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Whiteboards are a staple in many workplaces, but their frequent use can mean they are marked up with lines and colors that don’t want to rub off. But it’s easy to get a whiteboard looking like new again, and usually all it requires is a simple cleaning product like soap or alcohol and a clean cloth. As long as you clean your whiteboard frequently, you’ll get years of use from this handy and erasable tool that’s great for notes, presentations, and communication.
Steps
Removing Stubborn Stains and Permanent Marks
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1Write over the stains with fresh dry erase marker. Pen and permanent marker will leave permanent marks on a whiteboard that can be very difficult to remove. Even dry erase marker that's left on for too long will stain the board. To remove such stains, start by completely writing over the stains with fresh dry erase marker.[1]
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2Allow the marker to dry. This should only take a few seconds. Then, rub the marks with a cloth or the whiteboard eraser.
- The idea is that the fresh dry erase ink will help loosen and lift the stains off the board, so that when you wipe away the dry erase ink, the permanent marks will come off as well.
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3Repeat if necessary. For stubborn stains and permanent marks, repeat the process. Cover the marks again with dry erase ink, allow it to dry, and then rub the board with a cloth or eraser.
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4Clean and wipe the board. Once you have removed the permanent stains or marks, clean the board to remove any remaining marks. Dampen a cloth with a cleaner and wipe the board vigorously with the damp cloth. Remove any excess cleaner and allow the board to dry.[2] Some of the most popular cleaners for a whiteboard are:[3]
- Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol[4]
- Hand sanitizer
- Acetone or nail polish remover that contains acetone
- Water mixed with several drops of dish soap.
- Orange cleaners (such as Goo Gone and Fantastik)
- Glass cleaner
- Baby wipes
- Pam or other spray cooking oils
- Aftershave
- Whiteboard cleaning solution like Expo, Solutions MB, or Quartet
Performing Everyday Cleaning
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1Clean the board every one to two days. Start with a whiteboard eraser, which will remove the majority of fresh marks, as long as they haven’t been there for more than a couple days.[5]
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2Clean the board thoroughly with a wet solution. Dampen a clean cloth or sponge with your favorite cleaning solution. Be sure you’re in a ventilated area if you are going to use harsh chemicals. Use the cloth to apply cleaning solution to the whiteboard and rub vigorously.[6]
- A mixture of 50% tap water and 50% isopropyl rubbing alcohol works well.[7]
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3Wipe and dry the board. Once you have successfully removed the marker, rinse out your cloth or sponge with clean water to remove the cleaning solution. Wring out the cloth and wipe the board down with the damp cloth. This will remove excess cleaning solution. Then, dry the board with a clean, dry cloth.[8]
Community Q&A
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QuestionIf I need to leave the marks on a white magnetic board for a long time, is that safe for the board quality, or is there a time limit for how long marks should stay on the board?
Community AnswerThere isn't a set time, but it can leave marks. You can always clean it up using this method or just use sticky notes. -
QuestionWill it damage the whiteboard if I leave excess solution after cleaning?
Community AnswerNo, but it will ruin your whiteboard markers and potentially leave a stain. -
QuestionWhy is my whiteboard less smooth?Community AnswerOver time, cleaners degrade the whiteboard. Even Expo spray cleaner can ruin a good board over time. Instead of buying a new board, you can easily resurface it with a whiteboard film. Check out the Think Board or Whiteyboard brands.
Warnings
- Some people recommend cleaners like toothpaste, coffee, or baking soda to clean whiteboards, but these are abrasive and can scratch the surface of the board.[10]⧼thumbs_response⧽
References
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-dry-erase-board/
- ↑ Cleanzen Cleaning Services. Residential Cleaning Specialists. Expert Interview. 4 February 2022.
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-dry-erase-board/
- ↑ Cleanzen Cleaning Services. Residential Cleaning Specialists. Expert Interview. 4 February 2022.
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/au/floor-and-surface-cleaning/how-to-clean-a-whiteboard-so-its-white-again.html
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-dry-erase-board/
- ↑ Cleanzen Cleaning Services. Residential Cleaning Specialists. Expert Interview. 4 February 2022.
- ↑ Cleanzen Cleaning Services. Residential Cleaning Specialists. Expert Interview. 4 February 2022.
- ↑ http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-clean-a-white-board
About This Article
To clean a whiteboard, first write over any stains, like stains from a pen or permanent marker, with a fresh dry erase marker. The fresh dry erase marker will help lift stubborn stains so you can wipe them off. Let the fresh marker dry for a few seconds, then wipe it off using a cloth or whiteboard eraser to remove the stains. You can also try wiping down your whiteboard with rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, or hand sanitizer. Just dampen a cloth with the cleaner, then firmly wipe off the whiteboard with it. Try to clean your whiteboard every 1-2 days if you use it regularly since stains become harder to remove the longer they sit. For tips on how to clean your whiteboard after each use to avoid set-in stains, keep reading.
