Next in our series of helpful stamping posts, we tackle cleaning your stamps! Removing ink from stamps can be done multiple ways, depending on what kind of ink you use.  It's not necessary to clean a stamp every time you use it, but you'll definitely want to clean it before changing ink colors.  Ink can build up over time with use, so it's a good idea to clean your stamps every so often even if you like to use the same color ink.

Stamps that have been used with pigment or archival inks can be cleaned with a drop of dish soap and a fingernail brush or soft toothbrush! Simply wet the rubber and nail brush, add a little soap to the brush, and scrub the rubber ever-so-lightly to wipe away the ink without scratching your rubber. Rinse the rubber to see if there is any ink left in between cracks. Repeat steps until there is no ink left on the stamp. Notice: light staining may occur on rubber and wood mounts.

Even more conveniently, stamps that have been used with pigment or archival inks can also be cleaned with a baby wipe! For quick cleaning, grab a baby wipe or moist towel and lightly rub the rubber stamp until the ink is gone. We've noticed that balling the baby wipe and pressing into the rubber crevices and wiping away is the best method. Repeat steps until there is no ink left on the stamp. Notice: light staining may occur on rubber and wood mounts.

Stamps that have been used with solvent or alcohol based inks like StazOn ink should be cleaned with StazOn All-Purpose Stamp Cleaner. Available in the shop in either a dauber top or spray bottle, this is a great all purpose cleaner that thins the ink and makes it easy to wipe away with a damp towel. This all-purpose cleaner works wonders!  You can use it for pigment and archival dye inked stamps as well, to get them squeaky clean. Repeat steps until there is no ink left on the stamp. Notice: light staining may occur on rubber and wood mounts.

These are our fool-proof methods for cleaning stamps. If you've tried different ways to clean your stamps, we'd love to hear them! We're always looking for new cleaning methods, tips & tricks!