Wallpaper can be a beautiful and practical way to decorate the walls of your home, adding colour, texture, and visual interest to any room. Unfortunately, wallpaper is also susceptible to stains and damage, including unsightly ink spills. Whether from a leaky pen, marker, or even printer ink, getting ink out of wallpaper can be a tricky process.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to effectively remove ink stains from wallpaper and restore your walls to their former glory. We’ll cover the necessary supplies, precautions to take, and detailed instructions for tackling both fresh and set-in ink stains. With the right techniques, a little elbow grease, and patience, you can banish those stubborn ink marks and keep your wallpaper looking its best.
Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
Before attempting to remove an ink stain from your wallpaper, it’s important to gather the necessary supplies. Having the right tools on hand will make the process much easier and increase your chances of success. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Absorbent cloths or paper towels
- Distilled white vinegar
- Rubbing alcohol or denatured alcohol
- Gentle, non-abrasive cleaner (such as dish soap or wallpaper cleaner)
- Soft-bristled brush or sponge
- Clean, dry towels
- Blotting paper or white blotting tissue
- Hairdryer (optional)
For stubborn stains, you may also want to consider the following additional supplies:
- Wallpaper steamer
- Professional wallpaper cleaning solution
- Wallpaper repair kit
Preparing the Area
Once you have your supplies ready, it’s time to prepare the area for cleaning. Here are the steps to take:
- Blot the Stain: Start by gently blotting the ink stain with an absorbent cloth or paper towel. Apply light pressure to soak up as much of the excess ink as possible, being careful not to rub the stain and spread it further.
- Protect the Surrounding Area: To prevent the ink from spreading to surrounding wallpaper or other surfaces, place absorbent cloths or paper towels around the stained area. This will help contain the cleaning process and catch any drips or excess liquid.
- Test the Cleaning Method: Before applying any cleaning solutions directly to the wallpaper, it’s a good idea to perform a spot test in an inconspicuous area. This will help you ensure the cleaning method you plan to use won’t damage or discolour the wallpaper. Let the test area dry completely before evaluating the results.
Removing Fresh Ink Stains
For ink stains that are still fresh and have not had time to set into the wallpaper, the removal process is relatively straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Blot the Stain: Start by blotting the fresh ink stain with an absorbent cloth or paper towel, applying gentle pressure to soak up as much of the excess ink as possible.
- Apply Vinegar: Dip a clean, soft-bristled brush or sponge into distilled white vinegar and gently dab the stain. The vinegar will help break down the ink and lift it from the wallpaper surface.
- Blot and Repeat: Immediately blot the area with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to absorb the vinegar and ink. Repeat the vinegar application and blotting process until the stain begins to fade.
- Rinse and Dry: Once the stain has been significantly lightened, rinse the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining vinegar or ink residue. Blot the area dry with a clean, absorbent towel.
- Finish with Alcohol: As a final step, dip a clean cloth or sponge into rubbing alcohol or denatured alcohol and gently dab the stain. The alcohol will help lift any remaining ink and further deodorize the area.
- Blot and Dry: Blot the area with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to absorb the alcohol and any remaining ink. Allow the wallpaper to air dry completely.
Removing Set-In Ink Stains
For ink stains that have had time to set into the wallpaper, the removal process may require a bit more effort and patience. Here’s how to tackle those stubborn, set-in stains:
- Blot and Assess: Start by blotting the stain with an absorbent cloth or paper towel to remove any excess ink. Examine the stain to determine its size and how deeply it has penetrated the wallpaper.
- Apply Cleaning Solution: Mix a small amount of gentle, non-abrasive cleaner (such as dish soap or a dedicated wallpaper cleaner) with warm water. Dip a soft-bristled brush or sponge into the solution and gently scrub the stained area, applying light pressure.
- Blot and Rinse: Immediately blot the area with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to absorb the cleaning solution and lifted ink. Rinse the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.
- Repeat and Blot: If the stain is still visible, repeat the cleaning solution application and blotting process until the stain has significantly faded. Be sure to blot the area thoroughly after each application to prevent the stain from spreading.
- Use Alcohol: As a final step, dab the stained area with a clean cloth or sponge dampened with rubbing alcohol or denatured alcohol. This will help lift any remaining ink and deodorize the wallpaper.
- Blot and Dry: Blot the area with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to absorb the alcohol and any remaining ink. Allow the wallpaper to air dry completely.
Stubborn Stains and Alternative Techniques
In some cases, even the most diligent cleaning efforts may not be enough to fully remove a set-in ink stain from wallpaper. Here are a few additional techniques you can try:
- Blotting Paper or White Tissue: Fold a piece of blotting paper or white blotting tissue and press it firmly onto the stain. The absorbent material will help draw the ink out of the wallpaper. Replace the paper or tissue as needed until the stain is lifted.
- Hairdryer: Gently heating the stained area with a hairdryer on a low setting can help activate the cleaning solutions and further lift the ink. Be careful not to hold the hairdryer too close to the wallpaper, as excessive heat can damage the surface.
- Wallpaper Steamer: If you have access to a wallpaper steamer, the gentle steam can help soften the wallpaper and release the ink stain. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take care not to oversaturate the wallpaper.
- Professional Assistance: For particularly stubborn or large ink stains, you may need to consider seeking the help of a professional wallpaper cleaning service. They have access to specialized tools and techniques that may be more effective in removing set-in ink stains.
One professional-grade product that can be effective for removing stubborn ink stains is the Zinsser Wallpaper Stripper and Cleaner. This concentrated formula is designed to penetrate and dissolve various types of stains, including ink, and can be used on both painted and unpainted wallpaper surfaces.
Another option is the Krud Kutter Gel Wall and Surface Cleaner, which is a professional-strength cleaner that can effectively tackle tough stains like ink, grease, and mildew on wallpaper. The gel formula clings to the surface, making it easier to work on vertical surfaces.
Prevention and Maintenance
To help avoid future ink stains on your wallpaper, it’s important to take proactive measures to protect the surface. Here are some tips:
- Use Caution: Be mindful of pens, markers, and other ink-based writing instruments when near your wallpapered walls. Keep them out of reach of children and pets, and avoid using them near the wallpaper.
- Clean Regularly: Regularly clean your wallpapered walls with a gentle, non-abrasive wallpaper cleaner to remove dirt, dust, and other potential staining agents. The Zinsser Wallpaper Cleaner is a great option for this, as it’s designed specifically for maintaining wallpaper surfaces.
- Touch-Up Damaged Areas: If you do encounter a small ink stain or other minor damage to your wallpaper, address it quickly. Touch up the affected area with matching wallpaper or use a wallpaper repair kit, such as the DAP DryDex Wallpaper Repair Kit, to prevent the issue from worsening.
- Consider Protective Coatings: Some wallpapers come with a protective coating that can help resist stains and make cleaning easier. If you’re installing new wallpaper, look for options with this feature, such as the Brewster Home Fashions Washable Wallpaper.
- Invest in High-Quality Wallpaper: Choosing a well-made, durable wallpaper can also help minimize the risk of stains and damage. Look for papers with a sturdy, stain-resistant surface, like the Schumacher Wallcoverings line.
By following these prevention and maintenance tips, you can help keep your wallpapered walls looking their best and minimize the need for extensive ink stain removal in the future.
Conclusion
Removing ink stains from wallpaper can be a challenging task, but with the right techniques and patience, you can successfully restore your walls to their former glory. Whether the stain is fresh or set in, the steps outlined in this guide, along with the use of specialized cleaning products, will help you effectively tackle the issue and keep your wallpaper looking its best.
Remember to always test cleaning methods in an inconspicuous area first, work gently to avoid further damage, and consider seeking professional assistance for particularly stubborn stains. With the proper care and maintenance, your beautiful wallpaper can continue to enhance the aesthetic of your home for years to come.
Good luck, and happy stain removal!
