If you paint your fridge, wall or other surface with chalkboard paint, you probably want to know how to keep it looking clean and new. My favorite method is below in this video. I have also listed several other ideas below.
1. How to Clean Chalkboard Paint with a Chalkboard Cleaner:
First of all, there are cleaning products for blackboards. However, you don’t need to buy them. Instead, you can use a few simple techniques that others have learned over the years.
2. Clean Off Chalk with a Chalkboard Eraser:
Second, you can use a chalkboard eraser. Just make sure that it does not contain dust when you use it.
Simply clean your eraser after every use, either by rubbing them with a cloth or vacuuming them. By the way, you can save money on erasers by purchasing them in multi-packs. Plus, when you have more than one eraser, you don’t have to clean them as frequently. =)
3. Remove Chalk with a Microfiber Cloth:
Third, use a dry, lint-free microfiber cloth. Microfiber material picks up dust and lint really well.
Just make sure to wash microfiber separately than other materials, and don’t put them in the dryer. (They’ll keep their dust-attracting charge longer).
Note: If you clean your board frequently, it’s best to use a dry cleaner. Using water over and over can damage the surface and over time lighten your board.
4. Add a Little Vinegar to Get a Chalkboard Really Clean:
Fourth, you can use a damp rag. However, instead of using plain water, add a small amount of vinegar to the water solution. The vinegar reacts with the calcium in the chalk and therefore leaves a cleaner surface. (Did you vinegar makes an effective natural weed killer too?)
5. Squeegee Your Chalkboard to Clean It:
Fifth, use a squeegee. You don’t need to spend a lot of money or buy anything fancy, (a $10 squeegee will work fine).
First, remove the majority of dust from your chalkboard first. Then, use a squeegee with water. (This technique will work best on larger boards that have smoother surfaces.)
6. Add Lemon Oil to Chalkboard for Extra Shine:
Sixth, add a few drops of lemon oil to make your chalkboard paint shine. If you want your board to look especially nice – either for an event or guests – add some lemon oil to a cloth and rub over the blackboard surface to create a more finished look.
As you can see, cleaning chalkboard paint, or a painted surface is not that difficult (and it can keep it looking fresh and crisp with minimal effort).
That said, keep in mind that chalkboard-painted walls or surfaces are meant to have that shabby-chic appeal, while looking weathered and worn. Therefore, don’t ever feel like you have to clean your chalkboard fridge at all (well maybe on the inside…)
