One of the easiest ways to clean a chalkboard is with vinegar.

Here’s what it’s crucial that you know about how to clean a chalkboard.

Tip

Prior to a deep clean, you should erase your chalkboard as you normally would.

Clean chalkboard decorated with houseplants, camera, eraser and chalk stick

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Cleaning a chalkboard without an eraser is possible; just use a soft, dry cloth.

There also are chalkboard cleaning cloths available that are typically made of microfiber.

you might even get old chalk off a chalkboard with vinegar.

Materials and tools to clean a chalkboard wall

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Plus, a cloth with lemon oil can get a chalkboard shining like new again.

And nonabrasive commercial cleaner sprays, such as Windex, can be effective on chalkboards.

you’re able to use water to clean a chalkboard if you’re in a pinch.

Writing on chalkboard being erased before cleaning

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

However, this will likely leave chalk residue that builds up over time.

So be sure to deep clean often enough with the proper supplies.

Start at one side and work your way across from the top down using long strokes.

Cleaning solution of warm water and vinegar prepared in blue bucket

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Do not work in circles because that will redeposit chalk on the surface.

Frequently clean the eraser or clothor replace it with a clean oneas you work.

This is particularly important for boards that have an excessive amount of chalk on the surface.

Chalkboard wiped down with blue towel and water

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Prepare the DIY Chalkboard Cleaner

Pour 1 gallon of warm water into a clean bucket.

Add 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar.

If you are using strongercleaning vinegar, only add 1/4 cup.

White and blue squeegee removing excess moisture from chalkboard

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Warning

Never use harsh cleaners on chalkboards; they can ruin the finish.

Start at the top of the chalkboard, and wipe down the board in long, smooth strokes.

By starting at the top, you will catch any drips that form.

Wiped down chalkboard being air dried

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Rinse out the cloth frequently as you move across the board.

Squeegee Excess Cleaning Solution

Use a window squeegee to remove excess cleaning solution.

At the opposite edge, use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the blade of the squeegee.

Tough stains on chalkboard removed with blue rag, baking soda and water

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Then, go back to the starting point, and make another horizontal stoke just beneath the first one.

Repeat the steps until you have used the squeegee on the entire board surface.

Use a dry cloth to capture any drips or excess moisture as you work.

Chalk marks added to a wet board can be nearly impossible to remove.

Ghosting is especially common with chalk pens because the liquid chalk can more easily seep into tiny crevices.

Then, wipe away the chalk with an eraser or soft cloth.

Be sure the board is completely dry before seasoning.

Avoid Vigorous Scrubbing

Stay away from gritty or harsh cleaners that can damage the chalkboard surface.

Likewise, only use soft cloths and erasers, never abrasive sponges or brushes.