Permanent marker stains on a whiteboard can be a frustrating sight, but fear not! With the right techniques and a little bit of patience, you can effectively remove permanent markers from a whiteboard without causing any damage.
In this guide on how to remove permanent marker from a whiteboard, we will explore various methods that will help you get rid of those stubborn marks and restore your whiteboard to its pristine condition.
Table of Contents
Ways to Remove Sharpie From Whiteboards
Method 1 - Using dry erase marker
Dry-erase markers are not just handy for writing on dry-erase boards! They can also be used to get permanent markers off a whiteboard.
Materials Needed:
- Dry erase marker
- Clean cloth or eraser
Steps:
- Take a dry-erase marker that is a different color from the permanent marker stain and completely color over the permanent marker stain.
- Let the dry-erase marker ink sit on the stain for a few seconds to a minute, so the solvents in the dry-erase marker can penetrate the permanent marker ink.
- Take a clean cloth or eraser and gently wipe away the dry-erase marker and the permanent marker stain. The permanent marker ink will lift off the whiteboard along with the dry-erase marker.
- Continue wiping until the stain is completely removed. You may need to use a bit of pressure while wiping, especially if the stain is stubborn.
- Once the stain is gone, clean the whiteboard with a damp cloth to remove any residual dry-erase marker ink.
- Finally, dry the whiteboard with a clean, dry cloth to ensure a spotless finish.
Method 2 - Using rubbing alcohol
Materials Needed:
- Rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol
- Cloth or paper towels
- Water (For rinsing, if necessary)
Steps:
- Dampen a cloth or paper towel with rubbing alcohol. Ensure it is not dripping wet but adequately saturated.
- Gently rub the cloth or paper towel onto the permanent marker stain. Use circular motions to work the rubbing alcohol into the stain.
- Continue rubbing until the permanent marker ink starts to dissolve.
- If necessary, reapply more rubbing alcohol to the cloth or paper towel and continue rubbing until the stain is completely removed.
- Once the stain is gone, rinse the whiteboard with water to remove any residue.
- Use a clean cloth to dry the whiteboard thoroughly.
Method 3 - Using glass cleaner
Materials Needed:
- Glass cleaner
- A soft cloth or paper towel
- Water (For rinsing, if necessary)
Steps:
- Spray a small amount of the glass cleaner directly onto the stain. Be careful not to oversaturate the whiteboard.
- Allow the glass cleaner to sit on the stain for a few seconds to dissolve the permanent marker ink.
- Using a soft cloth or paper towel, gently rub the stained area. Use circular motions to work the glass cleaner into the stain.
- If necessary, reapply more glass cleaner and continue rubbing until the stain is completely removed. Ensure that the cloth or paper towel is clean to avoid spreading the ink.
- Once the stain disappears, rinse, then dry the whiteboard thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Method 4 - Using toothpaste
Materials Needed:
- White toothpaste
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Water (For rinsing, if necessary)
Steps:
- Apply a small amount of white toothpaste directly onto the stained area of the whiteboard.
- Gently work the toothpaste into the stain using a soft cloth or sponge using circular motions.
- If necessary, add a bit more toothpaste and continue rubbing until the stain is fully removed.
- Afterward, rinse the whiteboard with water to remove any toothpaste residue.
- Dry the whiteboard thoroughly with a clean cloth.
Method 5 - Using a magic eraser
Materials Needed:
- Magic eraser
- Water (For wetting the magic eraser)
Steps:
- Dampen the magic eraser with water. Make sure it is not dripping wet but moist enough to activate its cleaning properties.
- Gently rub the magic eraser onto the permanent marker stain. You should use circular motions and apply light pressure.
- Continue rubbing until you notice the ink starting to lift off the whiteboard. The abrasive nature of the magic eraser helps break down the ink and remove it from the surface.
- If necessary, re-wet the magic eraser and repeat the process until the stain is completely removed. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as excessive force may damage the whiteboard.
- Once the stain is gone, use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe away any residue from the magic eraser.
- Dry the whiteboard thoroughly with a clean cloth.
Magic erasers are generally effective in removing permanent marker stains, but it is important to note that they can also remove the whiteboard’s protective coating over time. Therefore, it is recommended to use the magic eraser sparingly and only when other methods have not been successful.
Method 6 - Using vinegar
Materials Needed:
- White vinegar
- Water
- A soft cloth or paper towel
Steps:
- Create a vinegar solution by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water. For example, you can combine 1 part vinegar with 1 part water.
- Dampen a soft cloth or paper towel with the vinegar solution. It should be adequately saturated but not dripping wet.
- Gently rub the cloth or paper towel onto the permanent marker stain. Again, use circular motions.
- Continue until the vinegar solution takes the permanent marker off.
- When the stain is completely erased, rinse, then dry the whiteboard.
Method 7 - Using hairspray
Materials Needed:
- Hairspray (One that contains alcohol)
- A soft cloth or paper towel
- Water (For rinsing, if necessary)
Steps:
- Ensure that the hairspray you are using contains alcohol, as it is the key component that helps get rid of permanent markers.
- Hold the hairspray approximately 6-8 inches away from the stained area of the whiteboard.
- Spray a small amount of hairspray directly onto the stain. But avoid oversaturating the whiteboard with hairspray.
- Allow the hairspray to sit on the stain for a few seconds to start breaking down the permanent marker ink.
- Gently rub the stained area with a soft cloth or paper towel, and be sure to use circular motions.
- The alcohol in the hairspray helps dissolve the ink, making it easier to remove. Simply rub until the ink fades.
- Once the stain is gone, wipe the whiteboard with a fresh, damp cloth.
- Dry the whiteboard thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Additional Tips and Tricks for Removing Permanent Markers
- Test any cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous area of the whiteboard first to ensure it can clean without damage.
- Always use gentle motions when cleaning a whiteboard to avoid scratching or damaging the surface.
- For tough stains, you can try repeating the process or using a combination of methods for better results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use these methods to remove permanent marker stains from plastic whiteboards?
Yes, the techniques mentioned in this guide are suitable for removing permanent marker stains from both traditional whiteboards and plastic ones.
How do I clean a whiteboard with an old marker on it? stains that won’t come off?
For stubborn, old marker stains, you can try leaving rubbing alcohol on the stain for a few minutes before wiping it away. You may need to repeat the process several times for complete whiteboard marker stain removal.
Will these permanent marker removal methods damage the whiteboard surface?
When used correctly, these methods should not damage the whiteboard surface. However, it’s always a good idea to test any cleaning method on a small area first to be sure.
Conclusion
With the techniques outlined in this guide on how to remove permanent marker from a whiteboard, you should be able to easily erase stains without causing damage. Regardless of the method you opt for, be patient and persistent in your efforts!
Artist and writer Leilani Carroll here. My little sister inspired me to start Intermediaarts because she told me she wishes she had some motivation and help to draw those first lines and blend those first colors.
I reckon, why not? If you have an appreciation for the arts and would like to put that passion to use, I can help you. Check out our website if you’re in need of some motivation.
