If someone uses permanent markers or ballpoint pens on your whiteboard, then you should try several ways to remove the stain. Fortunately, most marker ink can be removed by using household tools or with items that are easily found in drug stores.
Step
Step 1. Overwrite the permanent marker ink with the erasable marker ink
Choose black marker ink or the darkest color you have. Overwrite the permanent marker with fully erasable marker ink. The ink contains a solution that can remove stains. Allow a moment for the ink to dry, then wipe it off with a clean rag or whiteboard eraser.
- If the whiteboard and eraser are not clean (other than the permanent ink), this method can leave dirty stains. This can be removed in the ways described below.
- You can repeat this method until the stain is completely gone. If the stain still doesn't go away even though you've done it twice, try the following methods.
Step 2. If that doesn't work, try using spirit
Most inks are made from a mixture of alcohol. Spray or dampen a cloth with a small amount of 70% isopropyl alcohol or 100% ethyl alcohol. Place the whiteboard in a place that has good air circulation. Rub with a cloth moistened with spiritus. Clean the blackboard with a dry, clean and not rough cloth. Make a circular motion to remove the ink. Rinse the whiteboard with a cloth dampened with alcohol. Then, dry with a cloth or other cloth.
- Warning: pure alcohol is a flammable substance. Keep away from heat or other sources of combustion.
- Many household utensils contain alcohol so they can be used to remove stains. If you don't have spirits, use hand sanitizer, hair spray, shaving lotion or perfume. Avoid items that contain dyes or that feel sticky in your hands.
Step 3. Use acetone or nail polish remover if the stain hasn't gone away
If all of the above don't work, use acetone or nail polish remover, which mostly contains acetone. Acetone is a harsh chemical, which can create dangerous and flammable fumes. So, always use these chemicals in a place with good air circulation. Scrub the stain with a cloth dampened with acetone, then clean the whiteboard with water and pat dry. This material can damage lacquered whiteboards or wooden frames. However, it is the most effective way to remove stains.
- If acetone gets into your eyes, immediately flush your eyes with lukewarm water. Wash with running water for 15 minutes. Hold your eyelids open and don't stop to remove contact lenses.
- Acetone that gets on your skin should be washed off for 5 minutes. It won't cause any damage that goes beyond irritation.
Step 4. If needed, you can purchase a whiteboard cleaning mix
Most of these mixtures are more expensive than spirits although the quality differs only slightly. If the above methods still don't work, buy a quality cleaning product recommended by the whiteboard manufacturer, such as MB10W Whiteboard Cleaner.
Step 5. Don't trust too much to use other mixtures
Some people say you can remove stains with harsh cleaners such as baking soda, toothpaste, scouring ash or other harsher ingredients. While these materials can remove stains, they can also damage the surface of the whiteboard. So that it can make marker ink difficult to remove in the future. Most cleaning products that contain ammonia, such as Windex are suitable for everyday use. However, it cannot be used for heavy use.
While soapy water and vinegar can clean small stains, they can't clean stains that can't be removed by erasable ink
Tips
- You'll need to scrub harder if there is an indentation from the ballpoint pen pressed against the whiteboard. Damage to the surface can make the stains produced in the area difficult to remove.
- Use these mixtures to remove permanent ink stains on rough, non-absorbent surfaces, such as glass. Do not use acetone or nail polish remover on plastic surfaces.
Warning
- Unlike other permanent markers or pens, ballpoint pens can damage and make indentations with their sharp edges. This will make your whiteboard difficult to clean.
- Do not mix chemicals with each other. If you've tried one of the methods in this article and want to move on to the next step, be sure to dry the board and use a clean cloth.
