How To Clean Whiteboard Erasers

Whiteboards can be great. They offer an advantage over blackboards in that you don’t get that skin-crawling feeling when you scrape fingernails across a whiteboard.  

Removing the scribbles, drawings and writing is simply a matter of wiping them away with your whiteboard eraser. 

However, eventually the tiny particles of ink buildup on the eraser. This causes streaky marks on the board and that’s a sign that your whiteboard eraser requires a cleaning.

Cleaning your whiteboard eraser is a simple process. Read on to find out how easy it is to rid your eraser of those bits of dried ink.

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Brush off the ink

For this, you only need a soft-bristle brush (you could use a toothbrush).

1. Take your eraser and brush off the dried ink. Begin at one end of the eraser and work your way toward the other end. 
2. Brush the sponge/cloth of the eraser from side to side.
3. You may need to repeat this process to remove all the dirt from the eraser.

Deep cleaning your whiteboard eraser

This may sound intense, but it’s not. All you are doing is giving the whiteboard eraser a proper clean. 

You don’t have to buy anything special for this process as everything you need is in your home:

• Laundry detergent 
• A soft brush
• Water 
• Clean towel

Once you have gathered your gear, it’s time to take care of your whiteboard eraser.

1. Begin by dusting off the specks of dried ink with your brush. Follow the same process as listed in the previous section.
2. Make a cleaning solution by mixing your water and laundry detergent. 
3. Rinse off your brush to free it from any debris stuck in it from the initial dry clean.
4. Dip the brush into your water/detergent solution and gently scrub the fabric of the eraser. Start at one end and work your way to the other using small, round movements. 
5. Once you have scrubbed the entire eraser, wash it under cold water.
6. Push the eraser against a cloth or paper towel to remove any excess water.
7. Let the eraser air dry. 

Cleaning a whiteboard eraser with window cleaner

Do you have some window cleaner and a dirty whiteboard eraser needing some TLC? Try this method:

1. Brush off as much of the debris from the eraser as possible.
2. Gently spritz the sponge/fabric of the eraser with window cleaner.
3. Gently brush over the surface of the eraser using circular motions. 
4. Rinse off the eraser with water. Press it against some paper towels to squeeze out the water.
5. Leave the eraser to dry.

Use whiteboard cleaner

If your eraser is prone to staining, using a commercial whiteboard cleaner is an effective way of removing the spots and marks.

You can also make your own cleaner using isopropyl alcohol and water. Just mix these ingredients and you’re good to go.

1. Like previous methods, start by brushing off the excess particles of ink. 
2. Spray the eraser with your whiteboard cleaner. Leave it to work on the stains for 5 minutes.
3. Use a soft brush to clean the material of the eraser. Move the brush along the eraser with circular motions.
4. Wash the eraser to remove any cleaner from it. Blot it with a cloth or paper towel to soak up the water.
5. Let it dry 

Clean your whiteboard eraser with vinegar 

Vinegar is one of the go-to cleaning products in your house. It’s so versatile which has you wondering why you haven’t used it for cleaning your whiteboard eraser.

Well, now’s the time to try it out.

1. Clean the ink flakes off the eraser.
2. Pour a small amount of vinegar into a bowl. Dip a cloth into the vinegar and then rub gently over the eraser. As always, go from one end to the other.
3. Thoroughly rinse the eraser under some cold water. Remove the excess water from the eraser.
4. Leave it somewhere to dry.

How often should I clean my whiteboard eraser?

The answer to this is: it depends on the amount of use your eraser gets. 

If you use your whiteboard daily then clean the eraser every three days

Those erasers that get used less frequently may only need a thorough wash once every week or every two weeks.

What can I use instead of whiteboard erasers?

Perhaps you have contemplated swapping out your whiteboard eraser with something else. But you are at a loss as to what would make a suitable alternative.

Here are some options worth considering:

• Old socks: Slip them over your hand and you’re ready to clean the board. You can pop the socks into the wash.
• Makeup remover pads: These can remove more than your foundation and lipstick. Clear the ink from your whiteboard with these pads, then toss them in the bin.
• Washcloths: Give your board a rub down with a washcloth. You can rinse the cloth under a tap or chuck it in with your next load of laundry.
• Paper towels: A quick and easy solution. Wipe the board and then throw away the towel.
• Worn-out track pants: Cut the pants into handy fabric squares. Now you have a bunch of whiteboard erasers ready to go.

Conclusion 

When your whiteboard eraser is ready for a cleaning, it will let you know. How? By leaving streaks and patches of ink dust on your whiteboard. 

When you see the signs that your eraser needs a wash, it’s a simple process. A quick brush of the material may be all that’s required. 

You can give the eraser a fuller clean by using water, window cleaner, or vinegar. How often you should clean the eraser depends on the amount of use it gets.

Maintaining your eraser will have your whiteboard looking nice and clean after every erase! You can kiss those annoying streaks of ink goodbye.

Last update on 2023-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API