How to Clean a Whiteboard Properly (and Keep It That Way)

There's something quietly infuriating about a whiteboard that won't come clean. You erase it, but the ghost of last Tuesday's meeting is still there — a faint smear of words that refuse to disappear completely. If that sounds familiar, you're probably either using the wrong cleaning method, the wrong tools, or both.

Here's how to sort it out properly.

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Why whiteboards go grey

Before getting into the how, it helps to understand why this happens. Dry-erase markers leave a pigment on the surface that's designed to be lifted easily — but only if you erase it promptly. Leave it for a few days and the ink starts to bond more stubbornly. Use a low-quality eraser, or worse, a regular cloth, and you're just smearing that pigment around rather than lifting it. Over time, layers build up and you get that greasy, grey-looking surface that no amount of casual wiping seems to fix.

The good news is it's almost always reversible.

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For regular daily cleaning

A good felt eraser does the job after each session — but only if the marks are fresh. Once you're done, wipe the board down immediately rather than leaving it for the next person to deal with.

For a proper daily clean, a microfiber cloth is far better than any paper towel or tissue. Paper towels scratch the surface over time, which creates tiny grooves where ink can hide. Microfiber lifts the residue cleanly without scratching.

If you want to go one step further — and especially if your board gets heavy daily use — a dedicated whiteboard cleaning fluid makes a noticeable difference. Spray it on, let it sit for a few seconds, then wipe in straight overlapping strokes. Circular motions tend to push residue around; straight strokes carry it off the surface. BestBoard's cleaning fluid is formulated specifically for this and comes in a 250ml spray bottle — it works well on both light ghosting and older build-up.

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For stubborn stains and ghosting

If your board has been neglected for a while, a daily wipe isn't going to cut it. Here's the process:

Step 1 — Clear the loose debris first. Use your whiteboard eraser or a soft brush to get rid of any loose eraser dust. Cleaning over dust just grinds it in.

Step 2 — Apply your cleaner. Spray whiteboard cleaner across the full surface. Don't be stingy. Let it sit for 10–15 seconds — this dwell time is what breaks down the built-up residue.

Step 3 — Wipe in straight lines. Work from top to bottom with a clean microfiber cloth, applying light pressure. Rinse the cloth or use a fresh section as it picks up residue — you don't want to redistribute the ink.

Step 4 — Rinse and dry. Lightly mist the board with clean water from a spray bottle and do a final wipe to remove any cleaning fluid residue. Then dry it immediately with a clean dry cloth. Leaving moisture on the board can cause streaking.

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The permanent marker problem

It happens to everyone. Someone grabs the wrong pen — a permanent marker — and writes half a presentation on your board before realising. Don't panic.

The trick is to draw over the permanent ink with a dry-erase marker, covering it completely. Wait a few seconds, then erase. The solvent in the dry-erase ink temporarily reactivates the permanent pigment, allowing it to be lifted along with the dry-erase ink. It sounds too simple to work, but it does. For anything that doesn't fully lift on the first pass, whiteboard cleaner applied directly will finish the job.

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What to avoid

A few things that will damage your board faster than you'd expect:

• Permanent markers (obvious, but worth repeating)
• Abrasive cloths or sponges — the scratching destroys the surface coating
• Household cleaners like Handy Andy or bleach — they strip the protective layer that makes the board erasable in the first place
• Leaving marks on the board for days or weeks — the longer ink sits, the harder it bonds

If you're going the soapy water route in a pinch, use something genuinely mild — a drop of dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle works fine for light cleaning. Just rinse it off properly afterwards.

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Keeping it good long-term

The single best thing you can do is erase the board at the end of every session. Not the next morning, not before the next meeting — right after you're done. It takes ten seconds and it's the biggest factor in whether your board stays bright or slowly turns grey.

Beyond that, a proper clean with whiteboard fluid once or twice a week keeps the surface in good shape and extends the life of your board considerably.

If you're based in South Africa and your board is genuinely past the point of recovery, it might be time to replace it. BestBoard manufactures locally in Johannesburg and has been doing so since 1996 — their whiteboards are built to take daily punishment in classrooms and offices, and they won't cost you what an imported board would.

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Whiteboard Care: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to clean a whiteboard daily?

For daily use, a standard felt eraser is usually sufficient. However, to prevent "ghosting" (faint marks left behind), we recommend using a microfiber cloth and a specialised whiteboard cleaning fluid like the one available at BestBoard.

Can I use household cleaners on my whiteboard?

Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners as they can strip the board's protective coating. A mild soapy water solution works in a pinch, but for the best results and to maintain the warranty of your board, use a dedicated whiteboard cleaner.

How do I remove permanent marker from a whiteboard?

The safest trick is to trace over the permanent ink with a fresh dry-erase marker, wait a few seconds, and then erase. The solvent in the dry-erase ink helps lift the permanent pigment. For stubborn stains, BestBoard's cleaning fluid is highly effective.

Where can I buy whiteboards in South Africa?

As a local manufacturer, BestBoard offers the highest quality whiteboards in South Africa. Buy directly from their website for competitive pricing and local support.