How to Clean a Whiteboard

To clean a whiteboard, you can use a few common items such as a whiteboard eraser, isopropyl alcohol, whiteboard cleaning solution, or a mixture of water and mild detergent. Many of these items can be found in our whiteboard starter kit.

Yes, you can use water, but it’s often not as effective at removing stubborn marks. Water can be used for light cleaning, but for better results, consider a whiteboard cleaning solution or isopropyl alcohol.

Moisten a soft cloth or paper towel with isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe the whiteboard surface. Use a dry cloth to wipe off any remaining alcohol residue. This method is effective for removing ink stains and stubborn marks.

 It’s generally not recommended to use household cleaners, as they can damage the whiteboard’s surface. Stick to whiteboard-specific cleaning solutions, isopropyl alcohol, or a mild water and detergent mixture.

The frequency of cleaning depends on usage. In a typical office or classroom setting, a weekly cleaning should suffice. However, you may need to clean it more often if it gets heavy use and accumulates a lot of marks.

To remove permanent marker, first try using a whiteboard marker to draw over the permanent marker, then erase both marks. If that doesn’t work, use isopropyl alcohol or a whiteboard cleaner. Be patient and gentle when removing permanent marker to avoid damaging the whiteboard surface.
 

It’s best to avoid abrasive materials like scouring pads, steel wool, or rough brushes, as they can scratch the whiteboard’s surface. Stick to soft cloths or erasers for cleaning.

It’s usually more effective to clean a whiteboard when it’s dry. Wet cleaning can sometimes make the marks smudge and become harder to remove.
 

To keep your whiteboard cleaner, use only dry erase markers and ensure they are not expired or low-quality. Erase marks promptly after use, avoid pressing too hard when writing, and store markers horizontally.

 Ghosting (faint marks left after erasing) can be prevented by regularly cleaning your whiteboard, using a whiteboard-specific cleaner, and avoiding leaving marks on the board for extended periods. If ghosting persists, consider using a whiteboard conditioner to restore the surface.