How to Clean a WhiteboardAfter a lot of use, a whiteboard starts to look less white and more splotchy. There’s no need for a replacement, just a good cleaning. Use our tips on how to clean a whiteboard to get it looking like new again.

How to Remove Stains

It’s a pretty common mistake to accidentally use a permanent marker on a whiteboard. Here a secret: the mark doesn’t have to be permanent! To remove permanent marker, draw over it with a dry erase marker. Completely cover the scribble you’re trying to get rid of and wait for the dry-erase marker to completely dry. Then wipe. The dry erase marker loosens the permanent marker and carries it with it when it’s erased. Repeat until the permanent marker is completely removed.

How to Clean

You can use many things to clean a whiteboard: soapy water, hand sanitizer, rubbing alcohol, glass cleaner, and more. Just grab your cleaner of choice and a rag, then wipe the board all over going from top to bottom.

What Not to Use

Do not use baking soda, toothpaste, or coffee (yes, surprisingly this has been tried) to clean the whiteboard. These will scratch the surface of the board and ruin it. It is also not a good idea to use any marker besides the ones meant for the board.

Everyday Cleaning

Clean the whiteboard as frequently as possible. Leaving marker on it for longer periods of time can create hard-to-remove stains. Use a dry eraser after every use and clean in the way described above regularly.

Clean a Whiteboard for Better Communication

When you use a whiteboard, you want your audience focused on the message you’re trying to convey. Make sure they can do that by presenting it on a clean and distraction-free surface. With a clean whiteboard, your information is what’s on display, not stains.