Do whiteboards wear out?

Melamine whiteboards are prone to be worn down faster than other types of whiteboards. They can be prone to holding marker residue more than other materials as the surface can, over time, become more permeable. Another common issue is that they can warp early in their shelf life.

How long does a whiteboard last?

This depends on the quality of the board and its construction, so it can vary widely. Plastic boards will probably last from 1-5 years, while more durable and better constructed boards can last from 10-20 years or even longer.

How do you fix a whiteboard that won't erase?

Isopropyl Alcohol – similar to methylated spirits the high alcohol content when used with a soft cloth helps to dissolve and loosen stubborn ink whilst also degreasing the whiteboard surface helping to prevent staining. The alcohol evaporates leaving a clean surface behind.

Do whiteboards stop working?

Some surfaces either grow rough with time and wear, making tiny grooves that are hard to clean completely, or the material reacts with the ink and the ink dissolves it a little and really sets. If the cleaning agents don't work, or fresh marks are also very hard to remove, then it's probably time for a new board.

When should I replace my whiteboard?

It's time to replace your whiteboard when you can no longer wash your board clean. Usually you'll see a steady progression of discoloring, as regularly cleaning your board can only prevent staining so much. The reason the boards stain is because the dry erase markers have dark inks that are coated in a polymer.

Why Is My Whiteboard So Dirty?

Why do whiteboards stop erasing?

While the dry erase marker typically wipes clean from surfaces, most whiteboards have a slight static charge to help the pigment stick to the surface. Over time whiteboards no longer wipe clean and can leave ugly stains and ghosted images.

Can you revive an old whiteboard?

The good news is that it's easy to fix this: Remove the old ink residue with a product like the Smart Pro Cleaner and a microfibre cloth. This will restore the board surface to its best condition. Mix together in a bowl and clean the surface with a microfibre cloth.

Does WD-40 restore whiteboards?

If you have a can of WD-40, you can spray it on a dry erase board, then wipe it off to clean the whiteboard. Besides cleaning marks from your dry erase board, it revives the finish, making it slick and smooth and prepped for writing. Be careful in applying it, though.

Does rubbing alcohol damage whiteboards?

To put it simply, alcohol destroys the lubricating layer of your dry erase board. Yes, your whiteboard will look spotless, but after continued use, your whiteboard will eventually lose the ability to wipe clean.

How long do interactive whiteboards last?

Just how long will a SMART Board™ interactive white- board last? Many teachers ask me that question. Most people budget for a three- to five-year useful life for projectors and PCs, and expect about the same for the SMART Board interactive whiteboard.

Can you resurface whiteboards?

Replacing new whiteboards is a cumbersome process that takes time, but resurfacing whiteboards can be a very quick process that requires much less manpower. There are many brands and types of resurfacing options available, and it can be difficult to narrow down the many choices.

Can I use Windex on a whiteboard?

Can you use Windex® to clean a dry erase board? Yes, glass-cleaning products such as Windex® are recommended for cleaning the dry erase surface of a whiteboard.

Can you use Clorox wipes on dry erase boards?

Yes, Clorox wipes and other cleaning products (such as Windex) have the potential to ruin dry erase boards. This is especially true of melamine boards.

How do I make my whiteboard white again?

Again, a mix of isopropyl alcohol and water is the best solution to clean a whiteboard, but various other options work just as well. 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 also work well.

What is the best cleaner for whiteboards?

WD-40: Ideal for when something isn't moving, and it needs to. This applies not only to nuts and bolts, but to stains on a whiteboard as well. When that whiteboard marker just won't fully erase, spray WD-40 either onto a microfiber cloth or directly onto the board, and start cleaning.

Is vinegar bad for whiteboards?

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.

Does Goo Gone ruin whiteboards?

If your whiteboard is used daily, it should be cleaned daily. Goo Gone is a great way to remove dry erase markers, but not wet erase markers. If there are stickers or tape on the surface, remove only with Goo Gone. Follow the maintenance instructions, if provided.

What not to use on a whiteboard?

Use the right markers.

(Your instruction manual may also have suggestions on which markers you should use.) Make sure you don't use Sharpies, highlighters, or Mr. Sketch markers. If you do, there's a good chance you'll never be able to get your writing off the surface, leaving you with a ruined whiteboard.

Can you use magic eraser on dry erase board?

Simply dampen the Magic Eraser with water and gently scrub the surface of the dry erase board to remove the markings and stains. Be sure to test a small area first to ensure that the Magic Eraser does not damage the board's surface.

Can you use acetone to clean a whiteboard?

Only use erasers specifically designed for white boards. Do not use abrasives on white boards or you can damage the surface. Do not use Magic Erasers or they will scratch the surface. Do not use acetone or mineral spirits to clean whiteboards.

What is ghosting on a whiteboard?

Whiteboard ghosting occurs when dry erase marks are left behind and cannot be erased. Normally, most dry erase marks can be simply wiped away using a whiteboard eraser, and more stubborn marks can be cleaned away with a damp cloth.

Why do whiteboards cost so much?

The raw materials that go into these high-priced boards, such as steel, aluminum, and the ceramic ingredients used in firing porcelain enamel, are quite costly, and the manufacturing processes used to produce them consume a massive amount of energy, all of which contribute to their high cost.

Can you use Dawn on a whiteboard?

Spray a small amount onto a microfiber cloth before use. Mild Detergent and Water: Dawn dish soap works great with a bit of water to remove residue and built-up oils.