If you’ve inherited a grimy whiteboard covered in ghost writing, permanent marker, or years of built-up residue…you’re not alone. Teachers on the A to Z Teacher Stuff Forums have battled (and won!) the Whiteboard War, and they generously shared what actually works in real classrooms.

Below is a practical, teacher-backed guide to restoring your whiteboard—plus tips to prevent stains from coming back.

1. Start With the Teacher Favorites

✨ Magic Erasers (The #1 Most-Repeated Recommendation)

• Mrs. K., MsDeb, mandijyn, newoldteacher, and many more swear by them.
• Great for stubborn stains and built-up residue.
• Pairing it with Expo cleaner makes it even more effective.

Tip: Use these for deep cleaning only; frequent use may wear down the finish over time.

2. Expo Cleaner (Yes, There Is a Difference)

Dozens of teachers said Expo brand cleaner works better than store brands, even on hard, old stains.

• DrivingPigeon: “Magic erasers, Goo Gone, and sanitizer didn’t do anything. Expo cleaner was the only thing that worked!”
• pagepro contributors: Expo outperformed all other liquids they tested.

If your board is badly stained, this is your strongest safe option before moving to harsher cleaners.

3. Rubbing Alcohol (The Budget-Friendly Power Cleaner)

Teachers who use it:  ✓Grammy Teacher ✓CArnold ✓Upsadaisy ✓flexmb

Alcohol wipes or soaked cotton balls remove:

• marker haze
• built-up residue
• light permanent marker

It’s especially effective on showerboard/tileboard.

4. Hand Sanitizer (Yes, Really!)

A surprising number of teachers love this trick:

• Upsadaisy and several others: Hand sanitizer breaks down the ink quickly.
• blazer: Uses it for whiteboards and graffiti on desks.

It’s inexpensive, fast, and already sitting in your classroom.

5. Write Over Stains With a Fresh Dry Erase Marker

This classic trick showed up in every thread.

• nklauste, iluv1stgrd, terptoteacher, Old Timer, and many more confirm it works on:
  • permanent marker
  • dry erase marker left on for months
  • ghosting

How to do it:

1. Scribble over the stain heavily with a fresh dry erase marker.
2. Erase immediately.
3. Repeat as needed.

Magic.

6. WD-40 (Surprising, but Teacher-Approved)

Teachers who used it: ✓iloveschool ✓kimberlyalice

It melts off permanent marker and tough stains. Important: Wipe afterward with Windex or plain water to remove the oily residue.

7. Ammonia + Water (50/50 Mix)

Recommended by:

• misteacher (shared as the manufacturer’s suggestion for new whiteboards)
• teacherintexas (Sprayway also recommended)

Cuts through buildup and works especially well on:

• showerboard/tileboard
• older boards with residue

8. Other Cleaners Teachers Say Work Well

These came recommended with success stories:

• Windex (works for many teachers; others caution it can be abrasive)
• Nail polish remover/acetone
  • Very effective on permanent marker
  • Use sparingly and ONLY if other methods fail
  • May harm the finish on real whiteboards
• Orange cleaner (like Goo Gone–type citrus sprays) – effective but may leave a film
• Car windshield de-icer – recommended by blazer
• Lestoil – repeated by several teachers
• Baby wipes – easy daily cleaning (though some teachers note they may leave residue)

9. If Your Whiteboard Surface Is Damaged

If harsh cleaners (like 409) were used in the past, the glossy topcoat may be compromised.

Teachers suggested:

✔ Car wax

Used successfully by sumnerfan to reduce ghosting and restore erasability.

✔ Old English furniture oil

Mrs. K. shared a colleague’s method:

1. Clean completely with Expo.
2. Coat with the oil overnight.
3. Buff the next day.

Teachers report that markers erase more cleanly afterward.

✔ Rustoleum whiteboard paint

If the board is scratched or the coating is permanently damaged, stevesgirl recommends repainting. Several teachers have done this with great results.

✔ Expo Restorative Product

Mentioned by mmswm—expensive but highly effective when nothing else works.

10. Preventing Stains: Teacher Wisdom

A few veteran tips to keep your board looking new:

✔ Avoid low-odor markers

• Miz_Aich explains they leave more residue than regular markers.

✔ Use cloth instead of felt erasers

They clean better and don’t crumble.

✔ Keep a spray bottle of plain water

• Caesar753 uses this for daily cleaning with great success.

✔ Avoid harsh or abrasive cleaners

They strip the coating and make ghosting worse.

Quick Reference: What Works Best (Based on Teacher Votes)

Best for Old, Stubborn Stains

• Magic Eraser
• Expo Cleaner
• Rubbing alcohol
• Hand sanitizer
• WD-40 (with follow-up cleaning)

Best for Permanent Marker

• Write over it with a dry erase marker
• Nail polish remover (sparingly)
• WD-40
• Rubbing alcohol

Best for Preventing Ghosting

• Regular (not low-odor) markers
• Weekly deep cleaning with Expo or alcohol
• Oil or wax treatments (for showerboard or damaged boards)