This method won’t be as effective for cleaning off permanent inks. Avoid any cleaning wipes containing alcohol, since this will dry out the rubber and you may damage the stamp with repeated use.
This technique is perfect for small stamps measuring less than 2 in (5. 1 cm) across, and for cleaning just a couple stamps at a time.
This trick can be especially handy if you do a lot of stamping or if you’re trying to clean larger stamps measuring larger than 2 to 3 in (5. 1 to 7. 6 cm) across.
To clean out little areas of detail, try balling up a corner of the baby wipe and pressing it down into the rubber to squeeze some of the wipe’s moisture into deeper crevices. Create a more bristly texture by placing an old toothbrush or a manicure brush behind the baby wipe. Work in a circular scrubbing motion and press the bristles into the grooves of the stamp.
Higher-pile washcloths work well since they can reach deeper into the grooves of a stamp. Try folding up the corner of a piece of paper towel and pressing it into the stamp to absorb any remaining drops of water.
Squeeze the dampened wipe gently to distribute the water and it will be ready to use right away. [5] X Research source Discard a dirty wipe once all sides are inky.
Stamp cleaners are also great for cleaning water-based pigment and archival inks.
Look for one that comes in a rectangular, DVD-like case, featuring bristly scrubbing pads inside on the left and right sides.
Pick up a paint edging pad from a home improvement store. The bristles on the pad will provide lots of texture for deeper stamp scrubbing. Try using a dense sponge. Car-washing sponges and scrubbers will hold up better than kitchen sponges to the friction of the stamp. [7] X Research source Create your own blotting pad with car absorber towels. Cut the towels into squares and stack them in layers within an airtight container.
For future usage, try to use the same side for spraying each time. Some stamp scrubbers feature a notch in one of the pads to help you remember. Or you could label each side with a piece of tape and a permanent marker so you don’t get them mixed up.
Continue wiping the stamp for about 5 to 20 seconds or until the ink loosens up.
Once you’re finished, you can test the clean stamp on a piece of scrap paper. There shouldn’t be any ink transferring. If there is, you can repeat the cleaning process 1 more time.
