Rubber stamps are great fun, but everyone seems daunted by cleaning them. It is easy if you just remember a few things: Plain water is best, alcohol is a no-no, and a paint edging pad is a great solution.
Go to your local home improvement store and purchase one of those flat pads you use for putting the paint on in corners - like at the ceiling or top of walls - it is soft and has lots of short flexible "bristles". Wet one end with plain water, and set the whole thing down on a plastic tray or towel to catch any drips.
Simply swirl the inky stamp on the wet end, then swirl it again on the dry end, and your stamp is clean. The little bristles get down into the cracks and dips of the rubber and get the ink out. When the pad looks dirty, rinse it out really good and let it dry. Eventually the inks will stain the bristles - but it will still work to get your stamps clean.
If your stamp seems too wet to use again right away, just blot it off on some paper towel.
Remember - any cleaner with alcohol in it will dry out the rubber it the stamp and they won't last as long. Specialty inks (scrapbooking, fabric, etc...) may need special cleaners - just read the package. But for the majority of the inks we all use - water is best.
If you get ink stains on your stamps and/or wood mounts that just won't come off with water and other cleaners, I have found "Simply Green" works great! I don't think there is any alcohol but I'm not sure. You can find it in the auto department of your local discount store.
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