When stains strike - A step-by-step tutorial on removing permanent marker from whiteboard
While using dry-erase markers on whiteboards is common, occasional mix-ups with permanent markers can occur. If you have mistakenly used a permanent marker on your dry-erase board, don’t worry; it can come off with a few household items. Follow this step-by-step guide to remove stubborn permanent marker stains from your whiteboard and restore cleanliness.
Step 1: Gather Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning your whiteboard requires a few essential tools. Gather the following items before you start cleaning:
- A dark-colored dry-erase marker
- An old standard whiteboard eraser
- A regular pencil eraser
- Rubbing alcohol
- A cotton swab or pad
If rubbing alcohol is unavailable, you can substitute nail polish remover or hand sanitizer. Have a soft rag or paper towel on hand for the cleaning process. Arrange your supplies on a clean, flat surface, ensuring a convenient whiteboard cleaning process. Now, let's dive into the steps to restore your whiteboard.
Step 2: Cover With Dry Erase Marker
- Removing permanent marker ink can be simpler than expected. Use a dark dry-erase marker to scribble over the permanent marker. Cover the entire mark with a dry-erase marker. Wipe the whiteboard with an eraser or a soft microfiber cloth before the ink dries. Once done, proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Use Dry Eraser
- Use the dry eraser to apply firm, consistent pressure to rub away all the marks on the board. For stubborn spots, you may need to exert more pressure. This process often results in bits of dried ink scattered across the board and may saturate your eraser with permanent ink, making it unsuitable for future use. If vigorous rubbing doesn't provide the desired results, clean the surface of any debris and try another technique.
Step 4: Apply Rubbing Alcohol
- Another solvent that helps dissolve permanent markers from a dry-erase whiteboard is rubbing alcohol. Take 70% isopropyl alcohol and fill it in a spray bottle. You can also use the corner of a microfiber cloth. Spray isopropyl alcohol on the whiteboard and wipe it with the help of a non-abrasive cloth till the stain is lifted. Pre-packaged alcohol wipes can also remove the permanent marker from a whiteboard surface.
Alternatively, you can use alcohol-based sanitizers to break down permanent marker ink. Apply a small amount of sanitizer on a clean microfiber cloth. Use this microfiber cloth to wipe the marks on the whiteboard's surface. As you work into the marks, keep wiping the residues off with a clean section of the cloth to prevent streaks.
Step 5: Finalize The Cleaning Process
If the permanent marker has been successfully removed, the last step is to dry your whiteboard. Wipe away any residual wetness using a soft cloth or paper towel. Allow the board to air-dry for at least 15-20 minutes before returning to regular use or reapplying any magnets to a magnetic whiteboard.
Takeaway
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While various commercial cleaning products for whiteboards are available online and in stores, they are often unnecessary to achieve the desired result. With a few common household items, you can restore your board to a clean, usable surface, saving time and money while ensuring continued productivity.
A useful tip to prevent future incidents is to store your whiteboard markers away from other pens and writing utensils. Many users prefer keeping them on the board or in an adjacent pen tray, keeping other markers separate to avoid confusion. Although whiteboards are generally durable, maintaining an organized and strategically arranged space can save you the trouble of cleaning boards regularly.
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