Read this to learn how to restore a dingy whiteboard in just a few steps
The most common issue with whiteboard usage is ghosting and smudging, typically caused by residue buildup from dry-erase markers. However, with proper care and maintenance, your whiteboard can offer years of trouble-free writing experience. This article provides valuable tips and recommendations for cleaning and restoring your whiteboard to prevent these issues.
Clean Your Erasers
- Ensure your erasers are thoroughly cleaned by brushing, beating, and vacuuming to remove as much marker dust as possible. Many cleaning issues often result from dirty erasers. By taking the time to clean the erasers, you can significantly enhance their effectiveness, making them more efficient at erasing.
Erase The Whiteboard
- Use a dry eraser to erase the board as much as possible. Then, use a whiteboard cleaner and a paper towel. If a whiteboard cleaner is unavailable, use a damp cloth. Continue wiping the board with a clean towel until it no longer collects dirt or dust. Always opt for soft, gentle towels or paper towels, and avoid using abrasive pads or scrubbers, which can damage the surface.
Apply WD-40
- Apply a light mist of WD-40 to the whiteboard and ensure it covers the entire surface. WD-40 is a light oil that maintains the board's slickness, preventing ink from drying into the board and leaving permanent marks. Although it may make the board slightly slippery, it will remain functional for writing and erasing.
Using a fresh rag, wipe the WD-40 and dry the board with a paper towel. The board should have a slight slickness from the oil, but there should be no pooling or visible residue. Wipe in a circular motion to ensure the entire board is evenly cleaned.
Test a Marker
- Conduct a marker test on a small corner of the board. Make a few marks with a dry-erase marker and then wait 10-15 minutes before attempting to erase them. If you followed the process correctly and the board is not irreparably damaged, the marker should come off easily, even after this extended drying period.
Avoid using abrasive or scratching motions when cleaning a whiteboard. The non-porous nature of the board facilitates easy ink removal, as it's protected by a clean, Teflon-like coating that prevents the ink from setting in. Scratches and damage to this coating can allow ink to seep through, potentially causing permanent harm to the board. Always opt for soft, clean towels and rags when cleaning. Additionally, avoid adhesives such as tape and glue, as removing them can tear up the coating on the whiteboard.
Maintain A Clean Whiteboard
-
Use whiteboard cleaner and a dry towel weekly to maintain a clean whiteboard. Regularly cleaning your whiteboard is crucial to prevent the need for board restoration. A light spray of cleaner and a quick wipe will remove marks before they can set in, ensuring the longevity of your whiteboard.
It's important to note that any marker left on the board for more than 24 hours may leave ghost marks, which can be challenging to remove. For particularly stubborn stains, a small amount of isopropyl alcohol can be used. Alternatively, you can create a mixture of 50 percent tap water and 50 percent isopropyl rubbing alcohol. After wiping the whiteboard with this solution, dry it with a clean cloth to eliminate any alcohol residue. Avoid letting alcohol dry on the board.
Improve your experience and intellectual abilities by purchasing a dry-erase whiteboard now. Contact New York Blackboard today for framed, unframed, portrait, landscape, wood framed, dry-erase, or custom-printed whiteboards. We will help you select the whiteboard according to your budget, usage, and setting. New York Blackboard has been selling handcrafted blackboards since 1944. We are located in New Jersey.