5 Simple Stamp Cleaning Ideas

 5 Simple Ways to Clean Stamps 

Hi Crafty peeps!

We all know it's always best to clean your stamps as soon as you have finished stamping. However, when our minds are busy crafting, it's easy to forget to do this.

I find it easy to grab a baby wipe while I'm working. However, some inks are difficult to remove, and often the Baby Wipes just don't clean as effectively as I would like.

There are plenty of other tools and cleaners available if you want your stamps to look clean and fresh. I've listed a few below:

Method 1: Detergent Stamp and a Sponge

A simple way is to use a sponge, dish detergent, and water. A cellulose sponge works best because it does not break down or lint up your stamps.

Just dampen the sponge with the mixture. This cleaning method works well with water-soluble inks.

Tip. You can also substitute the sponge for an old toothbrush. 

Note #1: Do not use soap and water with wood-mounted rubber stamps, because it will loosen the adhesive. 

Method 1: Stamp Cleaning Pads

The second way is to use a stamp cleaner like the one below. This stamp cleaner comes in a handy plastic case. There is a fuzzy material inside - one side is for cleaning the stamps, the other is for drying the newly cleaned stamp.

The cleaner pad can be removed and washed.

The case measures 7 1/2"x4 1/2". This particular Stamp Cleaner Pad Brand is from Hampton Art.

There are other variations of the Hampton Cleaning Pad such as the Nuvo Stamp Cleaning Pad. This cleaning pad is a simple to use cleaning pad and combined with Nuvo Cleaning Solution will make your stamp look brand new after every use. 

 

Another stamp cleaning option is the Ranger Inkssentials Rub-It Scrub-It Rubber Stamp Cleaning Pad.  This is perfect for cleaning stamps, texturizing tools, brayers and more. It's touch enough to clean deeply etched surfaces and gentle on both rubber and polymer stamps.

Method 3: Liquid Stamp Cleaners

How about some Bubble Gum scented stamp cleaner? This bubble gum scented, water-based cleaner in a spray bottle for easy cleaning of hands and stamps stained with dye ink. Its Child Safe and Non Toxic. Ranger Stamp Cleaning Solution.

Fun Fact:

Did you know that bubble gum was accidentally created by Walter Diemer for the Fleer Corporation in Philadelphia in 1928. He's credited with the indescribable bubblegum flavor that we know today, and for making the gum pink because "it was the only food coloring on hand."

Some ink pads can stain your stamps. StazOn ink for example, really does 'stay on'. Just clean off what you can and let the stamp dry. It won’t ruin your stamp it may just stain it. However, if you like cleanish stamps then StazOn Cleaner will do just the trick.

Another liquid stamp cleaning product is from Nuvo. This stamping solution will clean a variety of inks including pigment, hybrid and dye-based. It comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle and is great for cleaning fine stamps with tiny grooves. 

Method 3: Baby Wipes

The quickest and easiest way to clean your wood stamps is with alcohol-free and aloe-free baby wipes. They are relatively inexpensive to buy and come in big packs, you can also use wipes of course many other ways, such as mixed media projects, wiping down your workspace etc.

If you need a stronger cleaner try 1 part baby shampoo and 10 parts water works just as well as wipes.

Tip: In consideration of the environment you can also repurpose your baby wipes by rinsing in soapy water and then squeezing the excess water out or you can substitute the wipes with a simple spray bottle of water and several small cloths.

Speaking of cloths, the last method is cleaning cloths, and how cute is this one from Taylored Expressions. 

Method 5: Cleaning Cloths

The Taylored Expression Stamp Cleaning Cloth is a micro suede cloth that is perfect for getting your stamps squeaky clean with adorable style! Use it with the Stamp cleaner to get rid of even the most stubborn stains on your stamps.

You can hang up the cloth in between cleanings in an easy-to-reach spot in your craft area with the attached ring. The cloth is machine washable, but certain inks may still leave a residue

You can hang up the cloth in between cleanings in an easy-to-reach spot in your craft area with the attached ring. The cloth is machine washable, but certain inks may still leave a residue

Another cool reusable cloth is the Lawn Fawn Stamp Shammy. This is a reusable cleaning cloth and no special solution is needed, just add water to thoroughly hydrate the cloth and then wipe your stamps for a perfect clean. 

Note #2: Do not use acetone, bleach or any other oil based cleaner for either acrylic or wood mounted stamps. 

When it comes to stamp cleaning I find applying a bit of both ways are probably better for your stamps, and again it can depend on inks and the type of stamp you are using.

Using a chemical cleaning over a long period of time may damage your stamps.
Also, just a reminder to read the cleaning instructions on whatever product you are using. 

I hope you found this helpful.

Let me know how you like to clean your stamps in the comments. All these products are available in the shop Scrap of Your Life 

Happy Stamping 
Til next time

Julie

You might also like 

DIY Stamp Cleaning Recipe 

Picket Fence Studios Stamp Scrubber