Q&A for How to Clean a Whiteboard

There isn't a set time, but it can leave marks. You can always clean it up using this method or just use sticky notes.

No, but it will ruin your whiteboard markers and potentially leave a stain.

Over time, cleaners degrade the whiteboard. Even Expo spray cleaner can ruin a good board over time. Instead of buying a new board, you can easily resurface it with a whiteboard film. Check out the Think Board or Whiteyboard brands.

In my experience, I used a light sprinkling of Bar Keepers Friend (similar to Comet) and a wet microfiber cloth, and all the stains came off with a light scrubbing.

Absolutely, but ink must be dry; if it's wet, it may cause the ink to mix with the Windex and cause a little mess.

Apply a small amount of methylated/white spirits to a cloth and scrub the pen marks off of the white board. However be cautious as methylated/white spirits can be harmful if consumed or inhaled in large quantities, so wash the board with a wet cloth afterwards to remove any left over traces of spirits. Methylated spirits works for almost everything, even permanent marker on some surfaces.

Magic eraser it! Just get the magic eraser wet with water, and watch it dissapear!

Use an ammonia-based glass cleaner like Windex or a similar product. Give it a good scrub with a cloth and then wipe the glass dry using scrunched up pages of newspaper or paper towels.

Acetone is effective for this type of tape. It is sold near the paint at hardware and home supply stores.

Think Board (a whiteboard film company) has a white film that can be used over old whiteboards. You can also resurface chalkboards with their film. It's pretty easy to install and their team is very friendly and will hop on the phone with you to help you do it properly if needed.

Follow the tips in Remove Permanent Pen from a Whiteboard .

Start with a soft eraser to gently rub over the pencil marks. If needed, use a lightly dampened cloth or a mild soap solution for stubborn marks, and then dry the board thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Washing a whiteboard under running water isn't recommended, especially if it has scratches, as water can seep in and cause damage. Instead, use a whiteboard cleaner or a mix of 50% water and 50% isopropyl alcohol. Apply the solution with a soft cloth, rub gently in circular motions over the scratches, and dry the board thoroughly after cleaning.

Fogging machines, often used for disinfection, can potentially affect a whiteboard, especially if they use harsh chemicals.

Benzyl alcohol wipes can be safe for cleaning a whiteboard, but use them cautiously: test a small area first, use sparingly to avoid removing the glossy finish, wipe with a damp cloth to remove residue, and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Gently scrape off any excess using a plastic scraper or credit card edge. Clean the area with a cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol to dissolve sticky residues. Wipe in a circular motion with gentle pressure. For deeper scratches, use a whiteboard cleaner or a mix of mild dish soap and water applied with a soft cloth, then rinse with a damp cloth and dry completely.

Washing a whiteboard with water shouldn't degrade it. To clean it effectively, wipe the board with a dry cloth to remove surface marks. For stubborn stains, use a whiteboard cleaner or a mix of 50% water and 50% isopropyl alcohol on a soft cloth. Gently wipe the board in circular motions, and then dry it with a clean cloth.

Use a dry eraser or whiteboard cleaner. If dry erasing doesn’t work, spray some whiteboard cleaner or a mix of 50% water and 50% isopropyl alcohol onto the board. You may also find hand sanitizer to work on the marker.

Peel off as much of the tape as possible using your fingernails or a plastic scraper. Then, apply rubbing alcohol and wipe the area clean.

Most particles can be removed by just brushing them off. So, use a brush and do a back and forth motion the remove most the particles. This should be enough. Do this twice a week.

No. Instead, to get rid of ghosting, wipe the board with a cloth dipped in a mix of isopropyl alcohol and water — the most effective whiteboard cleaner. Using a cloth moistened with whiteboard cleaner is enough to keep a board clean if used every week. Warm soapy water, window cleaner and peroxide all work well too.

Get a wet marker and draw over it. Then let it sit for a couple of minutes; rub it out with a wet tissue. Do not use a duster because it will have marker dust.

Yes, but leave it to dry once you do it, because if you write with the marker right away, the marker won't work.

No; Clorox wipes will damage the whiteboard surface.

It could be your brand of markers; try a different brand to see whether the problem persists. You may also have to clean or replace your eraser.