---
title: "How to Clean Rubber Stamps and Ink Pads: Maker Steps"
canonical: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/how-to-clean-rubber-stamps-and-ink-pads/"
description: "How to clean rubber, clear and photopolymer stamps and re-ink a dry pad, from Altenew, Lawn Fawn, Stampin' Up!, Hero Arts and Ranger, and where they differ."
category: "How To"
type: "Ink pad"
published: 2026-11-01
updated: 2026-11-01
author: "Ellis Penhale"
publisher: "Stationery Times"
sources: 15
products:
  - name: "Altenew Peony Bouquet Stamp Set (6 × 8 in, 24 stamps)"
    brand: "Altenew"
    brand_origin: "United States"
    made_in: "United States"
    material: "Clear photopolymer stamps"
    released: "2016-01"
    price_band: "$$$ ($20–75 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)"
    manufacturer: "Altenew LLC"
    model: "Peony Bouquet Stamp Set"
    sku: "ALT1030"
    gtin: "636266946464"
    url: "https://altenew.com/products/peony-bouquet"
    guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/altenew-peony-bouquet-stamp-set/"
  - name: "Ranger Archival Ink Pad, Jet Black (AIP31468)"
    brand: "Ranger"
    brand_origin: "United States"
    made_in: "United States"
    material: "Dye ink in a felt pad, plastic case"
    released: "2017-07"
    price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)"
    manufacturer: "Ranger Industries, Tinton Falls, New Jersey"
    model: "AIP31468"
    mpn: "AIP31468"
    gtin: "789541031468"
    url: "https://rangerink.com/products/archival-ink-pads-jet-black"
    guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ranger-archival-ink-jet-black/"
  - name: "Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad, Vintage Photo (3 × 3 in case)"
    brand: "Tim Holtz Distress"
    brand_origin: "United States"
    made_in: "United States"
    material: "Water-based dye ink on a raised felt pad, in a plastic case"
    price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)"
    manufacturer: "Ranger Industries, Tinton Falls, New Jersey (maker of the Tim Holtz Distress line)"
    model: "DIS-19527"
    mpn: "DIS-19527"
    sku: "TIM19527"
    gtin: "789541019527"
    url: "https://rangerink.com/products/tim-holtz-distress-ink-pad-vintage-photo"
    guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tim-holtz-distress-ink-pad/"
---

# How to Clean Rubber Stamps and Ink Pads: Maker Steps

> Wipe off the extra ink, mist the stamp with water or stamp cleaner, lift the rest with a lint-free cloth or soft scrub pad, then let it dry fully before storing it out of the sun. Makers disagree on baby wipes. For a dry pad, add matching re-inker in small dots, spread gently, then test.

- URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/how-to-clean-rubber-stamps-and-ink-pads/
- Category: How To
- Author: Ellis Penhale
- Published: 2026-11-01
- Updated: 2026-11-01

![A wooden-handled rubber stamp, a clear stamp on an acrylic block and an open blue ink pad side by side](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/how-to-clean-rubber-stamps-and-ink-pads-illustration-16x9.png?v=67df71f2)

*A rubber stamp, a clear stamp and an ink pad: the three things this guide cleans or refills. Drawn by eye.* Original illustration made for this guide. © Stationery Times. Original drawing (SVG): <https://stationerytimes.com/images/how-to-clean-rubber-stamps-and-ink-pads-illustration.svg?v=7612e9d8>. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

## Product facts

| Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altenew Peony Bouquet Stamp Set (6 × 8 in, 24 stamps) | Altenew (by Altenew LLC) | United States | United States | Clear photopolymer stamps | 2016-01 | $$$: $20–75 per item |
| Ranger Archival Ink Pad, Jet Black (AIP31468) | Ranger (by Ranger Industries, Tinton Falls, New Jersey) | United States | United States | Dye ink in a felt pad, plastic case | 2017-07 | $$: $5–20 per item |
| Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad, Vintage Photo (3 × 3 in case) | Tim Holtz Distress (by Ranger Industries, Tinton Falls, New Jersey (maker of the Tim Holtz Distress line)) | United States | United States | Water-based dye ink on a raised felt pad, in a plastic case | – | $$: $5–20 per item |

- Made in (Altenew Peony Bouquet Stamp Set (6 × 8 in, 24 stamps)): United States. Altenew's Peony Bouquet bundle listing describes "a 6" x 8" clear stamp set containing 24 stamps made in the USA from high-quality photopolymer". It doesn't state where the 7 coordinating dies are made. Source: https://altenew.com/products/peony-bouquet
- Made in (Ranger Archival Ink Pad, Jet Black (AIP31468)): United States. Ranger's About page, under "Made in USA", says it keeps all its inks manufactured in the USA at a facility in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, and its store tags the Jet Black pad "Ranger Made" and "USA". The retailer Ninny Snapkins also lists it as made in USA. Source: https://rangerink.com/pages/about
- Made in (Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad, Vintage Photo (3 × 3 in case)): United States. Ranger's About page says it keeps all its inks manufactured in the USA at a facility in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, and tags the Distress Ink pads "Ranger Made" on rangerink.com. The pad pages themselves don't name a country. Source: https://rangerink.com/pages/about

## Key takeaways

- 3 makers (Altenew, Lawn Fawn and Stampin' Up!) say to clean stamps after every use or before storing them.
- Makers disagree on baby wipes: Lawn Fawn and 2 Altenew articles accept them, while Altenew's photopolymer page says to avoid wipes because they leave fibers.
- Ranger and Altenew both re-ink a pad with the matching re-inker, added gradually in small dots, because too much ink soaks the stamp's grooves and gives a muddy print.
- Ranger's Ink Refresher revives a dry water-based pad with 2 or 3 sprays from 6 to 8 inches, then a few minutes to soak in.
- Altenew stores dye ink pads flat with the inked surface up, never on their side; some pigment pads can go upside down.

## How do you clean a rubber, clear or photopolymer stamp?

**Wipe off the extra ink, mist the stamp, lift the rest with a lint-free cloth, then let it dry before you put it away.** Makers agree that you should do this after every use, or at least before storing a stamp and when you change ink colors. The steps below follow Altenew, Stampin' Up!, Lawn Fawn, Hero Arts and Ranger. For what to stamp with, see our [best stamps for journals and planners](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-stamps-for-journals-and-planners/).

1. **Blot the extra ink on scrap paper.** Altenew says to wipe off excess ink first and then use a gentle cleaner. Pressing the inked face on scrap paper does the first part before you add any liquid.

   ![A hand pressing an inked rubber stamp face down on a strip of scrap paper, leaving a blue ink mark](https://stationerytimes.com/images/how-to-clean-rubber-stamps-and-ink-pads-wipe-off-the-extra-ink.svg?v=95a7562a)

*Blot first, so less ink reaches the cloth. Original illustration made for this guide. © Stationery Times.*

2. **Mist the stamp with water or stamp cleaner.** Stampin' Up! suggests a light mist of water or its Stampin' Mist; Altenew and Ranger sell a water-based spray cleaner for the same job. Hero Arts says its cling stamps clean up with water or stamp cleaner.

   ![A rubber stamp lying face up beside a spray bottle that sends a fan of water droplets toward it](https://stationerytimes.com/images/how-to-clean-rubber-stamps-and-ink-pads-spritz-the-stamp.svg?v=3a7a94f5)

*A light mist is enough; don't soak a wood-mounted stamp. Original illustration made for this guide. © Stationery Times.*

3. **Lift the ink on a lint-free cloth or scrub pad.** Stampin' Up! says to mist, then lift the ink away with a lint-free shammy, or brush lightly with a scrub tray, because nothing sharp or abrasive should touch the rubber or photopolymer. Ranger's Rub-It Scrub-It pad is sold for rubber stamps, including deeply etched ones.

   ![A hand wiping the face of a rubber stamp back and forth across a flat cloth that shows a blue ink stain](https://stationerytimes.com/images/how-to-clean-rubber-stamps-and-ink-pads-wipe-it-on-a-damp-cloth.svg?v=617f355a)

*Wipe until the cloth stops picking up color. Original illustration made for this guide. © Stationery Times.*

4. **Let it dry, then store it away from the sun.** Stampin' Up! says to let stamps dry fully before storing them and to keep them from bright light and extreme temperatures; Altenew says the same about direct sunlight and suggests a clean, dry spot in a lidded container.

   ![A clean rubber stamp drying face up beside a lidded plastic box, with a crossed-out sun](https://stationerytimes.com/images/how-to-clean-rubber-stamps-and-ink-pads-let-it-dry-then-store-it.svg?v=37be590a)

*Dry first, then box it, out of the sun. Original illustration made for this guide. © Stationery Times.*


## How do you wash a clear stamp that has stopped sticking?

**Wash it in mild soap and water, rinse it, and let it air-dry.** Lawn Fawn says a stamp that loses its grip has built up lint and dust, and Altenew gives the same fix for a slippery back. It suits clear and photopolymer stamps such as the [Altenew Peony Bouquet set](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/altenew-peony-bouquet-stamp-set/).

1. **Wash it in a bowl of mild soapy water.** Lawn Fawn says to wash clear stamps occasionally in a mild soap-and-water bath; Altenew says mild soap or dish soap with water also keeps stamps sticky. Altenew's other stamp page lists plain water, mild soap and a clean cloth as fine.

   ![A hand rubbing a clear stamp on its acrylic block over a bowl of soapy water](https://stationerytimes.com/images/how-to-clean-rubber-stamps-and-ink-pads-wash-it-in-soapy-water.svg?v=a1e3dcd4)

*A mild soap bath lifts lint and dust. Original illustration made for this guide. © Stationery Times.*

2. **Rinse until it no longer feels slippery.** Altenew's fix for a stamp that won't grip is to rub and rinse until it doesn't feel slippery any more.

   ![A clear stamp held by one hand under a tap with a stream of water running over it](https://stationerytimes.com/images/how-to-clean-rubber-stamps-and-ink-pads-rinse-until-it-no-longer-feels-slippery.svg?v=027aec73)

*Rinse off all the soap. Original illustration made for this guide. © Stationery Times.*

3. **Leave it to air-dry; don't wipe it.** Altenew says to air-dry the stamps upside down and not to wipe them with anything, and Lawn Fawn also says to let them air-dry. Wiping is how lint gets back on the face.

   ![Two washed clear stamps on a towel to air-dry, with a wiping swipe crossed out and a plain clock face](https://stationerytimes.com/images/how-to-clean-rubber-stamps-and-ink-pads-let-it-air-dry.svg?v=c2a260e5)

*Patience, not a cloth. Original illustration made for this guide. © Stationery Times.*

## How do you re-ink a dried-out ink pad?

**Wipe the pad, add a little matching re-inker, spread it gently, and test.** Ranger says to re-ink when a pad "is drying out or not stamping evenly". Altenew writes about felt pads, the common kind, and says foam pads take ink more slowly.

1. **Wipe the dirt off the pad first.** Altenew says to wipe the pad with a soft cloth or paper towel, or lift small bits with mild adhesive tape, because new ink on a dirty pad turns muddy.

   ![A fingertip pressing a small cloth across the blue felt of an open ink pad](https://stationerytimes.com/images/how-to-clean-rubber-stamps-and-ink-pads-wipe-the-pad-clean.svg?v=69ad7d70)

*Clean felt, clean ink. Original illustration made for this guide. © Stationery Times.*

2. **Add the matching re-inker in small dots, a little at a time.** Altenew says to squeeze dots in batches to avoid over-inking, and that pads dry out most in the middle; Ranger says to add ink gradually and that its re-inkers are made for all Ranger pads. Both say to use the re-inker that matches the pad.

   ![A small bottle held upside down over an open ink pad, dropping blue ink on the middle of the felt where dots already sit](https://stationerytimes.com/images/how-to-clean-rubber-stamps-and-ink-pads-add-small-dots-of-re-inker.svg?v=9f798fc9)

*Dots in the middle, in batches. Original illustration made for this guide. © Stationery Times.*

3. **Spread the ink lightly if it sits in puddles.** Ranger says to spread the ink with a flat tool, such as an old credit card, with light pressure until it looks even. Altenew warns that felt is delicate and prefers dotting to dragging, so keep it gentle.

   ![A hand drawing a flat plastic card across the dots of ink on an open ink pad](https://stationerytimes.com/images/how-to-clean-rubber-stamps-and-ink-pads-spread-it-lightly-with-a-flat-card.svg?v=1c924dff)

*Light pressure only. Original illustration made for this guide. © Stationery Times.*

4. **Close the lid, give it time, and test on scrap paper.** Ranger says to close the pad and let the ink soak in for a short while, with no set time, and to test before stamping on a project; extra ink left on the surface can stain your fingers, Altenew says, so stamp it off on scrap.

   ![A closed ink pad beside scrap paper that carries one even blue flower print and a blue tick](https://stationerytimes.com/images/how-to-clean-rubber-stamps-and-ink-pads-close-the-lid-and-test-on-scrap-paper.svg?v=6bc480bf)

*An even print means the pad is ready. Original illustration made for this guide. © Stationery Times.*

Another route is Ranger's Ink Refresher. Ranger says to hold the bottle 6 to 8 inches from the pad, give it 2 or 3 sprays (more if it is very dry), let it soak in for a few minutes and test on scrap paper. It names dye and pigment water-based pads, so it suits a [Distress ink pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tim-holtz-distress-ink-pad/); it doesn't say whether it works on other ink types, so check the label before trying it on a permanent pad such as [Ranger Archival Jet Black](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ranger-archival-ink-jet-black/), whose own maker re-inker is the safe choice.

## How should you store stamps and ink pads?

**Dry, clean, out of direct sun, and ink pads flat with the ink side up.** Where the makers say something, it is this:

- Stamps: dry them fully first; keep them from bright light and extreme temperatures (Stampin' Up!), in a cool, dry spot (Altenew).
- Stamp containers: Altenew suggests the original plastic sheet, a plastic folder or album, a pouch or a resealable bag; lidded boxes keep dust off.
- Dye ink pads: Altenew says to store them flat with the inked surface up, not on their side, where ink pools; it says well-stored dye pads can last several years.
- Pigment ink pads: store them flat, with the lid tightly closed, Altenew says; some can go upside down so the ink sits on the pad's top.

## Which cleaning and refill products do makers sell?

**Each maker sells a spray or dauber cleaner and a scrubbing or wiping surface.** Ranger's cleaner and Ink Refresher and Hero Arts' cleaner each list in our $$ band ($5–20) on the makers' US pages; we didn't record prices for the other items.

| Product | Maker | What the maker says it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Stamp cleaner, 2 fl oz | Altenew | Clear and rubber stamps; works with water-based or permanent inks |
| Clear Stamp Cleaner, 2 oz | Ranger | Acrylic and photopolymer stamps; safe on rubber too |
| Rub-It Scrub-It pad | Ranger | Rubber stamps, including deeply etched ones; rinse the pad with soap and water |
| ClearDesign Double Scrubber Pad | Hero Arts | One side for wet cleaning, one for wiping the washed stamp dry |
| Ultra Clean Stamp Cleaner (sold out when read) | Hero Arts | Described as ideal for PolyClear stamps |
| Simply Shammy | Stampin' Up! | "Just add water", lint-free; ink stains the cloth but not your fingers |
| Ink Refresher, 4 oz | Ranger | Rehydrates dye and pigment water-based ink pads |

## Where do the makers disagree?

**Mostly on wipes, on spreading ink, and on how to turn a pad.**

| Question | One view | Another view |
|---|---|---|
| Baby wipes on stamps? | Lawn Fawn and Altenew's 2021 and 2022 articles accept them (alcohol-free) | Altenew's photopolymer page says avoid wipes, which can leave fibers |
| Drying a washed clear stamp | Altenew: air-dry upside down, wipe with nothing | Lawn Fawn: rinse, then let air-dry |
| Spreading re-inker | Ranger: spread with a flat tool at light pressure | Altenew: prefers dotting for felt; a nozzle or card for foam |
| Pad position | Altenew: dye pads flat, ink side up | Altenew: some pigment pads can go upside down |

We found no maker page for cleaning pre-inked or self-inking stamps, so this guide covers rubber, clear and photopolymer stamps and ink pads only.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can you use baby wipes on stamps?

Makers differ. Lawn Fawn names a baby wipe as a soft cloth that works, and Altenew's 2022 care article suggests an alcohol-free baby wipe, but Altenew's photopolymer page says to avoid baby and wet wipes because they can leave fibers on the stamp.

### Will ink stain my clear stamps?

It can. Lawn Fawn says ink may stain clear stamps but they still work well, while Altenew says pigment inks are the likeliest to stain and recommends a stamp cleaner and scrub pad for ink left in the crevices.

### Why won't my clear stamp stick to the block?

Lawn Fawn says a stamp that loses its grip has built up lint and dust. Altenew's fix is to rub it with mild soap and water until it no longer feels slippery, rinse it and let it air-dry.

### Does a stamp cleaner work on rubber as well as clear stamps?

Ranger says its Clear Stamp Cleaner is made for acrylic and photopolymer stamps and is also safe on rubber. Altenew's cleaner is described as made for both clear and rubber stamps.

### What can I use if I have no stamp cleaner?

Altenew's care pages list water, mild soap and a clean cloth as acceptable, and Stampin' Up! says to mist the stamp with plain water and lift the ink with a lint-free cloth.

### How do you revive an ink pad without re-inker?

Ranger sells Ink Refresher, a spray it says rehydrates dye and pigment water-based pads: 2 or 3 sprays from 6 to 8 inches, a few minutes to soak in, then a test on scrap paper.

### How long should a re-inked pad rest?

The makers give no time. Ranger says to let the pad sit for a short while with the lid closed, and Altenew says a truly dry pad usually takes the ink in right away.

### How should you load ink onto a stamp?

Stampin' Up! says to place the stamp face up and dab the pad onto it until covered, because swiping can leave lines and ink build-up on the edges, then blot it on scrap paper before stamping.

## Sources

- [Altenew: How to clean clear stamps and storage tips (December 10, 2021; read November 1, 2026)](https://altenew.com/pages/simple-hacks-on-how-to-clean-clear-stamps-storage-tips)
- [Altenew: What are photopolymer stamps? (care, cleaning and storage; read November 1, 2026)](https://altenew.com/pages/what-are-photopolymer-stamps)
- [Altenew: How to clean your craft supplies for a fresh new year (December 27, 2022; read November 1, 2026)](https://altenew.com/blogs/paper-crafting-inspiration-and-tips/how-to-clean-your-craft-supplies-for-a-fresh-new-year)
- [Altenew: How to reink ink pads (April 23, 2022; read November 1, 2026)](https://altenew.com/blogs/paper-crafting-inspiration-and-tips/how-to-reink-ink-pads)
- [Altenew: What is the best way to store ink pads? (December 4, 2023; read November 1, 2026)](https://altenew.com/blogs/paper-crafting-inspiration-and-tips/what-is-the-best-way-to-store-ink-pads)
- [Altenew: Stamp cleaner (product page; read November 1, 2026)](https://altenew.com/collections/tools/products/stamp-cleaner)
- [Lawn Fawn: About our products (cleaning clear stamps; read November 1, 2026)](https://www.lawnfawn.com/pages/about-our-products)
- [Stampin' Up! blog: The art of stamp crafting, a beginner's guide (cleaning, storing and inking stamps; read November 1, 2026)](https://blog.stampinup.com/the-art-of-stamp-crafting-a-beginners-guide/)
- [Hero Arts: Bubble Celebration cling stamp (cling stamp care; read November 1, 2026)](https://heroarts.com/products/cg936-bubble-celebration-bold-prints)
- [Hero Arts: ClearDesign Double Scrubber Pad (how to use; read November 1, 2026)](https://heroarts.com/products/nk301-cleardesign-double-scrubber-pad)
- [Hero Arts: ClearDesign Ultra Clean Stamp Cleaner (listing; sold out when read November 1, 2026)](https://heroarts.com/products/nk202-cleardesign-ultra-clean-stamp-cleaner)
- [Ranger: How to re-ink an Archival ink pad (read November 1, 2026)](https://rangerink.com/blogs/videos/how-to-re-ink-an-archival-ink-pad)
- [Ranger: Ink Refresher, 4 oz (read November 1, 2026)](https://rangerink.com/products/ranger-ink-refresher)
- [Ranger: Clear Stamp Cleaner, 2 oz (read November 1, 2026)](https://rangerink.com/products/ranger-clear-stamp-cleaner)
- [Ranger: Rub-It Scrub-It pad (read November 1, 2026)](https://rangerink.com/products/ranger-rubit-scrubit-pad)