Tips for Cleaning Your Classroom Chalkboard

Although there are many new options for classroom boards, including dry erase boards and interactive tools, many schools still rely on the classic classroom chalkboard. These can be invaluable tools for teachers, but they also can quickly get dirty so that it becomes difficult to read what is written on the board. To get the most out of your board, maintain it using the following tips.

Check the Material and Manufacturer's Directions

Although most boards are made from similar materials, the quality of the materials varies, which could affect the best practices for cleaning it. Some materials become so cloudy that after just a few months, scratches and old writing become visible, marring any new writing, while other boards have such high quality material that you can have a classroom chalkboard that is guaranteed to last for 25 years or longer. Although cleaning a chalkboard is fairly standard, it is best to always read the manufacturer's directions to ensure that you handle the material properly and maintain the life of the board.

Quick Erase

When you use your classroom chalkboard on a daily basis, there are times that you just need to make a quick erase. To do so as best as possible, it is important to use a clean eraser. When erasing, use an up and down motion starting at the upper left area of the board and ending at the upper right. If you are just erasing a small area, it is important to continue to use the up and down motion, as this prevents the chalk dust from remaining on the board, leading to irregular patterns that make it difficult to read new writing.

Regular Cleaning

When you wipe the entire board clean, it is imperative that you use an all felt eraser, as this will get the most chalk off the board. For an even better clean, follow with a lint-free, dry, clean cloth or chamois. Alternatively, you can choose a specialty classroom chalkboard cleaning cloth that is made special for the purpose. Additionally, clean the erasers regularly. If you use your board daily, then clean the erasers daily by using warm water or a special cleaner.

Deep Cleaning

It is also possible to deep clean your classroom chalkboard with a special cleaning solution. It is important to do this periodically to ensure that you continually get the cleanest board possible. You want to use a solution that will keep the board as smooth and residue-free as possible. There are several DIY options, including lemon oil or white vinegar. There are also several commercial products made specially to clean chalkboards. If you just use water, then you risk some of the chalk remaining, which will end up leaving an outline of the chalk that can build up over time.

If you want your classroom chalkboard to withstand the test of time, then it is crucial that you take care of it. Cleaning a board is more than just ensuring that you have an eraser nearby. It is essential to have a clean eraser and occasionally deep clean the board with a solution. Proper care also includes only using chalk on the board and never writing on it while it is wet.

Stacy Toolson is a writer that simply loves words. She can spend hours discussing 'their' vs 'there', and the placement of an Oxford comma.