Buzz
A whiteboard is an essential tool in many workplaces, but after frequent use, lines and ink stains often accumulate, making it seem like a hassle to clean. However, restoring it to its fresh look is simple. All you need are cleaning products such as soap or alcohol and a clean cloth. Regular cleaning ensures your whiteboard lasts longer, making it ideal for writing, presenting, and sharing information from this convenient, erasable tool.
Steps
Remove Stubborn Stains and Non-Erasing Marker Ink
Write Over Stubborn Stains with an Erasable Marker. Permanent markers and non-erasable ink will leave permanent marks on the whiteboard, which can be very difficult to remove. Even ink from erasable markers can stain the board if left too long. To get rid of these stains, start by writing over the marks with an erasable marker.
Let the ink dry. Wait for just a few seconds before wiping it off with a cloth or a whiteboard eraser.
- Wet ink can cause older ink to run and peel off the board. So, when cleaning erasable ink stains, the non-erasable stains will gradually fade as well.
Repeat the process if necessary. For stubborn stains and non-erasable ink marks, repeat the cleaning steps. Write over the stains with an erasable marker, let it dry, and then clean the board with a cloth or eraser.
Wipe and clean the board. After removing stains or non-erasable ink, clean the board to remove any remaining traces. Dampen a cloth with a cleaning solution and wipe the board thoroughly. Wipe off any excess cleaning solution and let the board dry. Common cleaning solutions for whiteboards include:
- Isopropyl alcohol (also known as rubbing alcohol)
- Antibacterial hand sanitizer
- Acetone or nail polish remover containing acetone
- Water with a few drops of soap
- Orange-based cleaners (such as Goo Gone and Fantastik)
- Glass cleaner
- Baby wipes
- Cooking spray like Pam or other cooking oils in spray form
- Aftershave solution
- Whiteboard cleaner solutions like Expo, Solutions MB, or Quartet
Perform daily cleaning
Clean the board every one to two days. Start by using a whiteboard eraser to remove new ink stains, as long as these marks have not been on the board for more than one or two days.
Wipe the board thoroughly with a wet solution. Dampen a cloth or sponge with your preferred cleaning solution. Make sure you're in a well-ventilated area if you're using strong chemicals. Use the cloth to apply the cleaner to the whiteboard and scrub vigorously.
Clean and dry the board. Once the ink stains are removed, rinse the cloth or sponge with clean water to remove the cleaner. Wring out the cloth and wipe the whiteboard to remove any remaining cleaner. Then, dry the board with a clean, dry cloth.
Tips
- Avoid stains by using markers specifically designed for whiteboards. Also, don’t leave ink on the whiteboard for more than a few days.
Warnings
- Some people recommend using cleaning agents like toothpaste, coffee, or baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) to clean whiteboards; however, these substances can be abrasive and may scratch the board's surface.
