How to Restore a Whiteboard

Clean the entire eraser by brushing, tapping, and vacuuming to remove all ink residue. Most issues during whiteboard cleaning arise from a dirty eraser. Ensure you tap off the dust and use a vacuum for thorough cleaning. Now, the eraser will work effectively.

Wipe the whiteboard with a dry eraser. Try to clean the board thoroughly using this method, but don’t worry if some ink stains remain. Just ensure you wipe the board as clean as possible.

Clean the whiteboard with a whiteboard cleaning solution and paper towels. If you don’t have this product, a damp cloth will suffice. Avoid using other cleaning agents as they may damage the special coating that allows easy erasing of marker ink.

• Continue wiping the board with a clean cloth until no dirt remains.
• Always use a soft cloth or paper towel. Never use sandpaper or metal scrubbers!

Lightly spray a layer of WD-40 over the entire whiteboard. WD-40 is a light oil that adds smoothness to the board. This chemical prevents ink from drying out after writing and eliminates stubborn stains. Although the board may feel slightly slippery, it will remain functional.

Use a clean cloth to wipe off the WD-40 from the entire board surface. Once done, dry the board with a paper towel. The board will feel smooth due to the oil, but no visible residue will remain. Use circular motions to ensure the oil is evenly distributed across the surface.

Test by writing on a small corner of the board with a marker. Write a few lines with an erasable marker and wait 10-15 minutes before erasing. If you’ve followed the steps correctly and the whiteboard isn’t severely damaged, the ink should wipe off easily after drying.

Avoid using sandpaper or scraping to clean the whiteboard. The smooth surface of the board, similar to a Teflon non-stick coating, is what allows ink to be wiped off easily without sticking. However, scratches and peeling areas can cause ink to seep in and damage the board. Always use soft, clean cloths or towels for cleaning.

• Tape and adhesives can also peel off the coating when removed.

Use whiteboard cleaning products and a dry cloth every weekend to maintain the board. Regular cleaning prevents the need for restoration methods. Simply spray a small amount of cleaner and wipe with a cloth to remove ink before it sets, ensuring the board stays clean and functional for a long time.

• Any ink left on the board for more than 24 hours becomes difficult to remove completely.
• Stubborn stains can be cleaned with a bit of isopropyl alcohol. However, remember to wipe and dry the board afterward—never let the alcohol dry on the surface.

Remove permanent marker stains by writing over them with a dry-erase marker and quickly wiping it off. The wet ink contains chemicals that dissolve the old ink, temporarily cleaning the permanent marks. Work swiftly, then clean with a dry, clean eraser for the best results.

• Note: If you’re too slow, the black ink will dry and won’t work effectively!
• This method can also be used for individual stains—just ensure you cover the stain completely before erasing.

Avoid using oil-based solvents, soap, or cleaning products not designed for whiteboards. Most soaps dissolve oils, and the non-water-soluble polish helps remove stubborn stains and chemicals. However, the polish on whiteboards is designed to prevent marker ink from drying out after writing. Never use cleaning products not intended for whiteboards.

• In some cases, dry alcohol may be more effective than water and won’t harm the board’s coating.

Always dry the board thoroughly after cleaning with a damp cloth. Never let the board air dry. If you plan to clean the board at the end of each day, use paper towels or a clean cloth to wipe and dry it. This practice will extend the board’s lifespan.

Regularly clean dry erasers to prevent dust and marker ink buildup. Simply use a cloth to clean the eraser. For a deeper clean, dampen a soft cloth to wipe off ink from the eraser, but avoid soaking it. A clean eraser ensures the board stays spotless.

Note that board restoration is only effective a few times before you’ll need to replace it. If someone damages the coating with harsh cleaning products, or if you find yourself using more WD-40 frequently, it’s a sign your board has reached the end of its life. While you can attempt to restore the surface, it’s better to invest in a new board with a professionally treated coating.

• WD-40 can make the board functional again but may cause writing to appear less clear. The board remains usable, but this is something to keep in mind.