When the marker eraser fills with ink, it is no longer able to effectively erase the writing on the whiteboard. Fortunately, there are several ways to clean it and make it work like new, and you can also wash it with household products. You can choose to lather it with dish soap, spray it with a garden hose, or scrub it with toothpaste. Regardless of the method (or methods) you choose, it takes very little to get it working again, as good as new.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Wash it with Dishwashing Liquid
Step 1. Fill a pan with soapy water
Combine about 15ml of dish soap and 950ml of hot water in a shallow pan. Be aware that ink trapped in the eraser fibers can stain the pan.
Step 2. Dip the eraser
Put it in the pan filled with hot water and let it soak for at least 20 minutes. Then, rinse it under running water until the ink has completely disappeared and the water is clear again.
Step 3. Expose it to the sun
In order to use it, it must be completely dry. The most effective drying method after washing is to place it in direct sunlight for a couple of hours.
Method 2 of 3: Clean it with a Garden Hose
Step 1. Choose a spot in the garden that you can smear
When you clean the eraser with the garden hose, you risk spraying the ground with water mixed with ink. So, first of all, choose a suitable place for this operation. The ideal would be a corner of the lawn.
Step 2. Cover the eraser with water
Take it out, put it on the ground and spray it with the hose. If the nozzle has multiple settings, use the stronger one. The force of the jet will create a gap in the fibers of the eraser removing the ink that has penetrated. Continue until you see clear water flowing from the eraser.
Step 3. Put it in the sun
Expose it to direct sunlight and leave it for a couple of hours. Do not use it until it is completely dry. Meanwhile, put the garden hose back in place.
Method 3 of 3: Rub with Toothpaste
Step 1. Apply the toothpaste to the eraser
A mild, slightly abrasive cleaner (such as toothpaste) is ideal for cleaning this stationery tool. Press the tube to release a line of toothpaste onto the base of the eraser.
Step 2. Rub a damp cloth
Take a damp cloth and rub the eraser in circular motions. Try spreading the toothpaste all over the surface. Be aware that the ink may stain the fabric you are using.
Step 3. Rinse the eraser under the tap and dry it in the sun
Hold the eraser under warm running water until all the ink and toothpaste have disappeared and the water is clear again. Then, place it in direct sunlight for a couple of hours or until it has dried.
Advice
- If you need to erase the chalkboard before the eraser is dry, you can use a variety of household products, such as glass cleaner on a paper towel, dry towel, old T-shirt, or sock.
- If you need to clean the slate, try using denatured alcohol on a paper towel.
- If you live in a cold climate (or the weather is cloudy), place the eraser near a heat source to let it dry.
