Do you have a whiteboard in your classroom, office, or home that is stained with permanent marker? Don’t worry—you can get rid of those stubborn marks without having to buy a new whiteboard! In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the best methods for removing permanent markers from a whiteboard.
Gather Supplies
Before you start trying to remove the permanent marker from White Board, it is important to make sure you have the right supplies. You will need rubbing alcohol, a soft cloth, a pencil eraser, a dry-erase marker, white vinegar, nail polish remover, WD-40, hairspray or hand sanitizer gel, toothpaste (not gel), baking soda, and a magic eraser. Once you have all of these supplies gathered, you can move on to testing out non-abrasive solutions.
Test Non-Abrasive Solutions
If the non-abrasive methods didn’t work to remove the permanent marker from the whiteboard, it’s time to move on to some more aggressive solutions. One of the best ways to remove permanent marker from a whiteboard is to use a dry erase marker to color over the stain. Dry erase markers contain rubbing alcohol, which can eat through permanent marker stains. This method is simple, non-toxic and effective. Another non-abrasive solution is to use white vinegar, Dawn dishwashing detergent and a soft toothbrush to scrub the stain away.
Scrub With an Eraser
If the eraser method did not work, don’t worry, there are still some other options to try. The next step is to use rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is a great way to get rid of permanent marker stains. Make sure to use rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth and gently scrub away the stain. If all else fails, you can cover the stain with chalkboard paint or try using one of the other solutions listed below.
Use Rubbing Alcohol
For those pesky permanent marker stains, rubbing alcohol is one of the best solutions. Put a few drops of rubbing alcohol onto a soft cloth and gently rub away the marker. If the stain is particularly stubborn, you can also use a cotton swab and dip it in the rubbing alcohol, then use it to scrub away the stain. After all of the marker has been removed, use a dry cloth to wipe away any remaining residue. Be sure to keep your cloth damp when cleaning and avoid using too much pressure as this could damage your whiteboard surface.
Cover the Stain With a Chalkboard Paint
If none of the non-abrasive solutions work, you may have to cover the stain with chalkboard paint. This is a more extreme measure, but it will work for stubborn stains that won’t budge. Start by cleaning the whiteboard with an eraser and a damp cloth. Allow the board to dry completely before applying the paint. Use a small paintbrush to apply the paint to the stain and allow it to dry completely. Once the paint has dried, you’ll be able to write over it with a dry-erase marker without issue.
Apply Nail Polish Remover
If the non-abrasive solutions are not enough to remove the permanent marker stain, a stronger solution is needed. Nail polish remover contains acetone, which quickly dissolves permanent marker stains. It is important to remember that nail polish remover is a harsh chemical and should not be used on any surface other than those specifically stated on the bottle. Use a cloth dampened with nail polish remover to dab the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping off. As with other solutions, if the stain is still present after the first application, repeat the process until it is fully removed.
Spray the Stain With WD-40
WD-40 can also be used to remove permanent marker stains from whiteboards. To do this, spray a bit of WD-40 onto a cloth and then gently scrub the stain. WD-40 is a great option for removing permanent marker stains as it is non-abrasive and won’t damage the whiteboard. Once the stain has been removed, wipe off the excess WD-40 with a dry cloth and your whiteboard should look as good as new!
Try Hair Spray or Hand Sanitizer Gel
In addition to using rubbing alcohol, you can also try using hair spray or hand sanitizer gel to get the permanent marker off your whiteboard. First, apply a generous amount of the product onto a clean cloth and dab it onto the affected area. Then, use a soft cloth to gently rub away the marker. If necessary, repeat the process until the marker is completely removed. Finally, use a fresh dry-erase marker to write over the top of the stains, covering them up.
Apply Toothpaste and Baking Soda Paste
If none of the non-abrasive solutions have worked, it’s time to try something a bit more abrasive. A combination of toothpaste and baking soda can be used to scrub away the stain. Simply mix together a paste of these two items and apply it directly to the stain, then scrub with a soft cloth for a few minutes. Once the stain has been removed, use a damp cloth to remove the paste and dry it with a soft cloth. Be sure to test this method on a small area of the whiteboard first to ensure no damage is done.
Use a Magic Eraser
If none of the above solutions worked, then you may want to try using a Magic Eraser. This product is specially designed to remove tough stains. Wet the Magic Eraser with water and rub it gently over the permanent marker stain. You will be surprised at how well it works! Keep in mind that Magic Erasers are abrasive, so be careful not to rub too hard or you could damage the whiteboard. Once you have removed the stain, make sure to dry the board with a soft cloth.