3 Ways To Erase Old Marks Off A Dry Erase Board - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow 16 Ways to Remove Dry Erase Marker from a Dry Erase Board

Download Article Easy DIYs to clean marker off your whiteboard Co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH and Marcus Pruitt, BS

Last Updated: October 30, 2025 Fact Checked

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Dry Erase Marker

Whiteboard Cleaner

Rubbing Alcohol

Hairspray

Hydrogen Peroxide

Vinegar

Acetone

Baking Soda Paste

WD-40

Toothpaste

Muscle Cream

Shoe Polish

Car Wax

Cleaning Powder

Coffee Grounds

Margarine

Video

Expert Q&A

Tips

Warnings

|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH and by wikiHow staff writer, Marcus Pruitt, BS. Michelle Driscoll is a professional cleaner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 7 years of experience, Michelle is the founder of Mulberry Maids, specializing in cleaning homes and small offices. Mulberry Maids services Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and Loveland, and offers a variety of services, including commercial cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and regular home cleaning. Michelle holds a Master's in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,154,221 times.

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 is simple and doesn't take much elbow grease. With the help of cleaning experts, we explain how to get those tough stains off of your dry-erase board in this article.

Quick Tips for Erasing a Dry Erase Board

Draw over the marks with a dry-erase marker, then erase the board to remove both the old and new marker. Alternatively, use whiteboard cleaner, rubbing alcohol, hairspray, or a mixture of vinegar and water to remove old marks from a dry-erase board.

Steps

Dry Erase Marker

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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.[1] X Research source
- Erase what you've written over as you normally would.
- This will work well to erase permanent marker from the dry-erase board.

Whiteboard Cleaner

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Spray whiteboard cleaner on a microfiber towel and wipe down your board. Spray 4-6 pumps of whiteboard cleaner onto a microfiber cloth or non-abrasive wipe. Then, rub the cloth or wipe onto any marks in a circular motion to wipe them away. For tougher stains and ghosting, wait a few seconds after the first wipe, then go over them again until they rub away. Once you’re done, use a non-abrasive wet wipe or cloth to clean off your board, then dry it.[2]

Rubbing Alcohol

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Try a mix of rubbing alcohol and water. A residential cleaning specialist from Cleanzen says “prepare a mixture that is 50 percent tap water and 50 percent isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Dip a clean cloth in this mixture, and start scrubbing the surface. The phantom remnants of the dry erase marker should disappear.”[3] X Expert Source Cleanzen Cleaning ServicesResidential Cleaning Specialists Expert Interview
- After cleaning your board, a cleaning expert from Cleanzen says to “use cold water and another clean cloth to rinse the area after the stain is removed.”[4]
- 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
Professional Cleaner Michelle Driscoll is a professional cleaner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 7 years of experience, Michelle is the founder of Mulberry Maids, specializing in cleaning homes and small offices. Mulberry Maids services Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and Loveland, and offers a variety of services, including commercial cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and regular home cleaning. Michelle holds a Master's in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner
Michelle Driscoll, a cleaning expert, notes: "Rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer can also be used to remove permanent marker from a dry erase board!"

Hairspray

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Spray hairspray on the marks. Let the hairspray soak in for a couple of minutes, then wipe it off with a paper towel or cotton rag. Clean off any residual stickiness with soap and water.[5] X Research source
- You can also clean off old marks with spray deodorant.
- Hairspray is also useful for removing marker from clothes.

Hydrogen Peroxide

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Pour hydrogen peroxide on the dry-erase board. Let the peroxide sit for a second, then wipe it 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.

Vinegar

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Combine vinegar and water to make a cleaning solution. Mix 1 tsp (4.9 mL) of vinegar into 8 oz. (236.5 mL) of water. Wipe or spray it on the old marks.[6] Next, wipe the board with a clean paper towel.

Acetone

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Use nail polish remover in a pinch. Pour a generous amount of acetone on a sponge or paper towel.[7] X 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.[8] X Research source
- Acetone is combustible. Dispose of the paper towels responsibly.

Baking Soda Paste

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Scrub the board with a paste of baking soda and water. Add a small amount of water to a little bit of 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.[9]

WD-40

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Spray WD-40 onto marks that are ghosting. Spray 4-6 pumps of WD-40 onto the marks and rub them away in a circular motion using a microfiber cloth or non-abrasive wipe. Not only will this help remove ghosting, but it will also lubricate and condition your board. Be warned, though, WD-40 does leave an odor.[10]

Toothpaste

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Rub ordinary white toothpaste onto marks on the board. Toothpaste contains a very mild abrasive and is water-soluble. Simply wipe the board clean when you're done.
- This method will also remove permanent marker marks from most smooth, non-porous surfaces.
- Any brand will work.
- Be careful when using toothpaste. Since it’s an abrasive, it could damage your board if you’re too rough.[11]

Muscle Cream

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Try muscle cream like Bed-Gay on old marks. A muscle cream like Ben-Gay 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.[12]

Shoe Polish

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Apply neutral-colored shoe polish to old marks. Buff the polish off with a clean cloth. Shoe polish provides a smooth, like-new surface.[13]

Car Wax

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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. Remove it quickly, though, or else you may find it difficult to use dry-erase markers on your board.[14]

Cleaning Powder

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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.

Coffee Grounds

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Rub damp coffee grounds on the board. They are mildly abrasive and will remove the marks without damaging your board (as long as you aren’t rough). Clean the board thoroughly after using the grounds. This will prevent the board from turning brownish.

Margarine

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Smear margarine on the old marks. 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.

Expert Q&A

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Question Can you use Windex to clean a dry erase board? Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner Michelle Driscoll is a professional cleaner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 7 years of experience, Michelle is the founder of Mulberry Maids, specializing in cleaning homes and small offices. Mulberry Maids services Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and Loveland, and offers a variety of services, including commercial cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and regular home cleaning. Michelle holds a Master's in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. 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 Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 9
Question How do you clean a dry erase board eraser? Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner Michelle Driscoll is a professional cleaner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 7 years of experience, Michelle is the founder of Mulberry Maids, specializing in cleaning homes and small offices. Mulberry Maids services Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and Loveland, and offers a variety of services, including commercial cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and regular home cleaning. Michelle holds a Master's in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. 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 Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 11
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 Professional Cleaner Michelle Driscoll is a professional cleaner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 7 years of experience, Michelle is the founder of Mulberry Maids, specializing in cleaning homes and small offices. Mulberry Maids services Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and Loveland, and offers a variety of services, including commercial cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and regular home cleaning. Michelle holds a Master's in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner Expert Answer Yes, car wax works well to condition the board. WD-40 also works as a conditioner and lubricant. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. 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 Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 7

See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Reader Videos

Tips

To clean your dry eraser, dip a soft-bristled brush into a mixture of 0.5L of water and 0.5 TSP (2.5 mL) of liquid dish soap and sweep it over the surface.[15] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Clean your whiteboard with a whiteboard cleaner every 2-3 days to help maintain its peak condition. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
There are three types of whiteboards: melamine, porcelain, and glass.
- Porcelain whiteboards are tough, non-porous, and magnetic.
- Glass whiteboards are durable, easy to clean, and take any type of standard dry-erase marker. They are also ghost- and streak-resistant.
- Melamine whiteboards are common and affordable, but due to their porous material, they wear down the quickest out of the different types of dry erase boards. They are susceptible to streaking and ghosting as the coating breaks down.
Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Avoid mixing baking soda and vinegar. Not only is it a weak cleaning solution, but it could potentially damage your dry erase board.
Try scrubbing the marks with olive oil. You may still see a hint of the original marker, but only if you're looking for it.
Hand sanitizer is a fast and easy way to remove stains that are multiple years old!

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

Don’t use Magic Erasers, cloudy ammonia, or other harsh chemicals on your melamine white board. They will remove the sealant that makes the board dry erase. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Don’t wipe off ink with your hands. Your skin contains oils that stain your white board over time. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Don’t use permanent markers or rubber erasers on your dry erase board. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Using a dirty dry eraser on your dry erase board can cause streaking. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

How to Clean a Dry Erase Board So It Looks Brand New Again

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References

↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7qxVzOF2vw8
↑ https://youtu.be/nGEZOfEIgYE?t=119
↑ Cleanzen Cleaning Services. Residential Cleaning Specialists. Expert Interview
↑ Cleanzen Cleaning Services. Residential Cleaning Specialists. Expert Interview
↑ https://youtu.be/m6h-N-TWj3E?si=fwOJbQK94b4cXKmR&t=26
↑ https://youtu.be/0zYds27qthQ?t=34
↑ https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Acetone
↑ https://youtu.be/m6h-N-TWj3E?si=UpT5gF25eYvq1rJ7&t=56
↑ https://howtocleanthings.com/how-to-clean-a-dry-erase-board/#google_vignette

More References (6)

↑ https://www.makerjosh.com/best-way-clean-whiteboards-9-tests/
↑ https://www.makerjosh.com/best-way-clean-whiteboards-9-tests/
↑ https://www.drugs.com/mtm/methyl-salicylate-topical.html
↑ https://lifehacker.com/the-best-way-to-get-permanent-marker-off-a-white-board-1847628481
↑ https://www.makerjosh.com/best-way-clean-whiteboards-9-tests/
↑ https://www.cdc.gov/global-water-sanitation-hygiene/media/pdfs/334204-E_NCEZID_IG_CleaningSolution-p.pdf

About This Article

Co-authored by: Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH and by wikiHow staff writer, Marcus Pruitt, BS. Michelle Driscoll is a professional cleaner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 7 years of experience, Michelle is the founder of Mulberry Maids, specializing in cleaning homes and small offices. Mulberry Maids services Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and Loveland, and offers a variety of services, including commercial cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and regular home cleaning. Michelle holds a Master's in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. This article has been viewed 2,154,221 times. 1 votes - 100% Co-authors: 67 Updated: October 30, 2025 Views: 2,154,221 Categories: Featured Articles | Pen Ink and Marker Stains Article SummaryX

To erase old marks off a dry erase board, wet a sponge with rubbing alcohol and rub it onto the stain, wiping the area clean with a dry cloth. If you don’t have rubbing alcohol, draw over the old stains with a new, dark colored dry erase marker, and erase as you normally would. It might take a few tries to remove the mark with this method. If the mark is permanent marker, use a paper towel to rub white toothpaste onto the stains. Then, use a wet towel to wipe the board clean. If you want to learn how to use other products, such as baking soda or hairspray, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

Charlton Norah

Aug 5, 2017
"I was required to change classrooms at school. The board in my new room had a lot of dried marks from markers of..." more Rated this article:

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Co-authored by: Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner Co-authors: 67 Updated: October 30, 2025 Views: 2,154,221 100% of readers found this article helpful. 1 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote

Charlton Norah

Aug 5, 2017

"I was required to change classrooms at school. The board in my new room had a lot of dried marks from markers of..." more Rated this article:

Delmarie E.

Oct 10, 2017

"My dry erase board sat for 2 years. I first tried using the Expo cleaner which barely budged any of the writing. I..." more Rated this article:

Anonymous

Oct 2, 2017

"I have some signs that have a dry erase surface. At first I had to rub the writing really hard. Nothing would work...." more Rated this article:

April Fleming

May 11, 2016

"Excellent tips. I had a board that I just could not clean. I paid a ton of money for it. I used glass cleaner,..." more

Anonymous

Jan 24, 2019

"My white board was darkened from years of use. I tried Windex in several varieties to no avail. I never thought of..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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Quick Tips for Erasing a Dry Erase Board

Steps

Dry Erase Marker

Whiteboard Cleaner

Rubbing Alcohol

Hairspray

Hydrogen Peroxide

Vinegar

Acetone

Baking Soda Paste

WD-40

Toothpaste

Muscle Cream

Shoe Polish

Car Wax

Cleaning Powder

Coffee Grounds

Margarine

Expert Q&A

Video

Reader Videos

Tips

Tips from our Readers

Warnings

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References

About This Article

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