How to Erase Old Marks off a Dry Erase Board

Co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Last Updated: November 23, 2024 Fact Checked

You can erase old marks from a dry erase board using many safe, non-abrasive household items. Many simple products in your kitchen pantry and under the bathroom sink can remove the toughest stains. Cleaning your board can be very simple and you won’t even need too much elbow grease.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Simple Solutions

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Pour some peroxide directly on the old marks. Wipe the peroxide off with a cloth or paper towel. You might need to rub the board again with a clean cloth or paper towel to fully remove the marks.
2
Use rubbing alcohol. Wet a sponge with alcohol and rub it into the stain. Dry the board with a clean, dry cloth. Use 99% or 90% isopropyl rubbing alcohol for the best results.^{[1]
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- You can put rubbing alcohol directly on a paper towel or tissue and rub that on the old marks.
- Many hand sanitizers contain rubbing alcohol. Rub them directly on the old marks and wipe off of the board.
- For tough stains, rub a few drops of isopropyl alcohol around with your finger on the old marks. Use enough alcohol to leave a thin layer. Allow it to sit for a few seconds and then wipe dry.
EXPERT TIP

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
House Cleaning Professional
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids based in northern Colorado. Driscoll received her Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health in 2016.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
House Cleaning Professional

Michelle Driscoll, a cleaning expert, notes: "Rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer can also be used to remove permanent marker from a dry erase board!"

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3
Draw over the old marks with a dry erase marker. Slowly and carefully draw over what you want to erase with a dry erase marker. A dark-colored marker will work most effectively. You might need to repeat this several times.^{[2]
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- Erase what you've written over as you normally would.
- This will work well to erase permanent marker from the dry erase board.
Rub neutral (no color) shoe polish onto the old marks. Buff the polish off with a clean cloth. Shoe polish provides a smooth, like-new surface.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Finding Cleaners in Your Bathroom

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1
Use toothpaste. Rub ordinary white toothpaste onto marks on the board. Wipe clean. Toothpaste contains a very mild abrasive and is water-soluble.^{[3]
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- This method will also remove permanent marker marks from most smooth, non-porous surfaces.
- Any brand will work.
2
Spray hairspray on the marks. Spray a light film of hairspray on the old marks. Let it soak in for a couple of minutes, then wipe off with a paper towel or cotton rag. Clean off any residual stickiness with soap and water.
- You can also clean off old marks with spray deodorant.
Clean the old marks with a muscle cream like Ben-Gay. This removes permanent marker stains with only a few wipes. Muscle cream is less abrasive than toothpaste, and it contains alcohol, which makes it a great cleaning agent.^{[4]
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4
Clean the marks with acetone (nail polish remover). Pour a generous amount of acetone on a sponge or paper towel.^{[5]
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Research source} Wipe a section of the board. Repeat the process in the same section of the board using more acetone on a new paper towel. Wipe the board clean with a dry paper towel.
- Acetone is combustible. Dispose of the paper towels responsibly.
A powdered bathroom cleaner, like Comet or Ajax, can easily remove dry erase marker. Just pour a little bit on a damp sponge, then scrub it over the dry erase board. Wipe the board with a wet cloth or paper towel when you’re done.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Cleaning with Kitchen and Garage Products

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1
Use vinegar and water. Combine vinegar and water to make a cleaning solution. Wipe or spray it on the old marks.^{[6]
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Research source} Next, wipe the board with a clean paper towel.
- The ratio of vinegar to water should be 1 tsp (4.9 mL) vinegar to 8 oz. (236.5 mL) water.
Add a small amount of water to baking soda. Rub the paste into the old marks on the board. Thoroughly wipe the paste off with a damp cloth or paper towel. This works well on marks made by permanent marker.
Rub damp coffee grounds on the board.^{[7]
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Research source} They are mildly abrasive and will remove the marks without damaging your board. Clean the board thoroughly after using the grounds. This will prevent the board from turning brownish.
4
Smear margarine on the old marks. Massage margarine onto the board. You will notice that the margarine will slowly change to the color of the old marks. This shows it is working. Wipe the margarine away with paper towel.
- Be sure to remove all of the margarine so it doesn’t prevent writing on the board.
- If the stain is more than a year old, put some plastic wrap over the margarine and wait 24 hours before wiping the board clean.
5
Clean the board with car wax. Apply car wax to the marks in circular motions. Wipe the wax off with a clean cloth. This method is very good for removing the most stubborn stains. Car wax conditions the board and leaves the surface like-new.
- Another good solution from the garage is WD-40. It also lubricates and conditions the board.

Expert Q&A

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Question

Can you use Windex to clean a dry erase board?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
House Cleaning Professional
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids based in northern Colorado. Driscoll received her Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health in 2016.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

Yes, Windex is safe to use on a dry erase board. However, you want to be sure to only use a soft cloth as you wipe the Windex. Scouring pads, steel wool, or anything abrasive can damage a dry erase board.

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Question

How do you clean a dry erase board eraser?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
House Cleaning Professional
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids based in northern Colorado. Driscoll received her Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health in 2016.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

Dry erasers are easy to clean. You can mix 1 Tbsp of dish soap with 1 quart of very hot water. Let the eraser soak in the hot soapy water for 20-25 minutes and then thoroughly rinse out the eraser under warm water.

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Question

What can I use to "condition" the board after cleaning it? I hear car wax work well, but are there any other methods?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
House Cleaning Professional
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids based in northern Colorado. Driscoll received her Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health in 2016.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

Yes, car wax works well to condition the board. WD-40 also works as a conditioner and lubricant.

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Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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