Whiteboard erasers are a crucial tool for any classroom or office setting where whiteboards are commonly used. They come in various sizes to suit different needs and preferences.
The standard whiteboard eraser is a compact and convenient tool, measuring approximately 3 inches wide, 5.13 inches long, and 1.25 inches tall. It’s easy to store on a whiteboard marker tray or in the drawers of your desk, making it a great tool to keep handy.
In this guide, I will explore the different sizes of whiteboard erasers available, their uses, and how to choose the right size for your needs. Whether you’re a teacher, student, or office worker, this guide will help you make an informed decision when it comes to selecting the right whiteboard eraser size.
What Is the Whiteboard Eraser Size?
The size of a whiteboard eraser might not seem like an important factor, but if you’re looking for convenience then it’s worth considering.
If you ever take a look at the whiteboard tray, you may notice that it is designed with enough width to let an eraser fit right in. This is because most erasers measure 5.13 inches long, 3 inches wide, and 1.25 inches high.
What Is a Board Eraser Called?
A board eraser is commonly called a whiteboard eraser or dry-erase eraser. These names are used to distinguish it from other types of erasers that are used for other types of surfaces such as pencil erasers for paper or chalkboard erasers for chalkboards.
What Is the Material of Whiteboard Erasers?
Whiteboard erasers are typically made of foam or felt material. The foam erasers are made of a dense, spongy material that is able to effectively remove dry-erase marker ink from the whiteboard surface. They are lightweight, easy to handle, and can be easily cleaned after use.
Felt erasers are made of a soft, durable fabric that is able to effectively remove dry-erase marker ink from the whiteboard surface. They are also lightweight, easy to handle, and can be easily cleaned after use. The felt erasers are also good for cleaning the whiteboard surface, as they can reach into small crevices and corners, removing any dust or debris that may have accumulated.
Some Whiteboard erasers are also made of magnetic material, which makes it easy to store them on the whiteboard or any magnetic surface.
Regardless of the materials whiteboard erasers are made of, it is important to use them properly and avoid using abrasive materials that can scratch the whiteboard surface.
Related: Standard Whiteboard Size And How To Choose One?
What Is The Reason That Dry-Erase Markers Are Erasable?
Dry-erase markers are erasable because they are made with a special type of ink that can be easily removed from whiteboard surfaces. This ink is a water-based, non-permanent ink that is designed to be wiped away cleanly and easily with a whiteboard eraser or a dry cloth.
The ink in dry-erase markers is made up of a pigment suspended in a solvent, which is usually a blend of water, glycol ethers, and alcohol. The pigment provides the color of the ink, while the solvent allows it to be applied smoothly and easily to the whiteboard surface.
The key element that makes dry-erase markers erasable is the fact that the ink is water-soluble, meaning it dissolves in water. When the ink is applied to the whiteboard surface, it forms a thin film that adheres to the surface. When a whiteboard eraser or dry cloth is used to wipe away the ink, the water in the eraser or cloth dissolves the ink and removes it from the whiteboard surface.
It’s also worth noting that some dry-erase markers use a small amount of wax or oil to make the ink more erasable, These markers are known as Low-odor dry-erase markers. This wax or oil makes the ink more resistant to smudging, and it also makes it easier to wipe away completely with a whiteboard eraser or dry cloth.
Is It Possible To Remove Permanent Ink With a Whiteboard Eraser?
Whiteboard erasers are designed to remove dry-erase marker ink, which is a water-based, non-permanent ink. They are not designed to remove permanent ink, which is a type of ink that is designed to be long-lasting and resistant to erasing.
Permanent ink is typically made from an oil-based or pigment-based ink that adheres strongly to the surface it is applied to, making it difficult to remove. Whiteboard erasers, which are typically made of foam or felt, are not able to effectively remove this type of ink.
If you accidentally use a permanent marker on a whiteboard, there are a few ways to try and remove the ink:
- Use a dry remove marker: You can use the removable marker on the marks or writing of permanent marker and can remove it using whiteboard erase.
- Use rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover: Dab a small amount of rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover onto a cloth or sponge and gently rub the ink stain. Be careful not to rub too hard, as this can damage the whiteboard surface.
- Use whiteboard cleaner: Some whiteboard cleaners are specifically designed to remove permanent markers. Spray the cleaner on the stain and wipe it away with a clean cloth.
Related: What Is The Dry Erase Marker Size?
How to Make a Homemade Whiteboard Eraser?
There are a few ways to make your own whiteboard eraser at home, using materials that you may already have. Here are a few methods to try:
Method 1: Using a sponge
- Cut a piece of a sponge to the desired size for your whiteboard eraser.
- Wet the sponge thoroughly with water.
- Wring out the sponge so that it is damp, but not soaking wet.
- Use the sponge to erase dry-erase marker ink from a whiteboard surface.
Method 2: Using felt
- Cut a piece of felt to the desired size for your whiteboard eraser.
- Use the felt to erase dry-erase marker ink from a whiteboard surface.
- Felt erasers can be used dry or dampened with water, depending on your preference.
Method 3: Using an old T-shirt
- Cut a piece of an old t-shirt to the desired size for your whiteboard eraser.
- Use the t-shirt to erase dry-erase marker ink from a whiteboard surface.
- T-shirt erasers can be used dry or dampened with water, depending on your preference.
While these homemade erasers may work, they may not be as effective as store-bought erasers, and they may wear out more quickly. You may also have to clean them after each use and may have to replace them more often than you would a store-bought eraser.
Related: How Big Is An Eraser?
FAQs
What is the width of a whiteboard eraser?
The width of a whiteboard eraser can vary depending on the specific brand and model, but on average, it is typically around 2.5 to 3 inches wide.
How long is a whiteboard eraser?
The length of a whiteboard eraser also varies, but it is generally around 4 to 5 inches long.
How tall is a whiteboard eraser?
The height of a whiteboard eraser is usually around 1 to 1.5 inches tall.
How big is a dry-erase eraser?
A dry-erase eraser, which is essentially the same as a whiteboard eraser, is typically around 2.5 to 3 inches wide, 4 to 5 inches long, and 1 to 1.5 inches tall.