How do you clean pigment ink off stamps?
Pigment ink can be cleaned off stamps by using baby wipes or soap and water. You can also use professional stamp cleaners like StazOn All-Purpose Stamp Cleaner, Stampin Scrub pad and Stampin Mist Cleaner, or a Simply Shammy.
If you’re an avid user of stamps in crafting, card-making, or scrapbooking, you’ve probably wondered how to clean pigment ink off stamps once you’ve used them. Pigment inks create a crisp image and can be removed if you use the proper solutions.
Luckily for you, I’ll show you the best way to clean pigment ink off stamps after using. I’ll even show you some DIY stamp cleaner recipes, cleaning non-rubber stamps, and what to avoid using when cleaning.
This article may contain affiliate links which pay a commission and support this blog. Thank you for your support!
Best Way to Clean Pigment Ink off Stamps
Pigment ink can be cleaned off stamps by using a baby wipe or soap and water. You can also purchase professional stamp cleaners online or at your craft store which are best for stains. For best results, and to prevent stains, clean your stamps immediately after use.
Once you clean your stamp, wait until the stamp completely dries before using again. Cleaner that remains on the stamp before drying can ruin your next stamp.
Here are some of the best methods for cleaning ink off stamps.
Baby Wipe:
Many experienced crafters recommend using a baby wipe to clean the stamps of ink gently.
It won’t work as well for long-lasting stains, but it’s suitable for removing ink shortly after application.
Baby wipes are an excellent method for excess ink removal after use. However, it won’t clean ink out of the nooks and crannies, so it’s not the best for a deep clean.
The best options are aloe-free and alcohol-free. Alcohol and aloe can dry out and damage the rubber of the stamp, leading to cracks that distort the images.
The gentle application will clean the rubber and prepare it for subsequent use. Baby wipes will allow your stamp to dry quickly, so you can reuse it almost immediately.
Soap and Water:
Soap and water might seem like a cliche method, but it works for cleaning stamps. The best combination is lukewarm water with a drop or two of Dawn dish soap. You will also want to have a shallow basin or dish for soaking.
- Gently soak the rubber portion of the stamp in the water. Try to avoid getting the wooden section wet if possible. Water may warp the wood if exposed to water for too long.
- Use a toothbrush or a nail brush to scrub the stamp gently.
- Rinse and repeat until the ink is removed from the stamp.
- Use a paper towel to gently remove the excess water.
Soap and water is a better method for getting ink out of the tiny crevices and details of the stamps. This method is usually better for cleaning stamps at the end of a crafting session. For best results, you’ll want to let them dry before using them again.
For long-term uses, this method may leave slight stains.
Professional Stamp Cleaners:
There are plenty of professional stamp cleaners on the market. Usually, they come in a spray bottle or with a daub sponge.
The most frequently recommended professional cleaner is StazOn All-Purpose Stamp Cleaner.
The steps for use are simple: Apply, Wait, and Wipe Away.
You may repeat steps until stamps are at a level of like-new cleanliness. Other stamp cleaners include brands such as:
- Stampin Scrub pad with fiber scrub pads. It usually works with Stampin Mist Cleaner.
- Simply Shammy: A lightweight but thick fabric that can dampen to clean stamps and is easy to store and carry.
Can I Make My Own Stamp Cleaners?
Several recipes for homemade stamp cleaners are all relatively cheap and easy to manufacture.
Aside from soap and water, here are a couple of easy options for making your own stamp cleaners.
Glycerin Cleaners:
Glycerin cleaner is considered one of the better options for removing pigment inks.
It’s also good for conditioning your stamps and keeping the rubber pliable and absorbent.
Mix the following ingredients together in a small spray bottle:
- 2 tbsp glycerin
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 tsp baby wash
To clean a stamp with the glycerin cleaner:
- Spritz stamps with the mixture to loosen ink residue.
- Wipe the ink away with a damp paper towel.
- Rinse the stamp with cool water and set it aside to air dry completely.
Ecological Cleaners:
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly solution, you can mix the following recipe in a small spray bottle:
- 1/4 cup Simple Green cleaner
- 1/2 cup distilled water
To use the spray cleaner:
- Lightly spritz the stamp
- Rub the stamp clean with a soft towel or paper towel
- Rinse the stamp with cool water and set it aside to completely dry.
Is There Anything Else I Need for Cleaning Stamps?
While you can clean stamps without it, many experts consider a stamp pad for cleaning beneficial. Stamp pads can be a place to rest stamps to dry or an alternative cleaning method to spritzing and wiping the stamps clean.
Stamp cleaning pads can come in a variety of forms.
- Foam pads or blocks
- Foam plates are an easily affordable option.
- Scrub or sponge pads.
- Folded paper towels.
You can lightly saturate scrubbing or cleaning pads with stamp cleaner. Rub the stamp across the surface, then blot dry.
Many stampers like pads because they are neater than spritzing or gently soaking.
They’re a good resource for cleaning stamps during a long-term crafting session.
Cleaning Stamps That Aren’t Made of Rubber
Rubber stamps are the most common but not the only kind of stamps. These days, you can find a variety of stamping mediums.
You can make a stamp out of almost any medium. The most common are clear acrylics and wood.
Each has methods that can be used for cleaning ink off of the stamps.
Acrylic Stamps:
Acrylic and plastic stamps are somewhat less permeable than rubber. They can be cleaned with most of the same cleaners that can be used on rubber stamps. You can also clean acrylic stamps with rubbing alcohol.
Acrylic stamps can have small parts, so they shouldn’t be cleaned over a sink or anywhere where pieces might get lost.
Wood Stamps:
Wooden stamps can be made by carving designs in wooden blocks. These can be as intricate or as simple as you like. When cleaning ink out of wood stamps, you can use a few methods.
Dishwashing Detergent:
- One teaspoon of dishwashing detergent in Five teaspoons hot water.
- Stir to get plenty of foam
- Dip a cloth into the foam and rub across the stains
- Rinse with a clean cloth, then dry.
- Repeat the process a few times for stubborn stains.
Baking Soda:
Baking soda is an excellent cleaner but slightly too abrasive to use on items like rubber and acrylic. To use baking soda to clean wood stamps:
- Mix baking soda with water for a thick mixture.
- Spread baking soda paste on the wooden surface and rub firmly to ensure the baking soda penetrates the surface.
- Wait 10-15 minutes
- Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away the baking soda.
- Repeat until clean.
White Spirit:
A common cleaner found at many DIY stores and often used as an alternative to turpentine.
- Lightly soak a rag with the white spirit
- Rub along the grain of the wood.
- Gently clean with a damp cloth.
Steel Wool and Wax:
Ultra-fine steel wool soaked in liquid wax. Used for persistent stains that aren’t easy to remove. To use the steel wool to clean stamps:
- Take steel wool and rub lightly.
- Be careful not to damage the wood.
Is There Anything I Should NOT Use to Clear Stamps?
Most crafters and stamp experts say you shouldn’t use undiluted regular house cleaners to clean stamps. Windex, especially, is considered too harsh for rubber stamps. It can dry out and crack the rubber. It’s also recommended that you avoid any bleach or acetone-based cleaners for the same reason.
Can I Use My Stamps Directly After Cleaning?
When using surface cleaning techniques like baby wipes, or stamping pads, you can use stamps again after a few minutes. When doing a deep clean, such as those done with cleaning solutions, it’s best to wait a few minutes so they can completely dry. Using stamps while they’re damp can inhibit the crispness of the image.
Summary: How to clean pigment ink off stamps
As you can see, pigment ink can be cleaned off stamps using baby wipes or soap and water. Stuck on stains may require the use of professional cleaners found at craft stores or online to fully clean. You can make your own household stamp cleaner, but it does take more work.
Always make sure your stamp is completely dry before using it again. Failure to dry your stamp before using it can ruin your next stamp.
Some people use stamp pads as an alternative way to clean stamps. Rather than spray the stamp directly, spray the stamp pad. The stamp pad can then be used to scrub the ink off your stamp. Stamp pads can also be a good place to let your stamps dry.
Avoid cleaning acrylic stamps over a sink. You might lose your stamp down the drain and it’s not good for your plumbing.
Wood stamps can be cleaned with dishwashing detergent, baking soda, white spirit, and steel wool and wax. Avoid soaking your wood stamps in water as this can warp the wood.
Avoid using harsh household cleaners on your stamps for cleaning. Windex, bleach, and acetone cleaners should be avoided as they can dry and crack the stamp. Once the stamp cracks, it can permanently destroy the stamp.