Cleaning Whiteboards

Whiteboards have become a welcome replacement for the old fashioned chalkboard. Free of the dust and maintenance issues involving the typical chalkboard, the whiteboard offers easy cleaning with a bright selection of markers to further enhance the experience. Dry erase markers are more vivid, making writing legible from even the farthest desk in the classroom, and you will never have to worry about cleaning a messy eraser again. Also convenient for meetings and lectures, the whiteboard has provided an easy way to get your message across. Just write, wipe, and reuse—it’s that easy. Even the toughest stains can be removed from whiteboard by following simple steps that will leave it perfect for your next presentation.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towels
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Car wax

Instructions

1. Dampen a clean, white paper towel with isopropyl alcohol. Only pour a small amount of the isopropyl alcohol onto the paper towel, as you will want to use it sparingly. Too much can dull the surface of the whiteboard.

2. Gently rub the paper towel over the surface of the whiteboard to remove the marker stains. Flip the paper towel over, and add another small amount of the isopropyl alcohol to the other side if it starts to become dirty. Repeat the process using as many paper towels as necessary to remove the stains. Always work with a clean paper towel to avoid further smudging of the whiteboard with the old ink.

3. Dry the whiteboard thoroughly with another clean paper towel. Any left over alcohol that is left on the whiteboard will dull it, so be sure to remove all traces.

4. Apply a small amount of wax to the whiteboard. Any type of basic car wax will do, but you only need to use a little. With a clean paper towel, take a small amount, and spread over the entire surface of the whiteboard.

5. Buff the whiteboard with a soft cloth to ensure a slick surface for future use. Working in circular motions, wipe the cloth over the whiteboard to remove any excess wax. The goal is to achieve a shiny, glass like finish, without any excess wax remaining.

6. Write on the whiteboard as usual with dry erase markers, and remember to wipe the surface immediately with a clean paper towel, following every use. Follow the steps above after heavy use and whenever staining becomes a problem.

Tips & Warnings

• The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser also works wonders on whiteboards. Just remember to follow the cleaning with a coat of wax to keep the surface slick.

• Never use water, heavy duty spray cleaners or detergents to clean a dry erase board. Water will destroy the finish, rendering the whiteboard unusable.