Whiteboard accessories: markers, erasers and classroom storage
A whiteboard is only as dependable as the accessories used with it. Select markers, erasers and cleaning materials for the actual surface, then organise them around the teaching routine. A small, consistent kit helps staff identify missing or unsuitable items before a lesson begins and reduces interrupted explanations.
Match the pen to the surface and distance
Confirm that the board accepts the proposed dry-wipe marker and that any printed grids or coatings have no additional restrictions. Test a small sample in accordance with the manufacturer’s advice. Similar-looking permanent, washable and dry-wipe pens should not share an unlabelled classroom container.
Choose line width and colour for the viewing distance. A fine tip may suit an individual response board but be difficult to read from the back of a room. Ask a colleague or pupil to read a short sample from the furthest normal position before buying a large quantity of one pen style.
Build a kit around the lesson routine
For a teaching wall, keep a small set of distinct colours, a clean eraser and the approved surface-care materials in a known place. For table groups, count boards and pens into numbered trays. Decide where a weak or damaged marker goes so it is replaced rather than repeatedly returned to circulation.
Use colour intentionally. In a worked calculation, one colour can show the original expression and another the changed step, with spoken or written labels explaining the distinction. Avoid relying on colour alone to communicate meaning. Restore the pens to their storage positions when the demonstration ends.
Maintain the accessories as well as the board
Replace caps promptly and follow the marker’s storage instructions. Check erasers for accumulated residue and clean or replace their working surfaces as appropriate. A dirty eraser can redistribute marks rather than remove them, making staff reach unnecessarily for stronger cleaning products.
Follow the board maker’s cleaning guidance and avoid improvised mixtures. Keep liquids away from nearby electrical equipment and apply them only as directed. During the weekly reset, check the accessory tray, remove unsuitable pens and review consumption. This makes reordering a planned task instead of an emergency during a lesson.
Action checklist
- Confirm compatibility with the actual board surface.
- Test line width from the furthest viewing position.
- Separate dry-wipe pens from other marker types.
- Check erasers, caps and tray contents routinely.
Common questions
Why does a board still look dirty after erasing?
Check the eraser, marker compatibility and the board’s care instructions. Accumulated residue or an unsuitable pen can require the approved cleaning method rather than more dry rubbing.
Sources and scope
Source titles are provided for reference. Check the current original guidance and your school's circumstances before making a policy or compliance decision.
- Schools Direct editorial — Original school resource planning guidance and worked examples. Checked 1 November 2026.