How to Clean Dry Erase Erasers

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: October 16, 2022 Approved

When dry erase erasers become saturated with ink, they can no longer effectively erase. Fortunately, there are a few different methods for cleaning them out and helping them to function like new. Best of all, this can be done using items you already have at home. You can choose to wash erasers with dish soap, spray them with a garden hose, or scrub them using toothpaste. No matter which method (or methods) you choose, your dry erase erasers will be back in business soon.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Washing with Dish Soap

1
Fill a pan with soapy water. Place about 1 Tablespoon (14.7 ml) of dish soap into a shallow pan about with 1 quart (946 ml) of hot water. Be aware that the ink from the erasers may stain the pan.
2
Soak the erasers. Place the erasers into the pan of hot water and leave them to soak for 20 minutes (or more). Then rinse them under running water until all ink is removed and the water runs clear.^{[1]
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3
Set the erasers in the sun. In order for you to be able to use the dry erasers, they must be completely dry. The best way to effectively dry them out after washing is to set them in direct sunlight for 1-2 hours.^{[2]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Cleansing with a Garden Hose

1
Choose a spot where you can make a mess. When you clean your dry erase erasers with a garden hose, you will end up spraying inky-colored water on the ground. So first, choose a location to do your cleaning, ideally on a patch of grass.^{[3]
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2
Spray the erasers with the hose. Bring your dry erase erasers outside, set them on the ground, and spray them with your hose. If your hose has multiple settings, use the most powerful one. The power from the hose spray will penetrate the cracks of the eraser and remove the ink. Continue until the water runs clear.^{[4]
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3
Set the erasers in the sun. Place your dry erasers in direct sunlight and let them sit for 1-2 hours. Do not attempt to use the erasers until they are completely dry. In the meantime, put away your garden hose.^{[5]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Scrubbing with Toothpaste

1
Apply toothpaste to your erasers. A gentle, yet slightly abrasive cleanser (like toothpaste) is great for cleaning dry erase erasers. Apply a line of toothpaste to the bottom of each eraser you want to clean.^{[6]
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2
Scrub them with a wet cloth. Using a wet washcloth, scrub the eraser in a circular motion. Try to spread the toothpaste across the whole eraser. Be aware that the ink is likely to stain the washcloth you are using.^{[7]
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3
Rinse them under running water and dry them in the sun. Hold each eraser under warm running water until all ink and toothpaste is removed and the water runs clear. Then set the erasers outside in direct sunlight for 1-2 hours until they are dry.^{[8]
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Community Q&A

Question

How do I do this if I'm at school? (Since schools don't have garden hoses, it would just look weird if I used toothpaste or dish washing liquid, so is there another method?)

Sunsetlater

Community Answer

You can try with a wet handkerchief or wet towels. If you don't have those, put some sanitizer and brush with your hand. It should be enough.