Cleaning your dry erase board is a rather simple task that only requires an eraser and a good scrub-down after a long day of use. However, if you lack either of these two components, chances are your board will develop those faint marker stains over time, which will make it difficult to read or write legibly.
There are tons of brands that offer different products for cleaning dry erase boards. Most of these will get you good results, though you will have to dig deep into your pockets for many of them.
If you are looking to save some cash and a trip to the stationary store, try one of these methods based on what you have around the house or at the office.
1. Dry Cleaner Fluid
The same chemical you use to remove stains from your favorite suit or carpet can be used to make your board squeaky clean. To clean your board, spray its surface with carpet stain remover, hairspray, or spray cleaner and then wipe the surface with a piece of cloth or sponge. Then apply a small amount of baby oil or another type of mineral oil to protect the surface.
Before using any type of dry cleaner fluid, ensure the type of dry erase board (e.g. porcelain and melamine) won’t be affected by abrasive compounds in the fluid. If, for instance, you used something like the Remarkable dry erase paint to create an artificial dry erase board, be mindful of the surface on which you used the paint.
2. Rubbing/Isopropyl Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is also another effective cleaning compound for your dry erase board. The most effective concentration is usually 99%, though 90% isopropyl will also work. 70% will also work, though not as effectively as the higher concentrations.
Wipe the dry erase board carefully using the dry erase board eraser and a piece of cloth to remove dust. Soak a small piece of cloth with the alcohol and wipe the board thoroughly. Rinse it with warm water and repeat until the marks have cleared.
3. Hand Sanitizer
Apart from sanitizing your hands, hand sanitizers are also perfect for removing marker stains from dry erase boards. Before you begin, ensure the surface is dusted off with a dry piece of cloth. Once the surface is dust-free, apply the hand sanitizer over the surface of the board and let it sit for up to a minute. Then, use a paper towel or soft cloth to wipe the surface of the board for a stainless surface.
4. Vinegar
Vinegar is used for a ton of things at home – from cleaning and cooking to disinfecting wounds as a first aid supplement. To clean your board with white vinegar, mix a teaspoon of vinegar with a cup of water and stir to make a solution. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray the surface of the board, using a cloth to wipe it down.
Alternatively, you can pour the solution into a bowl and use a cloth to wipe the board. Once every inch of the surface has been wiped, dry the surface with a lint-free piece of cloth.
5. Toothpaste
If your dry erase board is made from any type of non-porous material, then toothpaste will work perfectly for many types of stains, including stains from permanent markers. Find an old “decommissioned” toothbrush that won’t be used for brushing teeth and apply regular toothpaste. Apply a little water and begin scrubbing the surface of the board.
Once the surface has been thoroughly scrubbed, use a paper towel to wipe down the surface for a clean, fresh, and stainless look.
6. Baking Soda
Baking soda is also another effective cleaning agent for removing stains from your dry erase board. For this method, add some baking soda into a container of water and mix thoroughly until it forms a thick paste. Using a piece of cloth or paper towel, apply a small amount of the paste over the surface of the dry erase board and scrub.
You can choose to let it air dry or wipe it down with a paper towel for a crispy clean look.
Conclusion
To prevent damaging your dry erase board, always ensure that the material making up the board is not porous as some of the chemicals can damage the surface. Plus, if your board also doubles up as a digital whiteboard, make sure you go through the cleaning instructions to prevent unnecessary damage.
Featured photo credit: Pixabay.com via pixabay.com
