How to Clean Ink Out of a Dryer
Don’t worry Mama, we’ve all been there. You’re doing laundry and accidentally forget to check your pockets, leaving a pen inside that then explodes in the dryer, leaving ink stains all over your clothes and the dryer drum.
It’s a frustrating situation that can seem impossible to fix, but with the right tools and tips, cleaning ink out of a dryer can be a manageable task.
Before Cleaning Ink Out of a Dryer…
Never Use Flammable Cleaning Products
While researching cleaning methods for myself, I saw several articles recommending using rubbing alcohol and acetone. Mama, no one wants a dryer fire! Do yourself a favor and just skip the flammable products.
Don’t Forget to Warm Up the Drum
Letting the dryer run for a few minutes before cleaning will help to soften and liquify the ink. Doing this makes the cleaning process a whole lot easier and will save you quite a bit of time and elbow grease.
Of course, make sure the drum isn’t too hot to touch. If it’s a bit too warm, let it cool a few minutes before starting the cleaning process.
UNPLUG THE DRYER!!
Let’s not electrocute ourselves today, Mama. After warming the drum, make sure to unplug the dryer!
How to Get Ink Out of A Dryer
Dish Soap
Materials you’ll need:
- Warm water
- Dish soap
- Clean, damp cloth or sponge
- Clean, dry cloth or paper towel
This is a gentle and effective method for removing ink stains. Dish soap helps break down the ink and make it easier to remove.
Simply apply a small amount of dish soap directly onto the ink stain, scrub with a damp cloth, and wipe away with a clean, damp cloth. You may need to repeat this process a few times to completely remove the stain.
Vinegar
Materials you’ll need:
- White vinegar
- Clean cloth
- Damp cloth
White vinegar is a natural cleaning solution (can I get an amen for no harmful toxins?) that can be used to remove ink stains from your dryer.
Soak a clean cloth in white vinegar and place it directly onto the ink stain. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub with a clean, damp cloth and wipe away. Repeat as needed.
Now, I know vinegar has a strong odor, but it will dissipate once it dries. Your clothes should smell just as good as they always do!
Soapy Water
Materials you’ll need:
- Dish soap or laundry detergent
- Warm water
- A soft cloth or sponge
- A bucket or bowl
Soapy water is an easy, cheap, and extremely effective method for removing ink stains from a dryer.
Start by mixing a small amount of dish soap or laundry detergent with warm water in a bucket or bowl. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the soapy water, wring it out well, and then use it to gently scrub the ink stains on the inside of the dryer drum.
Rinse the cloth or sponge frequently in the soapy water and continue scrubbing until the ink stains are removed or lightened. Once you’ve cleaned the affected areas, rinse the cloth or sponge thoroughly with clean water and use it to wipe down the inside of the dryer drum to remove any remaining soap residue.
Magic Eraser
Materials you’ll need:
- Magic eraser
- Water
- Damp cloth
A magic eraser is a sponge made of melamine foam that can be used to remove tough stains.
Wet the magic eraser with water and gently scrub the ink stain. Wipe away with a clean, damp cloth and repeat until the stain is gone. Magic erasers can be abrasive, so use caution when using them on delicate surfaces.
If I were you, I would test it on a small area first just to be safe. However, dryer drums are typically made out of strong metal so it should be just fine!
What to Do if the Ink Won’t Budge
If the ink stain doesn’t come out completely after cleaning, there are a few things you can try.
Repeat the Cleaning Process
First, you can repeat the cleaning process using the same or a different cleaning method. Sometimes, it may take a few tries to completely remove the ink stain from the dryer drum.
Call Up a Professional
Too busy to clean the ink up yourself? Or maybe you’ve tried but aren’t seeing any improvements? If so, you can always call a professional cleaning service. They are used to issues like this and are probably a bit more knowledgeable.
Okay, Mama! That’s all I’ve got. I hope you’ll find at least one of my methods to be helpful in cleaning ink out of a dryer. If you have any tips that I didn’t list that you think would help us mamas out, please leave them in the comments below!
