Removing print from carpet depends heavily on the type of print. Is it ink from a printer, paint, or something else? The cleaning method will vary significantly.
Removing Ink from Carpet
For ink stains (from inkjet printers, for example), act quickly. The key is to blot, not rub. Rubbing spreads the ink, making it harder to remove.
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Fresh Ink: Immediately rinse the area with cold water. Then, gently blot with a clean cloth, working from the outside of the stain inward. You may need to repeat this process. A reference suggests using rubbing alcohol to help lift the dried ink after allowing it to soak for a while [Reddit CleaningTips].
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Dried Ink: For dried ink, try blotting with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol [Reddit CleaningTips]. Work in small circular motions, avoiding harsh scrubbing [YouTube Video]. Be patient and persistent; it may take several attempts. Another source suggests using beer to remove the ink [T-Shirt Forums].
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Toner: If it's toner (dry powder from a laser printer), vacuum the area thoroughly before attempting other cleaning methods to remove as much as possible [Quora]. Then, use a carpet cleaner with a foaming action [Quora]. Avoid using a bagless vacuum cleaner, as toner may be blown back out, causing a much bigger problem [Reddit LifeProTips].
Removing Paint from Carpet
Paint removal depends on whether it's water-based or oil-based paint.
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Water-based Paint: For fresh spills, blot with a damp cloth to lift the paint. For dried paint, a carpet cleaner might work, but you should test a small inconspicuous area first.
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Oil-based Paint: Removing oil-based paint is trickier. You might try sparingly dampening a cloth with acetone and placing it on the paint, using a needle to gently separate the carpet fibers [Bunnings Workshop]. Always test in an inconspicuous area first to prevent damage to the carpet.
Removing Other Prints
For other types of prints (like mud or other substances), consider:
- Mud: Let the mud dry completely. Then, carefully vacuum it up [Carter's Carpet Restoration].
- Other Substances: Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire stain.
