Hey there! Have you ever accidentally made a big ink stain on your wallpaper? Maybe you were writing or drawing with a pen, and it slipped onto the wall. Or maybe your little brother or sister was coloring and left a mark. Ink stains on wallpaper can look scary, but don’t worry! I’m here to help you learn how to clean it up step by step.
I’ve had ink stains on my own wallpaper before, and I learned some easy ways to get rid of them without hurting the wall. In this guide, I’ll explain everything in simple words, so you can try it yourself — but always ask an adult to help if you need it!
What Is Wallpaper?
Before we get started, let’s talk about wallpaper. Wallpaper is a special kind of paper that sticks to walls. It comes in many colors and patterns and makes a room look nice. Some wallpaper feels smooth, and some have a bit of texture (like tiny bumps). Because wallpaper is made of paper or fabric, it can get dirty or stained, and ink is one of the trickiest stains.
Why Should You Clean Ink Stains Quickly?
Ink dries fast. When ink touches wallpaper, it can soak in quickly and make a permanent stain. If you wait too long to clean it, the stain might not come off anymore. I remember one time when I got a pen mark on my wall but waited a day before cleaning. The stain stayed, and I had to cover it with a poster.
So, the most important thing is: try to clean the ink as soon as you see it!
What Materials Do You Need?
Here’s what you will need before you start cleaning:
- Clean white cloths or paper towels
- Mild dish soap (the kind you use to wash dishes)
- Warm water
- Cotton swabs (also called Q-tips)
- Rubbing alcohol (ask an adult to help with this!)
- A small bowl or cup
- Soft sponge or cloth
- Baking soda (optional)
Always be gentle with wallpaper because it can tear or peel if you scrub too hard.
Step 1: Blot the Ink Right Away
When you notice an ink stain, the first thing to do is blot it. That means gently press a clean cloth or paper towel on the stain to soak up the ink. Don’t rub! Rubbing will spread the ink and make the stain bigger.
I learned this the hard way when I rubbed a pen stain on my wallpaper. The mark got worse and spread all over the place! So, blotting is the key.
Step 2: Make a Soap and Water Solution
Next, take a small bowl and fill it with warm water. Add a few drops of mild dish soap and mix it gently to make soapy water.
This soap water will help lift the ink without damaging your wallpaper.
Step 3: Test the Soap on a Hidden Spot
Before you put the soap water on the stain, test it on a small hidden part of your wallpaper, like behind a door or near the floor. Wait for 5 minutes and check if the wallpaper changes color or texture.
If everything looks fine, you can safely use the soap water on the stain.
Step 4: Clean the Ink Stain Gently
Now, dip a soft sponge or clean cloth into the soap water. Wring it out so it’s just damp — not soaking wet.
Gently dab the ink stain with the sponge. Don’t scrub or rub hard! Just press lightly and keep blotting the stain.
You might need to dip the sponge back into the soap water a few times to clean the stain completely.
Step 5: Use Rubbing Alcohol for Stubborn Stains
If the ink stain is still there after cleaning with soap water, rubbing alcohol can help.
Put a little rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab and gently dab the stain. Be very careful and don’t use too much alcohol because it can remove wallpaper color if you scrub too hard.
Ask an adult to help you with this part because rubbing alcohol smells strong and can be harmful if not used right.
Step 6: Rinse and Dry the Area
After the ink is gone, dip a clean cloth in plain warm water (no soap) and gently wipe the area to remove any soap or rubbing alcohol.
Then, take a dry cloth or paper towel and pat the wallpaper dry. Don’t rub the wallpaper dry because it can peel off.
Step 7: Try Baking Soda Paste for Very Stubborn Stains
If the stain is still not gone, you can make a paste by mixing baking soda and a little water.
Apply the paste gently on the stain with a soft cloth. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then wipe it off with a damp cloth.
Baking soda is a natural cleaner and works great for tough stains.
Extra Tips I Learned From My Experience
- Always work gently with wallpaper. It can tear easily.
- Never use bleach or harsh chemicals because they can ruin the wallpaper.
- Try to keep pens and markers away from wallpaper to avoid stains.
- If you have wallpaper with a shiny or vinyl surface, ink stains are easier to clean because they don’t soak in as much.
- If you can’t get the stain out, don’t worry! You can cover it with a poster or painting.
What If You Can’t Remove the Ink?
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, the ink stain won’t come out. That happened to me once! My best solution was to put a cool poster over the stain. Now, no one sees the mark, and my room still looks nice.
So, if cleaning doesn’t work, covering the stain is a smart way to fix the problem.
Summary — How to Get Ink Out of Wallpaper
- Blot the stain immediately with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Make a solution of warm water and mild dish soap.
- Test the soap water on a hidden part of wallpaper first.
- Gently dab the stain with a sponge dipped in soapy water.
- Use rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab for tough stains (ask an adult for help).
- Rinse the area with clean water and pat dry.
- Try a baking soda paste if the stain is stubborn.
Cleaning ink stains takes patience, but with these easy steps, you can save your wallpaper and keep your room looking great! If you ever get stuck, remember it’s okay to ask an adult for help.
If you want, I can also help you with how to stop stains before they happen, or how to clean other kinds of stains. Just ask!
