When should I replace my whiteboard?

It's time to replace your whiteboard when you can no longer wash your board clean. Usually you'll see a steady progression of discoloring, as regularly cleaning your board can only prevent staining so much. The reason the boards stain is because the dry erase markers have dark inks that are coated in a polymer.

How long should a whiteboard last?

This depends on the quality of the board and its construction, so it can vary widely. Plastic boards will probably last from 1-5 years, while more durable and better constructed boards can last from 10-20 years or even longer.

Do whiteboards wear out?

Melamine whiteboards are prone to be worn down faster than other types of whiteboards. They can be prone to holding marker residue more than other materials as the surface can, over time, become more permeable. Another common issue is that they can warp early in their shelf life.

Do whiteboards stop working?

Some surfaces either grow rough with time and wear, making tiny grooves that are hard to clean completely, or the material reacts with the ink and the ink dissolves it a little and really sets. If the cleaning agents don't work, or fresh marks are also very hard to remove, then it's probably time for a new board.

How do you rejuvenate an old whiteboard?

Isopropyl Alcohol – similar to methylated spirits the high alcohol content when used with a soft cloth helps to dissolve and loosen stubborn ink whilst also degreasing the whiteboard surface helping to prevent staining. The alcohol evaporates leaving a clean surface behind.

Don't Throw Out Your Whiteboard Until You Watch This! | How To Renew Your Dry Erase Board + Update

Can you revive an old whiteboard?

You can turn the writable surface of your whiteboard into a writable, projectable, and magnetic surface. Apply a few coats of magnetic paint on your old whiteboard and apply a coat of matt whiteboard paint to it. It will give you a brand new whiteboard that you can write on, project on, and stick magnets to.

What ruins a whiteboard?

Never use plastic or metal scouring pads, abrasives or scraping tools – all which can damage the surface, thus allowing ink to penetrate it and create a stain. With regular cleaning – and using the right materials, the dry erase surface of your whiteboard should stay white and bright for many years.

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.

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.

Why do whiteboards cost so much?

The raw materials that go into these high-priced boards, such as steel, aluminum, and the ceramic ingredients used in firing porcelain enamel, are quite costly, and the manufacturing processes used to produce them consume a massive amount of energy, all of which contribute to their high cost.

What cleans an old whiteboard?

For stubborn stains, rub isopropyl alcohol directly on the area. Use enough to leave a thin layer of alcohol over it. Let it sit for a few seconds before wiping the area. You can substitute hydrogen peroxide for isopropyl alcohol and apply it in the same way.

How do you clean a bad whiteboard?

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.

Do whiteboards go bad?

Over time, whiteboards can become stained and discolored due to the build-up of dry erase marker ink. This can lead to ghosting, which is when previous writing can still be seen on the board even after it has been erased.

What should you not clean whiteboards with?

Avoid cleaning your whiteboard with standard kitchen or bathroom cleaner, industrial cleaner, or solution containing isopropanol alcohol, in addition to Coarse or granular cloth like paper towels and toilet paper, as they tend to deteriorate the dry erase surface.

How can you tell the quality of a whiteboard?

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.

Can you use Windex to clean a whiteboard?

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.

What is ghosting on a whiteboard?

Whiteboard ghosting occurs when dry erase marks are left behind and cannot be erased. Normally, most dry erase marks can be simply wiped away using a whiteboard eraser, and more stubborn marks can be cleaned away with a damp cloth.

Can you resurface whiteboards?

Replacing new whiteboards is a cumbersome process that takes time, but resurfacing whiteboards can be a very quick process that requires much less manpower. There are many brands and types of resurfacing options available, and it can be difficult to narrow down the many choices.

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.

How do you save a whiteboard?

How do I remove ghosting from my whiteboard?

Dampen a cloth with the alcohol and wipe the board in a circular motion. You may need to repeat a few times to get everything off.

Is vinegar bad for whiteboards?

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.