What Do You Use to Clean a Chalkboard?

Chalkboards that are not cleaned regularly begin to fade and do not hold the chalk as well. The best method is to wipe up and down from the top left-hand corner to the right-hand corner. Also, writing (with chalk) on a wet board is a bad idea. The chalk can stick and become difficult to remove no matter the method. Keeping chalkboards clean can inspire young artists to fill them up with drawings or practice their handwriting.

Eraser

Keep an eraser nearby so that the user(s) can clear the board of its contents regularly.

Lemon Oil

Pour a few drops of lemon oil onto a clean rag. Then place the rag in a plastic bag. Seal the bag overnight and use the rag the following day to wipe down the chalkboard. Allow the board to dry completely before drawing on it again with chalk.

Furniture or Dusting Spray

Lightly spray a clean rag (not the chalkboard) with Endust or other oily dusting or furniture cleaning solution. Gently wipe the board with the rag and allow the board to dry completely before using chalk on it again.

Water

Water can damage a chalkboard if used too heavily or regularly. However, wiping it off with a damp cloth once in a while won't hurt.

Paint

If a chalkboard becomes dull from too much use or from too much water-cleaning, repaint the chalkboard with chalkboard paint.

Resources

• Endust
• Lemon oil
• Self-dispensing cleaning rags from Scott