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When dry erase erasers become saturated with ink, they can no longer effectively erase. Fortunately, there are a few different methods for cleaning them out and helping them to function like new. Best of all, this can be done using items you already have at home. You can choose to wash erasers with dish soap, spray them with a garden hose, or scrub them using toothpaste. No matter which method (or methods) you choose, your dry erase erasers will be back in business soon.
Cleaning Dry Erase Erasers
Most dry erase erasers can be cleaned with soap and water. Make sure they're submerged and let them soak for at least 20 minutes before you rinse them out. Then, let them air dry completely before you try to use them again.
Steps
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Fill a pan with soapy water. Place about 1 Tablespoon (14.7 ml) of dish soap into a shallow pan about with 1 quart (946 ml) of hot water. Be aware that the ink from the erasers may stain the pan. -
Soak the erasers. Place the erasers into the pan of hot water and leave them to soak for 20 minutes (or more). Then rinse them under running water until all ink is removed and the water runs clear. [1] X Research sourceAdvertisement -
Set the erasers in the sun. In order for you to be able to use the dry erasers, they must be completely dry. The best way to effectively dry them out after washing is to set them in direct sunlight for 1-2 hours.
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Choose a spot where you can make a mess. When you clean your dry erase erasers with a garden hose, you will end up spraying inky-colored water on the ground. So first, choose a location to do your cleaning, ideally on a patch of grass. -
Spray the erasers with the hose. Bring your dry erase erasers outside, set them on the ground, and spray them with your hose. If your hose has multiple settings, use the most powerful one. The power from the hose spray will penetrate the cracks of the eraser and remove the ink. Continue until the water runs clear. [2] X Research source -
Set the erasers in the sun. Place your dry erasers in direct sunlight and let them sit for 1-2 hours. Do not attempt to use the erasers until they are completely dry. In the meantime, put away your garden hose.
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Apply toothpaste to your erasers. A gentle, yet slightly abrasive cleanser (like toothpaste) is great for cleaning dry erase erasers. Apply a line of toothpaste to the bottom of each eraser you want to clean. [3] X Research source -
Scrub them with a wet cloth. Using a wet washcloth, scrub the eraser in a circular motion. Try to spread the toothpaste across the whole eraser. Be aware that the ink is likely to stain the washcloth you are using. -
Rinse them under running water and dry them in the sun. Hold each eraser under warm running water until all ink and toothpaste is removed and the water runs clear. Then set the erasers outside in direct sunlight for 1-2 hours until they are dry. [4] X Research source
Community Q&A
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QuestionHow do I do this if I'm at school? (Since schools don't have garden hoses, it would just look weird if I used toothpaste or dish washing liquid, so is there another method?)SunsetlaterCommunity AnswerYou can try with a wet handkerchief or wet towels. If you don't have those, put some sanitizer and brush with your hand. It should be enough.
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QuestionDo they have to be dried in the sun, or can I air dry them?KindnessTop AnswererTheoretically, you don't have to dry the erasers in the sun; any warm, dry environment should work. However, since dry erase erasers are quite thick, it might be difficult to dry the erasers without direct sunlight.
Tips
- If you need to erase your dry erase board before your erasers are dry, there are several household items you can use, such as a paper towel sprayed with glass cleaner, a dry washcloth, or an old t-shirt or sock.Thanks
- If your dry erase board needs to be cleaned, you can use rubbing alcohol on a paper towel.Thanks
- If you live in a cold climate (or it is it a cloudy day), you can set your erasers near a heat vent to allow them to dry.Thanks
References
About This Article
Dry erase eraser can easily be cleaned using a few household items. Try soaking the erasers in a pan of hot water and a little dish soap for 20 minutes, which should draw the ink out. You can also spray the erasers with a garden hose to remove the ink. Just be sure to do this over a patch of grass so you don’t get ink on the sidewalk. If your eraser is extra dirty, scrub a little toothpaste onto it with a wet washcloth before hosing it off. Once your eraser is clean, set it in the sun to dry completely before using it again. To learn how to speed up your eraser's drying time, read on!
Reader Success Stories
- "Wow, did this ever help! No more spending money on caked-up dry erasers. Very helpful to teachers. Thanks!"
