Content

• To step
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

If someone has written on your whiteboard using waterproof ink, you may have to use several methods before removing the ink.Fortunately, most ink streaks can be removed with household products or products that you can easily get at the drugstore.

To step

1. Write over the waterproof ink with a dry erase marker. Choose a black highlighter of this type or the darkest color you have. Cover the waterproof ink completely with the dry erase ink, which contains a solvent that could dissolve the waterproof ink. Let it dry for a few seconds, then wipe off the ink with a paper towel or clean whiteboard eraser.
   • If the whiteboard and eraser are not very clean (apart from the waterproof ink), this method may leave smudges. You can remove these smears with the steps described below.
   • You can repeat this method until you have completely removed the ink stain. If the ink still does not come off the whiteboard after two tries, try one of the steps below.
2. If the above step doesn't work, try rubbing alcohol. Most inks are liquefied by an alcohol solution. Fill an atomizer with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol (70%) or ethanol (100%), or dampen a cloth with it. Place the whiteboard in a well-ventilated area and apply the alcohol to the stain. Wipe the whiteboard dry with a dry, clean, non-abrasive cloth and use circular motions to loosen the ink. Rinse the whiteboard with a slightly damp paper towel and then dry the surface with a second towel or cloth.
   • Warning: pure alcohol is flammable. Keep it away from heat and ignition sources.
   • Many household products contain alcohol and can be used for this purpose. If you don't have rubbing alcohol around, try a hand disinfectant, hair spray, aftershave, or perfume. Do not use products that contain dyes or feel tacky to the touch.
3. If the ink has not gone away, use acetone or nail polish remover. If none of the above work, use acetone or nail polish remover, which is mostly acetone. This is an aggressive chemical that generates hazardous flammable fumes. So always work in a well-ventilated area. Apply it to the ink with a cloth, wipe, rinse, and dry the whiteboard. This method can damage lacquered whiteboards or wooden framing, but it is one of the most effective methods of removing the ink.
   • If you get acetone in your eye, rinse your eye immediately with lukewarm water. Do not use powerful water jets and rinse your eye for 15 minutes. Keep your eyelid open and don't wait to take your contact reading off first.
   • If you get acetone on your skin, rinse it off for 5 minutes. However, it is unlikely to harm your skin. Your skin could only get irritated.
4. Buy liquid whiteboard cleaner if needed. Many of these remedies consist largely of rubbing alcohol, but are much more expensive. If you cannot get your whiteboard clean using the methods above, buy a good quality cleaning product recommended by whiteboard manufacturers.
5. Be skeptical of other means. Some people have reported cleaning their whiteboard with an abrasive cleaner, such as baking soda, toothpaste, scouring powder, or more aggressive chemicals. While this may remove the ink, it can damage the surface of the whiteboard, making dry erase ink even more difficult to remove later. Many household cleaners that contain ammonia are suitable for daily cleaning, but are not recommended for frequent use and in large quantities.
   • With soapy water or white vinegar, you can remove light stains, but they are very unlikely to remove ink streaks that your dry-erase highlighter cannot remove.

Tips

• If the whiteboard has dents because you pressed the surface with a marker, you may have to rub harder. This surface damage makes dry erase ink even more difficult to remove from that area later on.
• Try these methods to remove permanent marker from other non-porous surfaces such as glass, but do not use acetone or nail polish remover on plastic surfaces.

Warnings

• Unlike a highlighter or a felt-tip pen, the sharp tip of a ballpoint pen may have damaged and dented the surface. Unfortunately, this makes your whiteboard more difficult to clean later.
• Do not mix household chemicals. If you've tried one step from this article and want to try the next, make sure the whiteboard is dry first and use a clean paper towel.

Necessities

• Atomizer (optional)
• Pieces of kitchen paper or clean cloths
• One or more of the following:
  • Dry erase highlighter
  • Rubbing alcohol, hand disinfectant, aftershave or perfume
  • Acetone or nail polish remover
  • High-quality whiteboard cleaner