Since washable markers are known to be removable or erasable, it is pretty common to think whether they would work just the same on a dry erase board. After all, a dry erase board or a whiteboard is a perfect surface for temporary markings.
But the question is, can you use washable markers on a dry erase board? Can you wipe them off as easily as dry erase markers would? You might need to try it first to know for sure.
Here is a thought: Washable markers are water-based markers that wash off or can be removed using water and soap on clothing, skin, and walls. At times, you might need to use baby wipes, make-up remover, or baby oil to completely eradicate them.
With that in mind, do you think washable markers are suitable for a dry erase board? Let us find out.
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Is It Okay to Use Washable Markers on a Dry Erase Board or Whiteboard?
First of all, washable markers are water-based markers, innovatively formulated to be washable or removable on clothing or fabric, skin, walls, floors, toys, tables, and other surfaces where kids would typically scribble on. Such a unique formulation minimizes messy ink stains, making washable markers a popular choice for toddlers and kids.
But how about on a dry erase board? Is it okay to write on it using washable markers? I don’t recommend doing so. The main reason is those washable markers are not intended to be used on a dry erase board or whiteboard.
When writing on a dry erase board using washable markers, they would probably leave stubborn ink stains. These markers are not erasable as dry erase markers.
Although some users had successful experiences using washable markers on a dry erase board, cleaning is not very convenient. It requires more effort and other cleaning materials.
Washable markers dry quickly on a dry erase board, and if you leave them for extended periods, they might become permanent. Even if you try washing them off with water and soap (because that is how you primarily clean washable markers), it would still be much harder to wipe off.
Can You Remove Washable Markers on a Dry Erase Board?
Just in case you have already used a washable marker on a dry erase board, fret not. The technique is to erase the markers off as soon as possible to avoid ghosting and stains. Do not leave them for a long time.
You can use water and dish soap on light stains but might not suffice for tougher stains. It may have left stains and residues, but you can still remove them. Here are some ways to do it:
Things You Need:
- Rubbing alcohol
- A cotton ball
- All-purpose Cleaner
- A whiteboard cleaner
- A dry erase marker
- Paper towel or clean microfiber cloth
What You Can Do:
- One of the most recommended ways is to clean the marker residues using a whiteboard cleaner. Basically, you just have to spray it on the board and wipe stains away. Much better to check the bottle for the cleaning instructions.
- If a whiteboard cleaner is unavailable, try rubbing alcohol. Use a cotton ball or clean cloth and pour rubbing alcohol in it. Gently wipe the stains away until they are gone.
- Another cleaner to try is Windex glass cleaner or any all-purpose cleaner. Just spray it onto the microfiber cloth and gently wipe the stains on the board.
- Another quick and old technique is to use a dry erase marker. Use it to write over stains and wipe them off immediately or while the ink is still wet.
What You Should Not Do:
Removing stains and ghosting could be quite challenging. However, do not scrub too hard as it may cause damages to your whiteboard or a dry erase board.
Avoid using abrasive cleaners.
Are Crayola Washable Markers Dry Erase?
Yes and no
This is because Crayola has different types of washable markers that are intended for certain surfaces.
YES: For example, the Crayola Washable Dry-Erase Fine Line Markers are suitable for whiteboard surfaces. You can wipe them away clean. They are also washable on the skin and most clothing, leaving no ink marks and stains.
NO: On the other hand, the Crayola Ultra-Clean Washable Markers are specially formulated to be washable or erasable when used on skin, clothing, walls, floors, painted surfaces, tables, and fabrics. You can wash them off easily with water and dish soap but not on whiteboards or dry erase boards.
What Other Markers Can You Use on a Dry Erase Board?
If you do not have any dry erase markers but can’t use washable markers on a dry erase board, what other markers can you use instead? Fortunately, there are alternative options that you can use:
Wet Erase Markers
These markers utilize paste instead of the usual alcohol-based ink. This type of chemical component delivers semi-permanent or temporary markings.
They do not erase easily with a typical whiteboard eraser, though a damp cloth will do. They are suitable for non-porous surfaces, including whiteboards or dry erase boards.
Liquid Chalk Markers
Liquid chalk markers are another great option to use a dry erase board. They are typically formulated with non-toxic water-based liquid chalk ink that is erasable on non-porous surfaces. This includes windows, glass boards, glass, steel, mirrors, ceramics, and whiteboards.
Wrapping Up
To wrap it up, it is not advisable to use washable markers on a dry erase board because they are not formulated for this type of surface. Since washable markers are not suitable for whiteboards or dry erase boards, you might have a hard time removing them as they are not erasable as dry erase markers.
Although you can try to use washable markers as some users did, cleanup could be challenging. You can wipe them off when they are still new or wet, but when left for long periods, washable markers might end up permanent. It can leave stains and residues because a typical whiteboard eraser can’t wipe them away easily. You would have to use other cleaning materials.
Unless you are up for scrubbing and hassle cleaning, you can use washable markers on a dry erase board. But you would not want that, would you? Hope this information helps!