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How to Clean a Chalkboard: Best Ways
In order to figure out the solution, you need to find the source of your problem. There are two main reasons chalk markers usually won’t erase from a chalkboard:
- You’re Using a Porous Chalkboard Surface
- You’re Using Low-Quality Chalk Markers
If you write on a porous surface with chalkboard markers, you may have a hard time getting rid of the marks. This is especially the case when you convert a wooden board into a chalkboard using chalkboard paint.
You can take care of this problem by seasoning your chalkboard prior to use. You can also end up with marks that won’t come off your chalkboard when you use cheaply made markers. So don’t fall for those bargain-basement prices! Instead, invest in some high-quality chalk markers, such as those put out by Bistro. They come in a wide selection of fun colors.
If you’ve already seasoned your chalkboard and you’re using quality markers, you’ll have a much better chance of getting the marks off your board. If you still have marks that won’t come off your chalkboard, here are some strategies for removing them.
How to Remove Chalkboard Marker: Six Easy Solutions
- Use a Moist Paper Towel
- Use Vinegar
- Use Both a Magic Eraser and Vinegar
- Use a Commercial Chalkboard Cleaner
- Use Both the Commercial Cleaner and Vinegar
Your first go-to option is going to be a paper towel moistened with water. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to move onto a stronger cleansing agent. Next, give your magic eraser in your a try. Rub it vigorously on the stubborn marks on your chalkboard.
If that doesn’t work, try a little vinegar mixed with water. You can make the mixture it about 3/4 water and 1/4 vinegar. Dip a paper towel in this solution and apply it to your chalkboard.
Hopefully, by this point, most of the marks will be gone. If not, combine the power of magic eraser with the vinegar solution. Soak some of the vinegar and water mixture up with your magic eraser and rub until those marks disappear.
If all these hacks fail to get the job done, purchase a commercial chalkboard cleaner. Save this as a last resort because store-bought chalkboard cleaning solutions are more expensive than using household items.
Finally, if you can’t get the marks off with the commercial cleaner, you can add some vinegar mixture to it. This option should be powerful enough even for the most hard-to-clean marks.
How to Keep Your Chalkboard Free of Unwanted Marks
All of the above solutions should help to clean your board, but you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble if you keep it from getting all marked up in the first place. So here are some preventative measures you can take.
- Only Use Chalk Markers on Non-Porous Chalkboards
- Test Your Chalkboard Out to Make Sure It’s Not Porous
- Always Season Your Chalkboard Before You Use It The First Time
We know that chalk markers are all the rage. Of course, you want to use them! But if you use them on a porous chalkboard, you’ll have to go through the constant aggravation of trying to get those stubborn marks of your chalkboard.
What if you bought your chalkboard at a second-hand store or a yard sale and you’re not sure if it’s seasoned or not?
Just take your chalk marker and make a tiny line on the bottom corner where it won’t be too noticeable. If it’s hard to get off you can safely bet that you’ve got a porous chalkboard.
If you find out your new chalkboard isn’t seasoned, don’t be disappointed. You can easily season it yourself! Here’s all you have to do.
- Rub Chalk Along the Board Vertically
- Rub Chalk Along the Board Horizontally
- Rub an Eraser or Cloth Over the Board’s Surface
To season your chalkboard, you can use either a regular-sized piece of traditional chalk or a large piece of sidewalk chalk. If you have a small board, a standard-sized piece of classroom chalk should work just fine. Sidewalk chalk is ideal for seasoning a big chalkboard quickly.
Make sure not to leave any part of the board surface uncovered. The more thorough you are with this step, the better. The more you rub the chalk, the less chance there will be for any of the marker ink to make its way into the board’s crevices.
Lay your piece of chalk flat on the chalkboard. Move it up and down until you get chalk all over the board. Then do the same thing moving the chalk side to side. Finally, use a cloth, paper towel, or eraser to spread the chalk around more evenly.
That’s all there is to it!
You don’t have to have any special expertise or costly cleaning agents to learn how to remove the chalk marker from your chalkboard. All it takes is a few simple steps, some everyday household items, and a little effort.
Even better than cleaning the marks off after they stick to the board is learning to prepare your board so it won’t have those lingering marks stuck on it in the first place. With some careful seasoning, you shouldn’t ever have to worry about getting those annoying marks off the chalkboard ever again.
Now you’re all set for hassle-free chalk marker drawing!
