How to Use Amodex

5 stepsFrom the maker's own directionsUpdated Nov 6, 2026
Quick answer

Amodex is an ink and stain remover for fabric, carpet, upholstery and hard surfaces. Apply it to the dry stain, rub it in with a fingernail or brush, then rinse or launder the item.

Amodex is a liquid cream soap sold as an ink and stain remover. The product is sold as Amodex Ink & Stain Remover. The maker says it targets a wide range of stains, from ballpoint and marker ink to red wine, grease and candle wax. Its label lists clothing, carpet, upholstery and many hard surfaces as suitable.

The key rule is to leave the stain dry, because water and other liquids can set ink. Apply Amodex to the dry stain, rub it in well, and keep working until no more ink transfers. Test colorfastness on a hidden area of the fabric first, and avoid sharp tools or stiff brushes on leather.

What it is

Amodex is a liquid cream soap sold as an ink and stain remover, and the maker says it is a soap rather than a solvent. The safety data sheet describes it as a non-toxic liquid with no hazardous ingredients, and the maker does not disclose a full ingredient list.

According to the maker

What to use it on

Ink on washable and dry-clean clothing

The maker lists washable and dry-clean-only clothing as suitable, including cotton, polyester, nylon, rayon, silk, cashmere, microfiber, canvas, corduroy and velour. It targets ballpoint, gel, permanent marker, dry-erase, toner, stamp pad and fountain pen ink.

Test colorfastness on a hidden spot first, since the maker asks for a test before use on dry-clean-only fabric. Then place a paper towel underneath the stain, apply Amodex to the dry area and rub it in until no more ink transfers. Rinse the area thoroughly or launder the item afterward.

Carpet, upholstery and drapes

The maker lists carpet, upholstery, auto upholstery and drapes as suitable surfaces. It is aimed at stains such as grease, oil, makeup, lipstick, crayon and candle wax on these materials.

Do not wet the stain before you start, because the maker warns that water can set ink. Work the product into the dry stain with a brush or fingernail. Rinse thoroughly once the stain has lifted.

Walls, wood, glass and other hard surfaces

The maker lists walls, finished wood, plastic, laminate, tile, vinyl, metal, glass and whiteboards as suitable surfaces. It is useful for dry-erase and permanent marker marks on these materials.

The label names finished wood specifically, so use it on that type of wood. Apply it to the dry mark, rub gently with a brush or fingernail, and then rinse the surface.

Stubborn or porous stains

The maker says stubborn stains and porous surfaces may need more time. For these, it suggests leaving Amodex on overnight.

Apply it to the dry stain as usual, and do not wet the stain first. Rinse thoroughly or launder the item afterward.

Genuine leather and skin

The maker lists genuine leather and skin among suitable surfaces. For leather, avoid sharp tools and stiff brushes, and test colorfastness before treating a visible area.

The maker calls the product non-toxic and safe on skin. Read the label before use, as the maker advises for any surface.

5 steps

How to use it

  1. 1

    Keep the stain dry

    Do not wet the stain before you start. The maker warns that water, alcohol, hairspray and acetone can set ink, so do not pretreat with any of them.

  2. 2

    Place a paper towel underneath

    For ink, put a paper towel under the stain so the ink has somewhere to transfer. Keep the towel in place as you work through the stain.

  3. 3

    Shake and apply Amodex

    Shake the bottle, then apply Amodex directly to the dry stain. Keep the towel beneath the fabric while the product goes on.

  4. 4

    Rub in until no ink transfers

    Rub the product in well with a fingernail or brush. Rotate the towel as you go, and keep rubbing until no more ink transfers to it.

  5. 5

    Rinse or launder the item

    Rinse the area thoroughly or launder the item as you normally would. For stubborn stains or porous surfaces, the maker suggests leaving Amodex on overnight before rinsing.

Where not to use it

The maker does not exclude any surface, but it warns against wetting the stain or pretreating it with water, alcohol, hairspray or acetone. Those liquids can set ink, so start with the stain dry and apply Amodex directly. On genuine leather, avoid sharp tools and stiff brushes, and test colorfastness first on fabric.

Safety

The safety data sheet does not classify Amodex as hazardous, but it may cause minor eye irritation, so flush eyes with water. If swallowed, drink two to four glasses of water or milk, since it may cause diarrhea. Do not pretreat stains with water, alcohol, hairspray or acetone, and read the label before use.

Never mix chlorine bleach with vinegar or other acids, ammonia or rubbing alcohol. Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222.

Versions the maker sells

Where to buy

Sponsored links: as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product facts come from the maker's own instructions and labels.

Questions

Does Amodex work on old stains?

The maker does not give an age limit for stains. For stubborn stains or porous surfaces, it suggests leaving Amodex on overnight. Apply it to the dry stain, then rinse or launder the item afterward.

Can you use Amodex on carpet?

Yes, the maker lists carpet and upholstery as suitable surfaces. Apply it to the dry stain, rub it in with a brush or fingernail, and rinse thoroughly. Do not wet the stain before you begin.

Is Amodex safe on skin?

The maker lists skin as a suitable surface and calls the product non-toxic. The safety data sheet does not classify it as hazardous, but it may cause minor eye irritation. Flush eyes with water if contact happens.

Can you use Amodex on leather?

Yes, genuine leather is on the maker's list of suitable surfaces. Avoid sharp tools and stiff brushes on leather, and test colorfastness on a hidden spot before treating a visible one. Read the label before use.

Does Amodex work on washable and dry-clean-only clothing?

Yes, the maker lists both washable and dry-clean-only clothing, after a test. Test colorfastness on a hidden area first, then apply the product to the dry stain. Rinse thoroughly or launder the item when the ink has lifted.

What should you never mix with Amodex?

The maker's main warning is against using water, alcohol, hairspray or acetone on a stain before Amodex, since these can set ink. Keep those liquids out of the process before you apply the product. Read the label before use and follow the steps in order.

How does Amodex compare with OxiClean?

OxiClean's powder is an oxygen bleach, and its maker says not to use it on painted surfaces, jewelry or non-water-washable fabrics. Amodex is a liquid cream soap that its maker lists for walls, finished wood, glass and genuine leather. OxiClean targets organic stains such as wine, juice and coffee, while Amodex targets red wine along with ink and grease.

How does Amodex compare with Zout and Shout?

Shout is an enzyme laundry spray for everyday stains like food, grass, dirt and wine, and its maker says it works in all water temperatures. Zout is a triple-enzyme spray for protein, starch and oil stains, and its maker says not to use it on cashmere, leather or silk. Amodex is an ink and stain remover, and its maker lists cashmere, silk and genuine leather as suitable surfaces.

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How we know this

Every use, amount and warning here comes from the maker's product pages, labels and safety data sheets.

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