insert the cartridge in the printer/copier and also use it to remove the cartridge from the printer/copier.
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I really enjoyed this post. I will definitely check back later for more informative posts from you. Thanks!
Jennifer R.
21 Jun 09 at 10:16 pm