As you use your whiteboard over time, it is going to start getting stains and other issues that darken it and make it harder to use. Are there ways to clean off the whiteboard so it looks as good as new?
What will totally clean your whiteboard? The most effective products to clean your whiteboard are Windex, isopropyl alcohol, whiteboard cleaner, and mild detergent. You can also use a magic eraser and water and paper towel to help get the board cleaned.
There are many different ways that you are able to clean off your whiteboard so that it is easy to use without all of the stains and ghosting on it. Let’s take a closer look at some of the methods you can use so you can decide which one is the best for you.
How to Clean a White Board with Chemicals
You can choose to clean off the whiteboard with some chemicals to make sure that it is clean and going to work later.
With any of these cleaners, you should use a microfiber cloth, or something that is not abrasive and will not scratch or strip away the surface of the board.
Some of the best options that you can use to help clean off the whiteboard include:
- Windex
If you have some window cleaner sitting around, this can be enough to clean off the board. You can just add a bit to your cloth and then white off the board to see if it can get rid of those stubborn stains. - Isopropyl alcohol
Just a little bit on a cloth is going to be an effective tool to clean the whiteboard and keep it looking like new. - Whiteboard cleaner
There is actually a type of cleaner that is specifically made for cleaning off the whiteboard when there is ghosting and lots of stains on it. This cleaner is non-toxic and can be bought at most stores, though it may be more expensive compared to some of the other options. - Mild detergent and water
You may find that cleaning off the board is as simple as adding just a drop of dish soap and water to a cloth and scrubbing. This method does take a bit more work than the others, but it does remove the oils and residue on the board and will be a lot less expensive than some of the other options.
These methods are all effective and can get the board cleaned off in no time so it looks nice again.
Trying any of these, especially if you have these chemicals nearby, can help the board be clear without all the stains staying on.
How to Clean Whiteboards without Chemicals
Sometimes it is best to leave the chemicals behind and choose other methods in order to help get the board clean and to remove the stains.
There are a few methods that you are able to use to clean the dry erase board without all the chemicals. These include:
- Magic eraser
By wetting the magic eraser, you will be able to get rid of the ghosting and stains from the surface of the board without causing damage. - Used fabric softener sheet
This is a simple way to remove some of the dry erase ink that is on the board, as long as it was there for less than 24 hours. If an older marker was used, this is not going to be as effective as some of the other options. This usually works more like an eraser rather than a cleaner, but it will not scratch the board. - Water and vinegar
Vinegar is one of the best cleaning agents out there. Adding just a teaspoon of it to some water and placing it on a microfiber cloth will be enough to clean the whiteboard. - Paper towel and water
This may not help clean up the ghosting and the old stains, but it will get the surface of the board cleaned off so you can at least use it again.
As you can imagine, these chemical-free methods of cleaning the dry erase board are not going to be as effective as using the chemicals.
If possible, you should consider using some of the chemicals to make sure that the board will be clear of all the stains.
What Should I Avoid Using on the White Board?
With any whiteboard, it is important to take steps to make sure that it lasts a long time.
Some of the items that will ruin the whiteboard and make it stop working include:
- Any wax-based cleaners. These will leave a bad film residue on the board.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners that will scratch the surface of the board.
- Do not use your hands to wipe the ink off the board. The skin has natural oils that will stay behind on the board and can ruin it.
- Avoid any kind of toothpaste, Comet or Bengay. These are abrasive and will damage the board.
These are all going to cause some damage to the whiteboard and make it hard to keep the board in good shape.
Avoid these and stick with some of the chemical and non-chemical methods that we discussed above so the board can last a long time.
Keeping the Whiteboard Clean and Clear
The more you use the whiteboard, the more likely it is that stains and ghosting are going to stick around. And with how popular these boards can be for education and other uses, this is likely to happen often.
With some of the tips above, you will be able to get that whiteboard cleaned off and looking great in no time.