When the whiteboard sponge is saturated with ink, its effectiveness decreases. Fortunately, there is no way to cleanse it so it is like new again. Better yet, it can be cleaned with whatever is likely to be found in every home. The erasing sponge can be washed with dishwashing detergent, water pressure from a hose, or cleaned with toothpaste. Whichever method (or methods) you choose, the whiteboard sponge can quickly regain its lost qualities.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning with a dishwashing liquid
Step 1. Pour soapy water into the pan
Pour about 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of dish soap and about a liter of hot water into a skillet. Be aware that ink from the sponge can leave marks in the pan.
Step 2. Soak the sponge
Place the erasing sponge in a skillet with hot water and let sit for about 20 minutes (or longer). Then rinse it under running water until all the ink is removed and the water is clear.
Step 3. Place the sponge in the sun
Dry thoroughly before using the sponge. The best way to dry the erasing sponge effectively after washing is to leave it to dry in the sun for 1–2 hours.
Method 2 of 3: Wash with a garden hose
Step 1. Choose a place that you don't mind getting dirty
When you use the garden hose to wash the sponge, ink water will spill onto the ground. Therefore, first choose a place to wash (ideally on the grass).
Step 2. Pour the sponge with a hose
Take the sponge outside, place it on the ground, and pour it over well with water. If you have an adjustable hose nozzle, select the highest pressure setting. Pressurized water from the hose will penetrate the pores of the sponge and wash away the ink. Continue watering the sponge until the water is clear.
Step 3. Place the sponge in the sun
Place the erasing sponge in a sunny place and let it sit for 1–2 hours. Do not try to use the sponge until it is completely dry. In the meantime, put the garden hose back in place.
Method 3 of 3: Cleaning with toothpaste
Step 1. Apply toothpaste to the sponge
A delicate but abrasive cleaner (such as toothpaste) is great for cleaning erasers. Squeeze a strip of toothpaste onto the cleaning surface of each sponge you need to wash.
Step 2. Rub with a damp cloth
Use a damp washcloth to rub the sponge in a circular motion. Try to spread the paste all over the sponge. Be aware that the ink on the sponge is likely to stain the wipe you are using.
Step 3. Rinse off the paste under running water and dry the sponge in the sun
Keep the sponge under warm running water until all the ink and toothpaste have been washed off and the water is clear. Then place the sponge outside in direct sunlight for 1–2 hours until it is completely dry.
Advice
- If you need to wipe the marker off the whiteboard before the sponges dry, you can do so with other items, such as a paper towel with glass cleaner applied to it, a dry cloth, an old T-shirt, or a sock.
- If you need to clean the whiteboard, you can do so with a paper towel and an alcohol-based cleaner.
- If you live in a cold climate (or cloudy outside), you can place a sponge next to a radiator to dry it.