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Ink stains on your carpet are a pain—but they’re not impossible to remove. Whether it’s a leaky pen, a dropped Sharpie, or even a spilled printer cartridge, acting quickly can make all the difference.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to get ink out of carpet based on the type of ink you’re dealing with.

Quick Tip: Before trying any cleaning method, always test it on a hidden spot to make sure it won’t damage or discolor your carpet.

Why Does Ink Stain Carpet So Easily? 

Ink stains can be more difficult to eradicate than other stains because ink is literally made of dyes intended to stain something. Ink can be either liquid or paste and water based or oil based.In addition to dyes, ink often contains:

• Solvents
• Fluorescents
• Pigments
• Resins
• Lubricants
• Surfactants
• Particulate matter

Types of Ink Stains and How to Treat Them 

There are a few different types of ink that create different kinds of ink stains:

• Water-based ink
• Permanent ink
• Ballpoint ink 

Each type of stain from ink requires a different approach to remove it, so be sure to consider the surface you’re working with before you try anything.

How to Get Ballpoint Pen Ink Out of Carpet 

Ballpoint ink is oil-based, so you’ll need a solvent to break it down. If your carpet is made of natural fibers, try this:

1. Purchase two cans of inexpensive lacquer hair spray - you may need this much hair spray depending on how quickly the stain disappears.
2. Spray the hairspray onto the ink stain to soften the ink.
3. Using a clean white cloth or towel, blot the lacquer. Do not scrub! Continue blotting the stain until the ink disappears.
4. Allow the area is dry, then hand-brush the affected area and vacuum.

How To Remove Permanent Ink From Carpet

Sharpies, gel pens, and other permanent markers contain stubborn pigments.

1. Dab the ink stain with rubbing alcohol to moisten it. Blot, don’t rub.
2. Continue lightly blotting the ink stain from the carpet.  The ink will begin to transfer to the towel.
3. Once the area is clean and stain-free, dab the area with a towel moistened with lukewarm water.
4. If this method doesn’t remove all of the permanent ink stain from your carpet, repeat the above steps using hairspray (note that these methods can dramatically reduce the appearance of the ink stain, but some permanent markers are unfortunately quite permanent!)

How To Remove Water-Based Ink Stains From Carpet

Washable markers and rollerball pens usually contain water-based ink, which is easier to clean: 

1. Mix 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid with lukewarm water.
2. Dab a towel into water, then blot the ink stain with the towel without rubbing.
3. Repeat this process until stain has disappeared.

How to Get Printer Ink Out of Carpet

Spilled a printer cartridge or knocked over your inkjet printer? Printer ink, especially from inkjet cartridges, is water-based but highly pigmented—making it harder to remove. Here’s what to do:

1. Gently blot the area with a paper towel to absorb any excess liquid.
2. Apply rubbing alcohol to a clean cloth and blot (don’t scrub!) the stain.
3. Follow up with dish soap and lukewarm water to lift the dye.
4. Rinse and repeat if needed. If the stain persists, call a professional carpet cleaner like COIT.

Avoid using hot water, which can set the ink permanently into the carpet fibers.

FAQS: Ink Stains on Carpet

Q: How do you get dried ink out of carpet?

Start by softening the stain with rubbing alcohol or hairspray. Let it sit for a few minutes, then blot with a clean towel. Repeat as needed.

Q: Does vinegar remove ink from carpet?

 Vinegar isn’t the most effective choice for ink. Stick to rubbing alcohol or hairspray, which are better at breaking down dyes and pigments.

Q: Can baking soda help with ink stains?

 Baking soda is better at absorbing odors and moisture than breaking down ink. It’s not a go-to for ink stains.

Q: Will a carpet cleaner machine remove ink?

 Home carpet cleaners can help rinse the area after blotting, but they won’t lift the stain on their own. Spot-treat the ink before using any machine.

Q: Is it safe to use hydrogen peroxide on carpet?

 Hydrogen peroxide can bleach some carpets. Only use it if your carpet is white or color-safe—and always spot test first.

What Not to Do with Ink Stains

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Don’t scrub—the ink will spread deeper into the fibers.
• Don’t use hot water—it can set the stain permanently.
• Don’t mix cleaners like bleach and ammonia—it’s dangerous and ineffective.

By acting quickly and using the right cleaning methods, you can remove most types of ink from most surfaces and fabric.  Need more stain and cleaning tips?  See the COIT Stain Guide and the COIT blog. For videos on how to remove ink stains from carpet click here.

When to Call the Pros

Still seeing spots after a few tries? Some inks are just too stubborn. At COIT, our expert carpet cleaning team uses professional-grade tools and solvents to remove even the toughest stains—without damaging your carpet.

Need help? Book a COIT carpet cleaning today →

Call the PROs at COIT for a professional clean!