How to Erase Old Marks Off a Dry Erase Board

Getting rid of old stubborn marks off a dry erase board or whiteboard can be challenging. Much more so when the marker stains have been there for years! Would it still be possible to erase them and get your dry erase board squeaky clean again?

The answer is, yes!

You would be surprised to know the different ways on how to erase old marks off a dry erase board without using too much elbow grease. Since you will also find most of these cleaners from your common household items, you can save time, effort, and money.

This comprehensive guide will show you 10 easy tips and tricks to clean dry erase board old marks without a hitch!

Table of Contents

10 Quick and Easy Tips and Tricks to Try
Conclusion

10 Quick and Easy Tips and Tricks to Try

Tip #1: Use Rubbing Alcohol

For this procedure, you need to use 90% or 99% Isopropyl alcohol for more effective cleaning. Although you can try the 70% variant, it may not be strong enough to get the dry erase marker off the board, especially the old stains.

Things You Will Need:

90% or 99% Isopropyl rubbing alcohol
A cotton pad or sponge
A dry and clean cloth

Step-by-step Instructions:

Step 1: Put a small amount of alcohol on a cotton pad or sponge and rub it into the old marker stains. Use a clean cloth to dry the surface.
Step 2: For tough stains, you can pour a small amount of alcohol directly to the old marks. Let it sit for a few seconds. Dry and wipe it clean with a cloth.
Step 3: Do not douse the board with too much alcohol to protect the surface, particularly on coated boards.
Step 4: For subtle marker stains, you may also try sanitizers that contain alcohol. Pour a small amount of sanitizer to the marks and clean it off with a cloth or paper towel.

Tip #2: Apply Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizers contain alcohol that can remove old marker stains. But since some sanitizers offer different formulations, they might not be as effective as 90% or 99% Isopropyl alcohol when removing tough old marks. Thus, this works best on subtle traces of old marks.

Things You Will Need:

Sanitizer
Paper towel or clean cloth

Step-by-step Instructions:

Step 1: Pour a small amount of sanitizer directly into the stains.
Step 2: Use a paper towel or cloth and rub off the old marks.

Tip #3: Try it with Toothpaste

In case you need to get a wet erase marker off the dry erase board, you need not look further than your hygiene stash! A small amount of toothpaste will do the trick and get your dry erase board white and clean!

Things You Will Need:

Toothpaste (any brand will do)
Paper towel
A clean and soft cloth

Step-by-step Instructions:

Step 1: Put a minuscule amount of toothpaste on a paper towel.
Step 2: Rub it into the stains until they disappear.
Step 3: Use a dry and clean cloth to remove any excess toothpaste.
Step 4: This method can also remove permanent marker stains.

Tip #4: Tidy Them Up with Wipes

When your goal is to get old dry erase markers off a board and the stains have not been there for too long, baby wipes or cleaning wipes will do.

Things You Will Need:

Baby wipes or sanitizing wipes
Dry cloth

Step-by-step Instructions:

Step 1: Take a sheet or two of wipes.
Step 2: Rub it into the stains gently. Wipe it clean with a dry cloth.
Step 3: Repeat the process if some traces of old markers are still visible.

Tip #5: Write Over the Stains with Dry Erase Markers

Some say that one of the easiest ways to remove dry erase markers from a dry erase board is to use dry erase markers as well! This can work, but you might not be able to get the board squeaky clean on the first try. You might need to do it several times for stubborn dry erase marker stains.

Things You Will Need:

Dry erase markers
Paper towel or a dry erase board eraser
A clean cloth

Step-by-step Instructions:

Step 1: Use any dry erase marker and write over the stains. You can scribble or trace the old markers. Just make sure that you cover all the marker stains.
Step 2: Use a paper towel or a dry erase board eraser to erase the scribbles or writings.
Step 3: Take a clean cloth and wipe the residues off.
Step 4: If there are still traces of old marks, repeat the process.

Tip #6: Vinegar and Water Mixture

Vinegar has been considered a staple kitchen item for cleaning because of its acidity. It is so acidic that it can get rid of stains even the toughest ones. Thus, you can try this easy recipe for removing old marks off a dry erase board.

Things You Will Need:

Vinegar (1 teaspoon)
Water (8 oz. or 1 cup)
Spray bottle or bowl
A clean and dry cloth or paper towel

Step-by-step Instructions:

Step 1: Mix 1 teaspoon of vinegar and 8 oz. of water to make a cleaning solution.
Step 2: Pour it into an empty spray bottle.
Step 3: Spray it all over the old dry erase marks. Make sure to cover all the stains.
Step 4: Use a clean cloth or a paper towel to dry the surface and wipe it clean.

Tip #7: Water and Baking Soda Mixture

If you are a neat freak like me, you probably have tried different cleaning solutions, including the vinegar and baking soda mixture.

Besides vinegar, baking soda has also been considered a versatile ingredient to remove stains from surfaces and fabrics. When mixed with water, you can make an effective cleaning solution for old dry erase markers and even with permanent marker stains.

Things You Will Need:

Baking soda (1 cup)
Water (½ cup)
A dry cloth or paper towel

Step-by-step Instructions:

Step 1: Mix 1 cup of baking soda and ½ cup of water to make a paste.
Step 2: Using a spoon or your finger, apply enough paste over the old marks. Rub it in.
Step 3: Use a dry cloth or paper towel to wipe it clean.

Tip #8: Get Rid of the Marks with Acetone or a Nail Polish Remover

Acetone is a type of solvent commonly used to get rid of stains on different surfaces, particularly on non-porous surfaces. However, acetone emits a strong and unpleasant odor that can cause headaches. Thus, it is important to use it outdoors or in a well-ventilated space.

Things You Will Need:

Acetone
Paper towel

Step-by-step Instructions:

Step 1: Acetone is a flammable product. Hence, finding a well-ventilated area and away from open flames is important.
Step 2: Put a small amount of acetone or nail polish remover on a paper towel.
Step 3: Rub it into the stains.
Step 4: Make sure to use only a small amount to protect your dry erase board, especially if it is coated.

Tip #9: Clean The Old Marks with Car Wax

A quick trip to your garage might lead you to some of the common cleaning products, such as car wax. This product contains a formulation that can remove stubborn stains and provide clear coats to protect surfaces and keep them shiny.

Things You Will Need:

Car wax
A clean cloth

Step-by-step Instructions:

Step 1: Apply a small amount of car wax to a clean cloth. If it is in a spray bottle, spray directly to the stains.
Step 2: Use the cloth and wipe the marks off in a circular motion. Do this until all the stains disappear.

Tip #10: Try WD-40

WD-40 is a multipurpose product that can condition surfaces and provide heavy-duty cleaning, including removing of the most stubborn grimes, grease, and stains.

Things You Will Need:

WD-40
A clean cloth

Step-by-step Instructions:

Step 1: Put a generous amount of WD-40 on a clean cloth.
Step 2: Rub it into the stains. Do it in a circular motion until the stains disappear.
Step 3: Wipe the board clean again to get rid of any residues.

Conclusion

Finding the best solution on how to erase old marks off a dry erase board may not seem to be an easy feat. If simply erasing them or wiping them off does not do the trick, you might need to look again into your household items and find the ultimate removal of old marks.

The detailed instructions mentioned in this article are some of the practical methods to try. Mainly because most of the things you will need are easily found at home or accessible in a local store. Should you have tried any of these tips and tricks, do not hesitate to share them with us!

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Helen B. Harris

Art has always been a part of my life; it influences my upbringing and later my career choice. For me, it is always a part of my parenting technique. So for whichever purpose that you come to art, you can start here with us.