How to Clean a Whiteboard or Dry Erase Board

Prep your whiteboard for cleaning

Start by erasing the entire surface, wiping away as much dry ink dust as you can.

Next, tackle stubborn ink and ghost marks. To do this, color over old ink with new ink from an erasable whiteboard marker. Be sure to completely block out all traces of old color. Allow to dry completely, then wipe with a dry eraser. The new ink binds with the old color to loosen it from the whiteboard surface. Repeat as necessary until no shadowing is visible .

Choose the right cleaner for the right whiteboard surface

Now that you've prepped the surface, it's time for a whiteboard spray, cleaning solution or maybe even a homemade hack. Always use a microfiber cloth to wipe the whiteboard. In fact, have several microfiber cloths ready for whichever cleaning formula you choose.

Whiteboard spray cleaners: These are formulated to clean and protect a range of whiteboard surface types. Most sprays are safe for melamine or metal whiteboards. If you're cleaning a glass whiteboard, you might want to choose a spray cleaner made just for this premium nonporous surface. Check labels before use.

Vinegar and water: Opt for this homemade solution of vinegar and water when you want to clean without harsh chemicals. Mix one teaspoon of vinegar with one cup of water. Along with a microfiber cloth to wipe the whiteboard, this is a classic cleaning method.

Microfiber cloth and water: Use this easy combo for boards that aren't heavily stained and for regular cleaning.

Final step: Wipe the whiteboard completely dry with a separate dry microfiber cloth. The goal here is to prevent the cleaning solution from combining with any trace of ink (which could stick and create a new cleaning challenge). Allow to air-dry.

Special helps

• Never use abrasive cleaners, scrubbers or even paper towels to clean a whiteboard. These can damage the surface and make future cleaning more difficult.
• Always clean with microfiber cloths. Their soft texture clears away dust and debris without scratching delicate surfaces. Because they can be washed between uses, microfiber cloths won't hold onto inks or dust.
• Avoid staining by waiting until ink is dry before removing with an eraser.
• Erase messages when no longer needed. The longer ink remains on a whiteboard surface, the more likely it will contribute to staining.
• Clean dry erasers regularly to remove traces of ink.
• Don't wait for ink marks to build up. Make a point to clean whiteboards and dry-erase boards on a regular basis to prevent ghosting and stains.