What not to use on a dry erase board?

Formulas that contain high levels of isopropanol alcohol and other high-toxicity cleaners can cause damage to the surface by forcing dry erase markers to have trouble sticking to the surface.

What ruins 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. While Clorox tends to produce excellent whiteboard cleaning results, it also damages or removes the surface of the board over time.

Is it OK to use Windex on dry erase board?

Yes, Windex can be used to clean a dry-erase board, but only on certain types of boards. For porcelain and glass dry-erase boards, Windex is an effective chemical-based cleaner. However, Windex can damage the surface of melamine dry-erase boards, so it is not recommended for these types of boards.

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.

What is the best thing to use on a dry erase board?

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.

Helpful Hints: What not to do with your whiteboard

Should I oil my whiteboard?

Use a commercial cleaner.

There's even a cleaner that will remove permanent ink if someone accidentally uses the right kind of marker. Whatever you do, don't give in to the temptation to use household items such as nail polish, baby oil, WD-40, or other liquids to clean your board.

Can you use vinegar on dry erase board?

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 Magic eraser ruin whiteboards?

No, a magic eraser will just create more abrasion on the surface. The dry erase marker trick works because of the alcohol inside the marker. Therefore, rubbing alcohol is probably the best bet, however, it will break down the surface of a traditional board over time.

Does hydrogen peroxide clean whiteboards?

Hydrogen Peroxide

To use it for cleaning your whiteboard, pour a few drops onto a clean cloth and swab the board until the markings have gotten cleared. For areas with persistent stains, you can rub a more generous amount of hydrogen peroxide on those spots.

Do wet wipes damage whiteboards?

Also avoid wet wipes and paper towels as they have a slightly abrasive finish which can damage the surface of the whiteboard.

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.

How do you refresh a dry erase board?

To fix both of these problems, put some isopropyl alcohol on a paper towel, and wipe down the entire board. Switch paper towels as it starts getting dry or as it fills up with stains. Repeat as necessary until the entire whiteboard feels smooth to the touch.

Does hand sanitizer clean whiteboards?

Often full of isopropyl alcohol, hand sanitizer is another approved compound that can be used to clean off whiteboard marker ink. Whether the active ingredient is isopropyl alcohol or ethanol, the nature of hand sanitizer makes it extremely effective when used to clean whiteboards.

Can you use a paper towel on a dry erase board?

With the cleaning products we've listed, we recommend using a microfiber cloth to prevent potential scratches. Never use paper towels or other abrasive cleaning cloths as they will inevitably damage the surface of your whiteboard.

Can you use baby wipes on a whiteboard?

Baby wipes may not be the most ideal choice for whiteboard surfaces because their moisture may not be sufficient for effective cleaning of the whiteboard surface. Additionally, baby wipes usually contain gentle moisturizers that can leave residues or cause staining on the whiteboard.

Is it OK to use Clorox wipes on whiteboard?

With holiday breaks getting closer, it's about time to clean off the reminders that have been on the white board all season. But that can be surprisingly tough. Some markers just won't wipe off.

How do you clean a black glass dry erase board?

Use a regular whiteboard eraser, sponge, or cloth when cleaning the glass board. Make sure that whatever material you choose is free of dirt and debris to avoid scratching the surface of the glass and damaging it. Be aware of the effects of exposing the glass board under the heat of the sun when cleaning it.

Why not to use magic eraser?

Magic Erasers are abrasive and shouldn't be used on wood or any high gloss surface, including countertops, because they can dull the finish.

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.

Can you use WD-40 on dry erase board?

Sure, using WD-40 might temporarily remove those stubborn stains and markings that regular cleaning methods can't handle. But don't be fooled, my friend! It's not a long-term solution. In fact, it can actually make things worse!

Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean dry erase board?

If you don't have a special whiteboard cleaner, dampen a microfiber cloth with rubbing alcohol and wipe away old marks. While dry-erase boards are common in offices, schools, and for home calendars, they tend to show ghost lines and develop stains over time.

Can you restore a dry erase board?

Restore whiteboard surfaces by coating them with whiteboard paint. One coat of primer followed by smart whiteboard paint by Smarter Surfaces will give you a brand-new writable surface.

What is the life expectancy of a whiteboard?

These boards can quickly become discolored with daily use, especially when they aren't properly cleaned. The discolored and stained boards can become difficult to write on and even more difficult to see from long distances. You need to replace these boards every few years if you plan on using them daily.

Is rubbing alcohol the same as isopropyl alcohol?

Isopropyl alcohol is pure alcohol and is a colorless liquid with a musty, sharp odor. There are no other ingredients in a bottle of isopropyl alcohol. By contrast, rubbing alcohol contains isopropyl alcohol among other ingredients, such as water. Most rubbing alcohol brands contain 70% isopropyl alcohol.

Is whiteboard cleaner just alcohol?

Most will contain Isopropyl alcohol to dissolve the marker ink, water, and a bit of soap to remove body oils from the white board. Surfactants, fragrances and other chemicals may also be used.