When it comes to erasable surfaces and whiteboards, general cleaning can be anything but simple. Fortunately, this guide is going to show you some simple methods for cleaning a clear dry erase board. It’s common knowledge that erasable markers are made with a fast-drying ink that should wipe off easily with an eraser; however, that’s not always the case. After an extended period of use, a haze or film can form on the surface resulting in leftover ink residue that isn’t fully removed after erasing. When this happens, new marker colors will still look vivid, no matter how many times you try erasing it.

By using a spray-on solution of glass cleaner, the whiteboard can be thoroughly cleaned. Simply spray the board and rub it with a microfiber cloth, then rinse with water. It’s always best to avoid using an abrasive or caustic type of cleaners. Depending on the surface quality of your whiteboard, you can also use alcohol-based cleaners, non-abrasive bathroom cleaners, non-abrasive ceramic stove top cleaners, and soap and water.

Porcelain Steel Markerboards

Porcelain steel markerboards are a common type of whiteboards. Many prefer these markerboards for the easy to clean surface that provides contrast and low reflection. They can be cleaned and maintained with any of the cleaning solutions mentioned above. 

Matte Surface Whiteboards

This type of whiteboard dispenses with the shiny surface that can be glaring on the eyes. However, these whiteboards could require a “wet-erase” to completely eradicate marks on the surface of the board. They can also be cleaned and maintained with any of the cleaning solutions mentioned above. 

Glass Markerboards

Glass markerboards that have a matte surface should use a spray-on glass cleaner to get rid of marks. Follow the mentioned techniques above by rubbing with the microfiber cloth and rinsing it with water. If you have a custom colored glass whiteboard or black, neon markers may be required in order to see your writing more clearly on the board. 

New Whiteboards

There are a lot of new whiteboards that come with clear, protective plastic sheeting that covers the entire surface. It’s always best to inspect your whiteboard for this protective film before you start using it. You can use a small razor blade and gently cut around the trim of the board. Then using your fingernails to lift a corner of the film and gently peel it away from the surface. You should always clean new easels and whiteboards when first purchased because there may be some leftover residue from the manufacturing process. By using a clean microfiber cloth and glass or alcohol cleaner, you can prepare your whiteboard for easier erasing in the future. Remember to rinse it with water after you’re done with the cleaning. 

Erasable Markers

The key to having a clean whiteboard is having both a high-quality erasable marker that dries fast and a high-quality surface on which to write. All of your markers should have the cap on when not in use to prolong their lives and make them easier to clean. A good tip is to not use water-based or low odor markers. The ink can set after a while and be very difficult to erase. 

Additionally, do not leave the writing on the whiteboard for an extended period of time. Erasing your wipe board on a daily basis will eliminate hard to erase or ghostly marks. In cases where ink has been left on the board for several days, try the soil mark cleaning procedures mentioned above or use another marker of any color and write over the old writing, then erase with a whiteboard eraser. It may require several applications but should make the old ink disappear.

Suggested Daily Cleaning and Care:

At the end of each day, it is recommended that the following steps are taken to keep the whiteboard well maintained:

• Wipe the surface clean with a clean microfiber cloth with liquid glass cleaner
• Rinse the board with clean water
• Wipe the board clean with a clean, dry microfiber cloth

Additional Tips for Soil Marks

Soil marks like oil, paint, crayon stains or tape marks that seem impossible to remove can be cleaned without damage to the board by using standard household cleaners or cleaning solutions like glass cleaner or denatured alcohol. Under no circumstances should abrasive cleaners be used or products like mineral spirits and paint thinner. These products can actually eat away at the protective coating that makes your whiteboard erasable. It’s a good idea to invest in a higher-quality whiteboard with a good set of dry erase markers and a quality eraser. Remember to clean your whiteboard after every use and cap your markers for a long-lasting writing surface without blemishes.