How Do You Get Tattoo Ink Out Of Carpet?

Tattoo ink can stay on for ten years or even longer without a retouch. While that’s great news for the body art on your skin, you won’t be much enthusiastic to know that if you accidentally spill some tattoo ink on your carpet.

However, no need to panic if you got some tattoo ink on the carpet. Want to learn how to remove tattoo ink from carpet? Read on.

What Gets Tattoo Ink Out Of Carpet?

Here are some of the cleaning agents you can use to remove tattoo ink stains from your carpet or other fabrics:

Commercial Stain Removal Formulas

You can find many stain removal formulas on the market. Before purchasing, make sure the product is non-abrasive. Even low concentrations of bleach can be damaging to your carpet fibers, so it’s important to use non-bleach products. OxiClean, Bissell Pro Oxy Power Spot, and Carbona Oxy Powered Carpet Cleaner are some of the best formulas you can use.

Nail Polish Remover

Nail polish remover contains acetone, which effectively dissolves tattoo ink and ballpoint ink as well. Most stains should disappear almost as soon as you put nail polish remover on them. Too much polish remover can damage the rug’s fabric, so be careful not to apply too much. Gently blot out the stain with a piece of cloth or paper towel after applying the nail polish remover.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is the commercial name of isopropyl alcohol. It’s one of the most effective cleaners for carpets. It comes with a lower density than most other liquids, so rubbing alcohol tends to draw out the dirt from deep inside the carpet and take it to the top of the carpet fiber. So, the ink would come off when you clean the stained area with a paper towel afterward.

While browsing through cleaning hacks, you might also come across the hairspray trick. You can spray some hairspray over a fresh stain and wipe it off quickly. What gives hairspray this convenient cleaning property? It’s none other than isopropyl alcohol. So, a hairspray would do the job if you don’t have rubbing alcohol around.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen Peroxide can take out tattoo ink, but it can also ruin the color of your carpet fabric for good. So, exercise caution while using hydrogen peroxide. We recommend using a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. A stronger blend can harm the carpet. Hydrogen peroxide breaks up into water and oxygen. The oxidization of stains makes it easier to remove them.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a great option if you want to remove carpet stains naturally without using harsh chemicals. Baking soda is a kitchen essential in almost every household. So, you can use it immediately after the tattoo ink stains the carpet. You can mix it up with ginger ale to get even better results.

How To Remove Tattoo Ink From Carpet? [Step By step process]

Using Commercial Formulas

Not all formulas have the same chemical composition. So, they need to be applied differently. Some might need to be diluted before use, while some are good to go off the shelf. Therefore, read the instructions on the label carefully before using it on your carpet. Be 100% confirm that the product will not affect the carpet die before application.

Using Nail Polish Remover

• Step 1. Pour a cup of water over the ink stain.

• Step 2. Now pour a small amount of nail polish remover on the area. Non-acetone nail polish removers are more carpet-friendly but they are not as effective as acetone nail polish removers in removing a stubborn stain like tattoo ink stain. So, it’s better to use acetone nail polish remover cautiously.

• Step 3. Take a paper towel and put it over the treated area. You only have to apply slight pressure instead of rubbing the area. Once the towel gets wet, dispose of it and take another one. Repeat this process until the ink fully comes off.

Using Rubbing Alcohol

• Step 1. Take a piece of cloth and soak it in warm water.

• Step 2. Put the wet cloth on the stained area and blot out the ink as much as you can.

• Step 3. Once you have taken out most of the ink, apply the finishing touch with rubbing alcohol. Use hairspray if you don’t have actual rubbing alcohol. Allow the alcohol to set in for 10 minutes.

• Step 4. Blot the spot with a paper towel. Keep repeating this process as long as the ink is noticeable.

Using Hydrogen Peroxide

• Step 1. Add 3 grams of hydrogen peroxide to every 100 ml of water to prepare a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution.

• Step 2. Pour the solution on the affected area. Wait a few minutes so that it can take effect.

• Step 3. Blot it with paper towel.

Using Baking Soda

• Step 1. Pour some water on the fresh stain so that it gets diluted before getting dry.

• Step 2. Take a piece of towel and soak up the moisture.

• Step 3. Sprinkle some baking soda on the stain.

• Step 4. Pour some ginger ale on it after two minutes. Spread the mixture all over the spot with a soft-bristle toothbrush.

• Step 5. Pour some clean water over the spot.

• Step 6. Blot out the ink with paper towel.

Deal with the tattoo ink stain immediately, no matter which cleaning item you choose. Fresh stains are much easier to remove. If the tattoo ink stain dries, removing it will become way more problematic. Also, make sure to blot the area and vacuum it afterward. Leftover moisture might lead to mole infestation in the future.

Final words

Tattoo ink on carpets can be a nuisance. But, if you respond right away and apply the right technique, you can restore the carpet to its original glory. That said, prevention is the best cure. Be careful in the first few days after getting a new tattoo so that the tattoo wrap doesn’t accidentally slip off and ruins your favorite rugs and clothing.