Stamp Cleaning 101

When I first started stamping, I thought there was only one way to clean my stamps. I used a spray cleaner and scrubber. I was told this was pretty much my only option unless I wanted to harm my stamps. Guess what! That’s not true. Stamp cleaning 101. Here we go. There are several inexpensive cleaning products to clean your stamps on the market that are totally safe. Cleaning products for stamps shouldn’t take forever, take away from the fun of stamping, or cost a small fortune.

Stamp cleaning products are just as important as the ink and paper used to create your cards. You have a small investment in your stamp collection so take care of that investment. There are so many inexpensive cleaning products out there, it isn’t out of the ordinary to own several stamp cleaning options. I use all of these options as I’m creating a card.

Note: I refer to red rubber stamps in this article. These products work on red or gray rubber stamps and photopolymer stamps.

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Cloth Cleaners

The Stamp Shammy – Lawn Fawn released a Stamp Shammy several years ago. It’s a rectangular, teal cloth that is super absorbent.

Just wet the cloth and wipe the ink away to use it. When the cloth drys it gets all stiff.
It will get really stained and that’s okay. All you have to do is rinse and use.
Don’t keep it in a closed container or it’ll get a gross smell.
Also, the Stamp Shammy works on all kinds of stamps.
I don’t recommend using it for Staz-On ink since it is a solvent-based ink.

Baby wipes – Yes, you read that correctly! Baby wipes are an inexpensive solution to your stamp cleaning needs. I like the store brands from Kroger and Target. They don’t pill up or tear easily.

Use these like you would any other cloth.
I use these when I’m changing ink colors for layering stamps.
Stay away from wipes with aloe or lotions in them because these will leave a film on your stamp’s stamping surface.

Microfiber cloth -Microfiber cloths are great to have around the craft room but they make cleaning up a rubber stamp a snap.

Stamp Scrubbing Pads – Stamp scrubbing pads are a deep cleaning solution.

The texture reminds me of really soft indoor/outdoor carpet.
Some scrubbing pads have a wet side for cleaning and a dry side to dry off the stamp.
Use a scrubbing pad in conjunction with a spray cleaner. You can either spray the stamp directly and scrub or spray the scrub pad and scrub.
Some stamp scrubbing pads look like giant ink pads when it is closed.
The drawback of a scrubbing pad is the inability to clean stamps inside of a stamp positioning tool. It’s designed to clean stamps on a block, be it a wooden or acrylic block.

Liquid Cleaners

Spray cleaners – Spray cleaners are a great option. I use the Stampin’ Up! spray cleaner still to this day. Hero Arts and Ranger also make great spray stamp cleaners.

You can use the spray with a stamp scrubbing pad (see below for description and picture of scrubbing pad) or spray directly on the stamp and wipe off with a microfiber towel.
A little bit of spray cleaner goes a long way. I’ve had the same bottle of spray cleaner for about 4 years.
It is super gentle on your stamps but really deep cleans them.

Staz-on Cleaner – Staz-on cleaner is specifically designed to clean Staz-on ink. Staz-on ink is a solvent pigment ink which means it is some tough stuff.

This cleaner is not recommended for photopolymer stamps because it can damage the stamping surface.
Staz-On cleaner comes in a dauber bottle. You just dab the cleaner on the stamp and wipe it away with a microfiber cloth.
Hero Arts and Stampin’ Up! spray cleaners will remove Staz-on ink from photopolymer stamps.
Staz-On cleaner is safe for use on red rubber stamps.

Tips for Caring for your Rubber Stamps

Don’t leave ink on your stamps too long. The ink will get sticky and it will be more difficult to get the ink out of the tiny areas of the stamp.
High-quality photopolymer stamps stain. This staining doesn’t harm your stamps. It actually seasons the stamp more to allow ink to stick to the stamp better.
Cleaning your stamps before you put them away eliminates the chance of starting your next project off on a bad note with a dirty stamp.
I don’t recommend using paper towels to clean stamps. Paper towels tend to leave lint behind.

Well, that about wraps it up for stamp cleaning 101. Remember, rubber stamps are a small investment and you want to take care of those stamps. Cleaning products to clean your rubber stamps are not expensive, so pick up a few today to make sure those stamps last you for years to come. Below are a few additional links to products. After you clean your stamps you’ll want to condition them. Learn more about how to condition your stamps here.

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