Cleaning an Ink Stamp

I love to make homemade greeting cards. They add a personalized touch, making the recipient feel special. Ink stamps are an important part of any cardmaker's tool box (and scrapbookers too, for that matter). As ink stamps are not cheap and you want them to last as long as possible, it's important to care for them properly. I'll let you in on a few ink stamp cleaning tips that have worked for me.

• Baby wipes and paper towels. This is an inexpensive and convenient option. I like to keep a small package of baby wipes right in my supply kit for quick retrieval. To clean your stamp with baby wipes, you can put the wipe down on a flat surface and press the stamp all over it until it's clean. Or you can pick up the stamp and wipe it down with the baby wipe. When it's clean, use a paper towel to dry it. Drying is especially important if you plan to use the stamp again right away.
• Running water. Run your stamp under warm, running water and use a paper towel to dry it completely. You may not want to use it if your stamp has a wooden handle or has a sticker label on it. Also, it's not as convenient because you have to get up from your workstation to go to the sink. But it works if you don't have anything else on hand to clean your stamps.
• Stamp scrubber. These are little plastic boxes that have two trays with a soft, high-pile fabric attached. Dampen one side of the scrubber and add a little dish soap or stamp cleaning solution. Leave the other side dry. When it's time to clean a stamp, snap open the box, rub the stamp on the wet tray until it looks clean, then dry it on the other side. These stamp scrubbers are convenient to take with you wherever you go to do stamping.
• Homemade stamp scrubber. You don't have to go out and buy a stamp scrubber; you can make your own. Dampen a sponge and add a couple drops of dish soap. Rub your stamp on the sponge to clean it, then dry the stamp with a paper towel.

Always take a moment to clean your stamps after each use to keep them working their best. You won't regret it.