How To Clean Off Whiteboard

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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.

1

Write 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]
2
Allow 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.
3

Repeat 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.
4
Clean 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. Some of the most popular cleaners for a whiteboard are:^[2]
- Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
- 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

1

Clean 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.^[3]
2

Clean 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.^[4]
3

Wipe 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.

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Question

If 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?

There isn't a set time, but it can leave marks. You can always clean it up using this method or just use sticky notes.
Question

Will it damage the whiteboard if I leave excess solution after cleaning?

No, but it will ruin your whiteboard markers and potentially leave a stain.
Question

Why is my whiteboard less smooth?

Over 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.
Question

How should I clean my whiteboard if it is entirely stained?

In my experience, I used a light sprinkling of Bar Keepers Friend (similar to Comet) and a wet microfiber cloth, and all the stains came off with a light scrubbing.
Question

Will glass cleaner work, too?

Absolutely, but ink must be dry; if it's wet, it may cause the ink to mix with the Windex and cause a little mess.
Question

How can I get pen off a white board?

Apply a small amount of methylated/white spirits to a cloth and scrub the pen marks off of the white board. However be cautious as methylated/white spirits can be harmful if consumed or inhaled in large quantities, so wash the board with a wet cloth afterwards to remove any left over traces of spirits. Methylated spirits works for almost everything, even permanent marker on some surfaces.
Question

I have been wiping the board with tissue paper, but the remnants of the writing remain for days afterward. What can I do to remedy this?

Magic eraser it! Just get the magic eraser wet with water, and watch it dissapear!
Question

How do I clean glass without it getting foggy?

Use an ammonia-based glass cleaner like Windex or a similar product. Give it a good scrub with a cloth and then wipe the glass dry using scrunched up pages of newspaper or paper towels.
Question

There is Cello tape stuck on my whiteboard. How do I remove it?

Acetone is effective for this type of tape. It is sold near the paint at hardware and home supply stores.
Question

How do I resurface a dry erase board?

Think Board (a whiteboard film company) has a white film that can be used over old whiteboards. You can also resurface chalkboards with their film. It's pretty easy to install and their team is very friendly and will hop on the phone with you to help you do it properly if needed.

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Video

Avoid stains by using markers that are designed for whiteboards. Also, don't leave marker on the whiteboard for more than a few days.^[5]

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

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.^[6]

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Article SummaryX

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.

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