If you use it frequently in the office, school or at home, don't you know exactly how to clean a whiteboard? These tried and tested techniques and resources will help you!
It is now a daily routine to use whiteboards or flipcharts with different surfaces, which can lead to stubborn contamination. Removing some of these, such as permanent markers or crayons, can sometimes seem like an almost impossible cleaning task. As a rule, there are enough suitable and specially developed cleaning products that are effective against various stains. However, there are still a few factors to consider, such as the age and type of coating on such a writing board. To make this tedious job easier, you can consider the following tips and cleaning methods.
What should you consider before cleaning a whiteboard?
Although most people use whiteboard markers, they are often accidentally orof children through unsuitable writing materialsreplaced. Other influencing factors such as food residue, greasy fingers or irregular care can also have a negative impact on the cleanliness of such a medium. For this reason, it is important to first familiarize yourself with the different types of whiteboards. This makes it easier to use the correct cleaning technique with the appropriate products. Here are the three types of materials such writing boards are made of:
- Formaldehyde resin (melamine) – This is the type largely used in offices for presentations and is a porous coating. In this case, frequent writing without regular wiping can render the surface unusable. Therefore, residues should be removed immediately after use and the board cleaned with suitable cleaners.
- Glass panels – These are usually the most expensive and high-quality options, made from tempered glass. As a rule, these can be cleaned without much effort and with standard whiteboard products.
- Porcelain Coated Boards – Like most whiteboards, these whiteboards are made with a mix of steel and ceramic. This type of material is considered more resistant and can better withstand more frequent cleaning.
What measures to take to prevent stains?
Fortunately, all three types of writing boards can be cleaned in a similar manner. However, plastic panels require more frequent maintenance and care than the other two for better performance and longevity. Depending on the frequency of use and the type of dirt, the cleaning effort also varies. It's best to follow the following guidelines to keep your media in clean condition.
- Whenever possible, try to wipe down the whiteboard after each use to prevent future dirt build-up. To do this, primarily use the cleaners recommended by the manufacturer to prevent possible damage to the surface.
- If permanent markers or crayons end up on the surface, you should wait until they dry to prevent stubborn smudge marks.
- If you use sticky notes or other materials with sticky substances, you should remove the residue immediately afterwards. This includes greasy hands and oils.
- Do not use harsh chemical-based household cleaners or abrasive cleaners as this can cause scratches and scarring.
Otherwise, you can follow the simple steps below to get the job done with alternative home remedies or suitable products.
How to clean the whiteboard with a microfiber cloth and simple means
As a rule, the use of special cleaning products for such media is recommended in most cases. These are suitable for removing ink and protect the surface of the board. However, there are some more affordable cleaning options that you can try using household products you already have.
- One of the most common and easiest tricks for stubborn residue is to draw on it with removable whiteboard marker. After cleaning the whiteboard, you can get rid of Edding by covering the stain with erasable marker, letting it dry and wiping it off with a clean microfiber cloth and a little soapy water.
- You can repeat this trick if necessary by removing the marker with the special eraser for whiteboards instead of the cloth. The dry ink adheres to permanent marker or crayons and helps remove grease stains or residue more easily.
- As a common household product, alcohol or isopropanol is just as effective when cleaning whiteboards. It's best to use a spray bottle to make it easier to spread the stuff over the entire surface. Then wipe off the rubbing alcohol and any residue well using a microfiber cloth using circular motions.
- You can also clean a whiteboard with a homemade cleaning solution made from vinegar and water. Mix the two ingredients in a ratio of 1:10 and treat the surface with it before wiping everything clean again.
- TheMiracle cure WD-40is also suitable for such surfaces and helps to remove stubborn residues. Simply spray the board with it and wipe again.
- You can also treat dirty areas with a little white toothpaste or a paste made from baking soda and water. However, scrub the stain gently with soft brush and do not use this hack very frequently. Otherwise you could damage the coating in the long term.
- Last but not least, whiteboards made of melamine can be maintained very well with a polish made from carnauba wax. Although it is primarily used as a car polish, you can apply the wax to the board, wait a day, and then wipe it off with a microfiber cloth.
