Whiteboards are a common and widely used object in offices and workplaces. Their frequent use leads to the appearance of marks of different colors that can no longer be eliminated. Returning a whiteboard to its original state is a very quick process that normally requires the use of a simple cleaning product, such as soap or alcohol, and a clean cloth. The secret to being able to extend the life of your whiteboard over the years is thorough and frequent cleaning.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Performing a Daily Cleaning
Step 1. Clean the whiteboard with a special whiteboard eraser
This tool is designed to be able to remove most of the fresh ink that has remained in contact with the surface of the board for no more than a couple of days. While not able to remove all traces of the marker, the use of the eraser is still recommended as most cleaning products tend to spread the ink when trying to remove too much at one time.
Step 2. Clean the slate thoroughly using a liquid cleaner
Wet a clean cloth or sponge with your chosen product. If you plan to use a concentrated chemical solvent, make sure your work area is well ventilated. Clean the whiteboard using the cloth soaked in liquid and wipe it firmly on the surface. Here is a list of the most suitable products for cleaning a whiteboard:
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Acetone
- Mixture consisting of water and a few drops of dish soap.
- Degreasing products
- Nail polish remover.
- Glass cleaning product.
Step 3. Clean and dry the board
After removing all traces of ink from the surface of the board, rinse the cloth or sponge to remove any traces of product. Wring out the cloth carefully and use it to clean the surface of the whiteboard. This step is to remove any residue of the product used for cleaning. At this point you can dry the board using a clean, dry cloth.
Step 4. Use a professional product specially designed for cleaning whiteboards
If you are not satisfied with the result obtained in the previous step, take advantage of the wide range of products created specifically for this purpose. Spray the chosen product directly on the surface to be cleaned or on a clean cloth and rub firmly. When finished, you won't have to worry about rinsing the surface of the board, but you will have to wait for it to dry completely before you can use it again. Here is a list of brands and products you can use:
- Nobo
- Durable
- 3M
- Lyreco
Part 2 of 2: Remove Stains and Permanent Ink
Step 1. Write over the stain using an erasable marker
This action may not make sense, but the first step in removing smudges or indelible ink marks from a whiteboard is to trace them using an erasable marker. Make sure you completely cover any stains.
Step 2. Wait for the ink to dry
This step should only take a few seconds. When finished, remove the ink marks with a cloth or whiteboard eraser. This method works because the fresh erasable ink binds to the old permanent ink making it easier to remove it from the whiteboard surface. This way when you go to erase it from the board both inks will be removed.
Step 3. Repeat the process if necessary
In the case of particularly stubborn stains or indelible marks, repeat the procedure described above again. Coat the marks with erasable ink, wait for it to dry completely, then wipe it off using a cloth or eraser.
Step 4. Now clean the board as you normally do
After you have finished removing indelible marks or stains, clean the board as usual using the product or solution of your choice.
