Permanent Markers Can Ruin Your Whiteboard! Until Now!

The Common Trainer's Dilemma

As someone who has managed a training department for years, I understand the daily challenges trainers encounter. One of the most frustrating issues is dealing with permanent marker stains on whiteboards. This isn't a well-kept secret, but it's so effective that I feel compelled to share it with everyone.

A Consultant's Shock

Not long ago, my company hired a consultant for a training session. After the class, we discussed various training challenges. Holding a black permanent marker, I demonstrated one of my biggest pet peeves by drawing large cross marks on the whiteboard. The consultant looked at me in disbelief.

"You've just ruined your whiteboard!" he exclaimed. In the past, I would have agreed. Removing permanent marker stains used to involve laborious scrubbing with special liquids and creams, often leaving behind a faint shadow.

The Unexpected Solution

One day, a colleague revealed a surprising trick. He recounted an incident where he was working with teenagers who accidentally used permanent markers on his whiteboard. With no other whiteboard available, he conducted the class by writing over the permanent marks with dry-erase markers.

After the class, he dreaded the cleanup. To his astonishment, he noticed that wherever the dry-erase marker overlapped the permanent marker, the permanent ink disappeared when he erased the dry-erase marks. He tested it again, and it worked flawlessly.

How to Remove Permanent Marker from a Whiteboard

Here's the simple method:

1. Cover the Permanent Marker: Use any dry-erase marker to draw over the permanent marker lines.
2. Erase: Wipe off the dry-erase marker with a whiteboard eraser or cloth. The permanent marker will come off with it.

Why This Works

Dry-erase markers contain a solvent that can dissolve the ink of permanent markers. When you draw over the permanent ink with a dry-erase marker, the solvent breaks down the permanent ink, making it easy to wipe away.

Interesting Stats

• Whiteboard Usage: According to a study by the National Center for Education Statistics, 85% of classrooms in the U.S. use whiteboards as a primary teaching tool. NCES
• Marker Sales: The global market for markers and highlighters was valued at approximately $1.2 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% from 2021 to 2028. Grand View Research
• Environmental Impact: Traditional whiteboard markers contribute to plastic waste. However, some companies are now producing eco-friendly, refillable markers to reduce environmental impact. EcoPen Club

Conclusion

The consultant who witnessed my demonstration was equally amazed and couldn't wait to share this trick with his colleagues. This simple yet effective method can save trainers and educators countless hours of frustration.

By using a dry-erase marker to remove permanent ink, you can keep your whiteboard clean and functional without resorting to harsh chemicals or strenuous scrubbing. Try it out and see the magic for yourself!

Glen Ferguson - Trainer's Workbench