How to Make Your Own Whiteboard Cleaner

Whiteboards, or dry erase boards, are a handy way to keep track of everything from appointments to grocery lists. Yet one mistaken use of a permanent marker can ruin them, and even the proper dry erase markers may lead to stains after time. Don't toss the whiteboard if this happens. Instead try one of the many easy-to-make whiteboard cleaners and make yours look like new again.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dry erase marker
• Acetone
• Alcohol
• Dry cloths

1. Before trying the other cleaners, draw over the offending mark with a dry erase marker, then try wiping it off. Many times this will get rid of the stain or mark without resorting to more drastic measures.

2. If that doesn't get rid of the stain, dip a soft cloth into acetone and allow it to sit on the stain for 2 minutes. Gently wipe the surface several times. Work in a circular motion, as the ink will smear and may stain nearby areas of the board otherwise. Work with a window open, as acetone gives off fumes. You can purchase acetone or use a nail polish remover that has acetone in it.

3. For permanent marker that does not come off with the acetone, try rubbing alcohol. Allow it to sit on the stain for 2 minutes, then wipe off with a circular motion, as it will also smear the ink. You may need to repeat this process a few times. Rubbing alcohol generally does not work well on stains that have been on the whiteboard for more than several weeks. Alcohol can also be used to brighten a whiteboard that has become dull.

Tips & Warnings

• The sooner you clean the stain from the whiteboard, the more likely it is it will come off. Wrap brightly colored electrical tape around dry erase markers so they are not easily confused with permanent markers. Place acetone or alcohol in a spray bottle and keep it near your whiteboard.
• Do not use abrasive cleaners; this will damage the board surface. Keep all chemicals out of the reach of children.

Resources

• Cleaning stubborn stains from whiteboards