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How to Get Ink Out of a Dryer (Procedure and Steps)
Take the following steps to remove ink stains from your dryer.
1. Warm Up the Dryer
The first step to getting ink out of a dryer is to warm up the dryer drum. As the ink warms, it will soften, making it easier to get out of the dryer.
To warm up the dryer enough to begin the cleaning process, turn the dryer on a high heat setting for twenty minutes or more.
Before immediately getting to work on removing the ink stains, you may want to take the extra precaution of unplugging the dryer.
2. Acetone (Nail Polish Remover) or Rubbing Alcohol
Acetone, a chemical in nail polish remover, can be extremely effective at removing an ink stain. Rubbing alcohol will have similar effects.
To use either acetone or rubbing alcohol, apply a generous amount to a damp cloth and scrub the ink stain off of the dryer drum. Be cautious with rubbing alcohol if the dryer is plugged in, as it is flammable.
3. Goo Gone Option
Once the ink is soft and warm, it may develop a sticky or gooey texture. So, if you have access to Goo Gone, you may find it an effective method to get ink out of a dryer.
Refer to the manufacturer label on the packaging to ensure that you are using the Goo Gone correctly.
4. Heavy-Duty Products / Soapy Water
Most industrial-grade products will work just as well to get ink out of a dryer.
However, it is essential to make sure that the heavy-duty products that you use are non-flammable. Flammable chemicals and dryer heat are not a good pairing and can likely lead to an explosion.
If you find a non-flammable, heavy-duty chemical to use, make sure that you wash it all out of the dryer before loading your clothes in to avoid chemical residue on your skin.
If you do not have access to non-flammable industrial products, then soapy water should work just fine to remove the ink stain. To use soapy water to clean the ink, you will need the following materials:
- Clean cloths
- Two teaspoons of dish soap or laundry detergent
- Two cups of water
- Additional water for rinsing
Add two teaspoons of dish soap or laundry detergent to two cups of water and use a clean, damp cloth to scrub out the offending ink stain.
5. Bleach Option
Bleach is another helpful tool to have at your disposal when ink finds its way onto your dryer drum. Dilute the bleach with water, soak a couple pieces of cloth in the solution, and throw them into the dryer.
Running the dryer with these bleach-soaked cloths will remove the residual ink from the dryer drum. Be sure to wash all of the bleach out of the dryer before loading your clothes into it, as it may ruin the coloring of the clothes.
6. Be Sure to Clean Tumble Dryer Paddles
Tumble dryer paddles, or lifters, are the part of the dryer that allows hot air to circulate during the drying process. So, be sure to clean the dryer paddles of any ink stains, as well.
Remove the paddles, and use a damp cloth with rubbing alcohol to wipe them down.
Can a Pen Ruin a Dryer?
If a pen explodes in your dryer, it likely means bad news for the clothes that are in there. However, with the right cleaning materials and a good amount of elbow grease, the dryer is definitely salvageable.
It is important to clean every last bit of ink in order for the dryer to continue its proper function. This applies even if the ink is dry because once the dryer warms up again, the ink will melt and stain any new clothes that go into it.
Does a Magic Eraser Remove Ink From Dryer?
A Magic Eraser will remove ink from a dryer safely and effectively. It may require a little more vigor when it comes to scrubbing than rubbing alcohol, but it is not flammable, which is a safety advantage.
To use a Magic Eraser to remove ink from a dryer, add water to the eraser and scrub the affected area. Rinse with a damp cloth afterward to ensure that all residue is gone by the time your next load is ready to dry.
How Do I Get Blue Dye Out of My Dryer?
Create a solution of water and laundry detergent, dip in a clean cloth, and rub the dye off the inside of the dryer. Make sure that it is all gone, and then throw in a few dry towels and run a dryer cycle to get rid of the excess moisture.
Will Ink in My Dryer Stain My Clothes?
If there’s ink in the dryer when you run it it will very likely stain your clothes. Even if the ink is dry, the heat from the dryer will cause it to melt while your clothes are in there.
That’s a huge reason why it’s so important that you remove every trace of ink before drying a load of clothes again.
