How to Clean Dry Erase Erasers

Co-authored by Raymond Chiu

Last Updated: September 9, 2024 Fact Checked

When dry erase erasers become saturated with ink, they can no longer effectively erase. Fortunately, there are a few different methods for cleaning them out and helping them to function like new. Best of all, this can be done using items you already have at home. You can choose to wash erasers with dish soap, spray them with a garden hose, or scrub them using toothpaste. No matter which method (or methods) you choose, your dry erase erasers will be back in business soon.

Cleaning Dry Erase Erasers

Most dry erase erasers can be cleaned with soap and water. Make sure they're submerged and let them soak for at least 20 minutes before you rinse them out. Then, let them air dry completely before you try to use them again.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Washing with Dish Soap

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Place about 1 Tablespoon (14.7 ml) of dish soap into a shallow pan about with 1 quart (946 ml) of hot water. Be aware that the ink from the erasers may stain the pan.
Place the erasers into the pan of hot water and leave them to soak for 20 minutes (or more). Then rinse them under running water until all ink is removed and the water runs clear.^{[1]
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In order for you to be able to use the dry erasers, they must be completely dry. The best way to effectively dry them out after washing is to set them in direct sunlight for 1-2 hours.^{[2]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Cleansing with a Garden Hose

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When you clean your dry erase erasers with a garden hose, you will end up spraying inky-colored water on the ground. So first, choose a location to do your cleaning, ideally on a patch of grass.^{[3]
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Bring your dry erase erasers outside, set them on the ground, and spray them with your hose. If your hose has multiple settings, use the most powerful one. The power from the hose spray will penetrate the cracks of the eraser and remove the ink. Continue until the water runs clear.^{[4]
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Place your dry erasers in direct sunlight and let them sit for 1-2 hours. Do not attempt to use the erasers until they are completely dry. In the meantime, put away your garden hose.^{[5]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Scrubbing with Toothpaste

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A gentle, yet slightly abrasive cleanser (like toothpaste) is great for cleaning dry erase erasers. Apply a line of toothpaste to the bottom of each eraser you want to clean.^{[6]
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Using a wet washcloth, scrub the eraser in a circular motion. Try to spread the toothpaste across the whole eraser. Be aware that the ink is likely to stain the washcloth you are using.
Hold each eraser under warm running water until all ink and toothpaste is removed and the water runs clear. Then set the erasers outside in direct sunlight for 1-2 hours until they are dry.^{[7]
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Community Q&A

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Question

How do I do this if I'm at school? (Since schools don't have garden hoses, it would just look weird if I used toothpaste or dish washing liquid, so is there another method?)

Sunsetlater

Community Answer

You can try with a wet handkerchief or wet towels. If you don't have those, put some sanitizer and brush with your hand. It should be enough.

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Question

Do they have to be dried in the sun, or can I air dry them?

Kindness

Top Answerer

Theoretically, you don't have to dry the erasers in the sun; any warm, dry environment should work. However, since dry erase erasers are quite thick, it might be difficult to dry the erasers without direct sunlight.

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Tips

If you need to erase your dry erase board before your erasers are dry, there are several household items you can use, such as a paper towel sprayed with glass cleaner, a dry washcloth, or an old t-shirt or sock.

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If your dry erase board needs to be cleaned, you can use rubbing alcohol on a paper towel.

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If you live in a cold climate (or it is it a cloudy day), you can set your erasers near a heat vent to allow them to dry.

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