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Kid Safe Cleaning Products My 8 Year Old Actually Uses on Her Own
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items My daughter wanted to help clean but every spray under the sink had a warning label that scared me. I spent months testing non-toxic products that actually work, don't irritate her skin, and let her take ownership of her own bathroom. If you've got a...
Sections
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Non-Toxic All Purpose Sprays Kids Can Handle
Bathroom Cleaners That Won't Worry You
Glass and Mirror Cleaners Without the Chemical Smell
Microfiber Cloths and Rags Sized for Small Hands
Floor Cleaners Safe for Bare Feet and Crawling Siblings
Toilet Cleaning Tools That Don't Gross Kids Out
Non-Toxic All Purpose Sprays Kids Can Handle
The whole reason I started this search. I needed something she could spray without me hovering, something that cleans but won't burn her eyes or make her cough. These passed the ‘mom sniff test’ and the ‘actually removes toothpaste splatter’ test.
Grab this one first. My daughter calls it the lemon spray and asks to use it. Before this, she wouldn't go near cleaning. The smell alone makes her want to wipe counters.
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner Lemon Verbena
Keep this around if your kid has sensitive skin like mine does. Zero fragrance, no dyes, and it cut through dried soap scum on her bathroom counter without scrubbing hard.
Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner, Free & Clear
Switch to this if you want plant-based but still effective. I sprayed it on a ketchup stain my kid left on the table for two hours and it came right up. No elbow grease needed.
Better Life, Natural All Purpose Cleaner, 32 oz
Try this for anyone who grew up cleaning with vinegar like my mom did. It's the same idea but smells way better. My daughter doesn't complain about the scent anymore.
Aunt Fannie's, Cleaning Vinegar Spray, Lemon, 16.9 oz
Use this on glass, counters, appliances, whatever. I tested it on our stainless fridge and no streaks. My 8 year old handles the spray bottle easily because the trigger is light.
Puracy Natural Multi-Surface Cleaner Concentrate
Snag this if your kid likes citrus smells. It's concentrated so it lasts forever. I bought one bottle in March and we're still going. Cuts grease on stovetops surprisingly well.
ECOS, Hypoallergenic All Purpose Cleaner, Parsley
For parents with really little kids watching the older ones clean. I started with this when my daughter was six because I trusted the brand from her baby days. Still works great.
Babyganics The Cleaner Upper Toy And Highchair
Pair this with a cute reusable cloth and your kid will feel like they have their own cleaning kit. My daughter picked this scent herself and now she's weirdly proud of her bathroom.
method All-Purpose Cleaning Wipes, Pink Grapefruit
Try this if you want to make your own cleaner from salt, water, and vinegar capsules. My daughter thinks the little machine is a science experiment. It actually disinfects too.
Force of Nature Starter Kit | Non-Toxic Cleaner & Disinfectant
Bathroom Cleaners That Won't Worry You
Bathrooms are where the real grime lives and where I was most nervous letting her help. These handle soap scum and toothpaste without harsh fumes that make you open a window.
Use this on the tub ring my daughter leaves after every bubble bath. Two sprays, wait a minute, wipe. She does it herself now and the ring is gone. No scrubbing.
Seventh Generation Tub & Tile Cleaner
Grab this for the toilet area if you're letting older kids help there. It kills germs but the spearmint smell is actually pleasant. My kid doesn't gag like she did with bleach products.
method, Antibacterial Bathroom Cleaner, Spearmint, 28 fl oz
Swap in this one if your bathroom gets mildewy in humid months. We live in the southeast and this kept the shower corners clean between deep cleans. Smells like a spa.
Better Life Natural Liquid Tile & Tub Cleaner, Tea Tree
Keep one of these in your kid's bathroom permanently. My daughter sprays her counter every Sunday morning as part of her chore chart. The lavender is calming, not overpowering.
Mrs. Meyer’s, Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner, 16 Fl Oz
Try this for hard water stains around the faucet. We have terrible water and this dissolved the white crusty buildup that I thought was permanent. My daughter was so proud she fixed it.
Puracy Cleaner
Use this daily after showers. I taught my daughter to spray the walls before she gets out. Two weeks of this and I didn't have to deep clean the shower at all. Life changing.
ECOS Bathroom Cleaner Spray - Tea Tree 22oz
Snag this if you want something certified by actual environmental groups. It foams up nicely which my kid loves because she can see where she's already wiped. Visual progress matters at age 8.
Attitude Bathroom Cleaner Citrus Zest 800ml
Toss out your old CLR if you think it's all harsh. This version is EPA Safer Choice certified. I use it on faucets and my daughter handles the counters. Team effort.
CLR, Brilliant Bath Multi-Surface Cleaner, 26 fl oz
Bring this in for tough odors around the toilet base. My son misses the bowl sometimes and this neutralizes everything without bleach. Both kids can use it safely.
Biokleen, Bathroom Cleaner, 32 fl oz, Lavender Lime
Glass and Mirror Cleaners Without the Chemical Smell
My daughter's bathroom mirror looked like a crime scene every morning. Toothpaste dots, water spots, fingerprints. She needed something she could spray and wipe without the ammonia headache.
Use this on mirrors and windows. No streaks, no smell, no worries. My daughter cleans her bathroom mirror every Wednesday and it takes her about 45 seconds. That's it.
Seventh Generation Glass Cleaner, Free & Clear, 23 oz
Grab this if your kid likes a little scent. The mint is subtle, not like a candy cane factory. It dries fast so she doesn't have to buff it out. Spray, wipe, done.
Customer reviews for Method Mint Glass Cleaner, 28 fl oz
Try this for someone who's picky about streaks. I tested it on our sliding glass door covered in dog nose prints and it looked invisible after. My daughter uses it on her vanity mirror.
Better Life I See Clearly Now Wow! Glass Cleaner, 32 OZ
Switch to this if you're already a Mrs. Meyer's household. Basil scent is weirdly pleasant for a glass cleaner. Works on picture frames and screens too, not just mirrors.
(3 pack) Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Glass Cleaner
Keep this one for the budget-conscious parent. It's cheap, it works, and the vinegar smell fades in about a minute. My kid doesn't even notice it anymore.
ECOS Streak Free Glass + Surface Cleaner
Snag this for anyone who reads ingredient labels like I do. Everything is pronounceable. My daughter asked what was in it once and I could actually tell her without Googling.
Aunt Fannie's, Glass and Window Cleaning Vinegar Spray
Use this on more than toys. I spray it on my daughter's desk, her tablet screen, her nightstand. It's gentle enough for anything she touches constantly throughout the day.
Babyganics The Cleaner Upper Toy And Highchair
Pair this with a microfiber cloth and hand it to your kid. My daughter gets zero streaks now and she's eight. Before this combo, she was just smearing the mess around the mirror.
Customer reviews for Great Value Glass Cleaner
Try this if you've been disappointed by ‘natural’ glass cleaners that leave residue. This one actually dries clear. Took me four brands to find one that performed like Windex without the fumes.
Attitude Window And Mirror Cleaner Spray, Citrus, 27.1 Oz
Microfiber Cloths and Rags Sized for Small Hands
I handed my daughter a full-size cleaning rag once and she looked at me like I gave her a beach towel. Smaller cloths made a huge difference in her wanting to actually wipe things down.
Grab this multipack because kids go through cloths fast. My daughter uses one per surface and tosses it in the hamper. Color coded so she knows blue is bathroom, green is kitchen.
MR.SIGA, Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, 12.6" x 12.6", Blue
Use these if you want quantity over fancy packaging. They're thin enough for small hands to fold and wring out. I've washed ours probably 50 times and they still work fine.
Zwipes Microfiber Cleaning Cloths, Multi-color, 36 Pack
Try this for the parent who wants to skip spray entirely sometimes. Just wet this cloth and it picks up grime from counters. My daughter uses it dry for dusting her bookshelf.
E-Cloth General Purpose Cleaning Cloth
Keep one of these near the fridge. My daughter loves wiping fingerprints off the stainless and this cloth doesn't leave lint behind. She feels like she's polishing something fancy.
Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaning & Polishing Microfiber
Snag this sponge-like duster for baseboards and blinds. My kid runs it along her window blinds and it grabs dust like a magnet. Rinse it out and go again. She thinks it's fun.
Scrub Daddy, Damp Duster Sponge
Toss these in the kitchen drawer for after-dinner wipedowns. My daughter clears the table and wipes it with one of these. They're small enough she can actually squeeze them out herself.
S&T INC., Microfiber Cleaning Cloths, 5 Pack, 12 in. x 12 in.
Pair a refillable bottle with concentrate and your kid has their own cleaning station. My daughter labels hers with stickers. She takes ownership because it feels like it's hers.
Casabella Infuse Home Hardwood Floor Spray Mop Kit
Use these if sustainability matters to your family. My daughter learned about recycling at school and now she insists on eco-friendly everything. These fit the bill and actually absorb well.
Full Circle Renew Collection All-Purpose Recycled Plastic
Grab the variety pack with different textures. My daughter figured out on her own that the waffle-weave one works better on glass. Watching her problem-solve with cleaning tools is honestly great.
Buff Pro Multi-Surface Microfiber Towel - 12 Pack
Floor Cleaners Safe for Bare Feet and Crawling Siblings
My youngest still crawls on the kitchen floor and puts her hands in her mouth immediately after. Every floor cleaner had to pass the ‘baby licks the floor’ safety standard in our house.
Try this if your floors need mopping but your toddler is right behind you licking the tile. Plant-based, no residue, and the eucalyptus keeps it smelling fresh for hours after.
Aunt Fannie's Floor Cleaner Vinegar Wash
Use this on hardwood without worrying about damage or chemical residue. I mop our living room while my daughter does the hallway. She's careful with the Swiffer now, barely any drips.
Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner, Free & Clear
Grab this for quick spot cleaning. My daughter squirts it on a spill, mops it with a cloth, and moves on. No bucket needed. The lemon ginger smells like something you'd want to drink.
method Squirt + Mop Hard Floor Cleaner, ginger yuzu
Keep this for deep mopping days. It doesn't leave a sticky film like some natural cleaners do. I walked barefoot after mopping and my feet didn't feel tacky. That's my personal test.
Better Life, Simply Floored, Natural Floor Cleaner
Switch to this if you have real hardwood. It's specifically formulated so it won't warp or dull the finish. My daughter uses the spray mop version and does her bedroom floor herself every weekend.
Bona Spray Mop for Hardwood Floors Kit
Snag this concentrated version if you mop a lot. One bottle makes gallons. We have three bathrooms and this lasts us about four months. Smells clean without smelling like a hospital.
Ecos Floor Cleaner, Plant-Powered, Lemon + Sage, Bottle
Try the concentrate if you're tired of buying new bottles constantly. Mix it yourself and fill a spray mop. My daughter helped me measure the ratio and now she thinks she's a chemist.
Puracy Natural Multi-Surface Cleaner Concentrate
Pair this mop with any safe cleaner and hand it to your kid. The handle adjusts short enough for my daughter. She mops her bathroom floor every Sunday. I haven't done it in months.
O-Cedar ProMist MAX Microfiber Spray Mop, Large Head Flip
Use this for the kid who wants the easiest possible option. Press a button, it sprays, they mop. My daughter started with this because the learning curve was basically zero. Still her go-to.
Kit
Toilet Cleaning Tools That Don't Gross Kids Out
Getting my daughter anywhere near the toilet was a battle until I found tools that felt less disgusting to her. The right brush and cleaner made the difference between ‘ew no’ and ‘okay fine.’
Grab this immediately if your kid refuses to touch a toilet brush. Click on a fresh head, swirl the bowl, pop it off into the trash. My daughter does it without gagging now. Victory.
Clorox ToiletWand Disposable Toilet Cleaning System
Use this plant-based cleaner if you want to skip bleach entirely. Squirt it under the rim, let it sit, flush. My daughter handles this step while I do the outside of the toilet.
Seventh Generation Professional Toilet Bowl Cleaner 32 fl
Try this for hard water rings that build up over the week. The tea tree cuts through mineral deposits and the peppermint makes the bathroom smell decent. My kid doesn't mind the task anymore.
Pack of 6, Better Life Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Keep one of these in each bathroom. The angled neck reaches under the rim easily. My daughter can aim it without making a mess, which was honestly my biggest concern when she started helping.
Customer reviews for Method Antibacterial Toilet Bowl
Snag this if your kid already loves Scrub Daddy products. The wand keeps hands far from the bowl and the caddy holds it upright. My daughter calls it her toilet sword. Whatever works.
Scrub Daddy Dissolving Toilet System Refills, 6 Count
Switch to this European brand if you want something biodegradable. It clings to the bowl instead of running straight into the water. More contact time means less scrubbing for little arms.
Ecover Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Pine Fresh, 25 Ounce
Pair this with the matching hand soap so your kid's bathroom smells consistent. My daughter picked out the lemon verbena everything and her bathroom genuinely smells better than mine now.
Mrs. Meyer’s, Toilet Bowl Cleaner, 24 fl oz
Use this when you need actual disinfecting power but don't want bleach. The hydrogen peroxide formula is less harsh on lungs. I feel okay letting my daughter use it with the door open.
LYSOL® Hydrogen Peroxide Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Toss your old gross brush and get this enclosed one. The canister hides the brush so my daughter doesn't see it dripping. Out of sight, out of mind. She actually puts it back now.
OXO Good Grips Compact Toilet Brush & Canister - Gray
Dusting Tools Kids Think Are Actually Fun
Dusting was the chore my daughter flat out refused until I bought tools that felt more like toys. Turns out the right duster makes all the difference between a fight and a kid who volunteers.
Grab the extendable handle version. My daughter reaches ceiling fan blades by standing on her bed and thinks she's on a mission. The fluffy head traps dust instead of pushing it around.
Customer reviews for Swiffer Dusters Heavy Duty
Use this for shelves and dressers. The head pops off and goes in the washing machine. My daughter dusts her entire bookshelf in about three minutes and the head catches everything.
OXO Good Grips Microfiber Hand Duster
Try the flexible neck for getting behind her TV and around picture frames. It bends at weird angles so she doesn't have to move furniture. Less frustration means she actually finishes the job.
Casabella Microfiber Chenille Duster Refill
Keep this in your kid's room so they always have one handy. My daughter grabs it during commercial breaks and dusts her nightstand. The handle is lightweight enough that her wrist doesn't get tired.
Pledge Fluffy Duster Starter Pack 1 Wand 2 Refills
Snag this reusable option for the eco-minded family. No spray needed, just wipe. My daughter uses it on her desk and mirror frame. Wash it, dry it, use it again. Simple enough for any kid.
Cleaning & Dusting Wand
Dampen this and run it along baseboards. My daughter discovered it picks up pet hair from the couch too. Now she ‘dusts’ the dog hair off the sofa cushions every Saturday morning.
Scrub Daddy, Damp Duster Sponge
Try this telescoping wand for high shelves. My daughter extends it all the way and pretends she's a wizard casting cleaning spells. I don't care about the fantasy as long as the dust is gone.
Libman, Dusting Wand, Microfiber, Bendable 18 in Green
Stock up on refills so you never run out mid-chore. Nothing kills a kid's motivation faster than 'we'll finish next week.' I keep a box in the closet and my daughter grabs a new head herself.
Swiffer Duster Refills, Unscented, 18 Count
Use these on dusty surfaces that also need a light scrub, like windowsills with grime buildup. My daughter scrubs the kitchen windowsill where crumbs collect. They're gentle enough she can't damage anything.
Full Circle, In A Nutshell, Walnut Scrubber Sponge
Laundry Products Kids Can Help Measure and Pour
My daughter begged to help with laundry but liquid detergent was a spill disaster every time. Pods and simpler products let her load the machine and feel like she's really contributing.
Grab these pods for the easiest handoff ever. My daughter drops one in the drum, closes the door, presses start. No measuring, no spilling, no sticky blue puddles on my laundry room floor.
Seventh Generation Free and Clear Laundry Detergent Packs
Use these if your kid has eczema or sensitive skin like mine. Dermatologist recommended and my daughter's arms stopped itching after we switched from our old scented detergent. Wish I'd changed sooner.
Mighty Pacs Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent
Try the liquid version if your kid is old enough to pour carefully. My daughter uses the measuring cap and treats it like a cooking show. She announces ‘one capful’ very seriously every time.
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Laundry Detergent, Lavender Scent
Snag these if you care about the packaging too. They ship in compostable packaging. My daughter learned about ocean plastic at school and now refuses products in big plastic jugs.
Dropps Laundry Detergent Pods, Unscented
Keep this affordable option around for big loads. Six ingredients, no dyes, no weird perfumes. My daughter can read every word on the label, which she does out loud every single time.
Arm & Hammer Clean & Simple, 77 Loads Liquid Laundry
Use this to teach your kid about sorting clothes. My daughter separates darks from lights now and adds this for the dark load. She's eight and already knows more about laundry care than my college roommate did.
Woolite, Darks Defense Liquid Laundry Detergent, 66 Loads, 100oz
Toss the scented sheets and switch to these. My daughter pulls clothes from the washer, throws in a sheet, and starts the dryer. The whole cycle takes her five minutes and she's genuinely proud.
Bounce Free & Gentle Dryer Sheets, Unscented, 240 Count
Pair this with a small scoop and let your kid pre-treat stains. My daughter scoops powder into a basin of water and soaks her grass-stained soccer socks. She calls it her ‘stain lab.’
OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover Powder
Try this for sporty kids with smelly gear. My daughter's soccer bag used to clear a room. One wash with this and the shin guards smelled neutral. She helps sort her own sports laundry now.
HEX Performance Laundry Detergent
Dish Cleaning Supplies for After-Dinner Helpers
My rule is whoever cooks doesn't clean up. Since my daughter started ‘cooking’ (making sandwiches counts), she also started washing dishes. These products make that possible without me worrying about harsh soap on her hands.
Grab this because it's gentle on hands but tough on grease. My daughter washes her own lunch containers after school. Her hands aren't dry or cracked anymore like they were with our old dish soap.
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Liquid Dish Soap
Use the fragrance-free version if your kid puts their hands near their face constantly. No dyes, no synthetic fragrances. My daughter rinses dishes and her eyes never sting from the suds.
Liquid Trading
Keep these at the sink because kids love the face. My daughter names each one and retires them when they wear out. She scrubs plates without complaining because she thinks the sponge is her pet.
Scrub Daddy, Scrub Sponges, Multipurpose, Colorful
Try this brush with built-in soap dispenser. My daughter pushes the button on top and soap comes through the bristles. No fumbling with a slippery bottle. She handles pots and pans with this thing.
Full Circle Home - Bubble Up Dish Brush - White - 1 Count
Switch to this if you want plant-derived everything. It lathers well even in hard water. My daughter was frustrated when our old soap barely bubbled. This one gives her the suds she wants.
Better Life Dish Soap, All Natural, Lemon Mint
Snag this for the kid who wants to scrub like a grown-up. The long handle keeps little fingers away from sharp knife edges in the sink. My daughter uses it on cutting boards and baking sheets.
OXO NEW Good Grips Soap Dispensing Dish Brush
Pair this with warm water and your kid can wash produce too. My daughter rinses apples and grapes with a tiny drop of this. It's food-safe and rinses completely clean.
Customer reviews for Puracy Natural Dish Soap Refill
Grab the small size so they actually fit kid hands. My daughter wears these when she washes dishes and feels very official about it. Keeps her hands dry and she doesn't mind hot water.
Casabella WaterBlock Premium Cleaning Gloves, Medium
Toss one of these to your kid for stuck-on oatmeal bowls. They're safe on non-stick pans so even if she scrubs too hard, nothing gets scratched. Peace of mind for me, independence for her.
Scotch-Brite Zero Scratch Scour Pads, 3 Pack
Organizing Bins So Kids Know Where Supplies Go
Cleaning supplies scattered under the sink was a recipe for chaos. Once I gave everything a labeled bin, my daughter started putting things back without being asked. Organization taught itself.
Grab a caddy for each bathroom. My daughter carries hers from the closet to the counter and back. Everything stays together, nothing gets lost, and she doesn't leave spray bottles on the floor anymore.
mDesign Plastic Shower Caddy Storage Organizer Utility
Use these under the sink to separate products by room. My daughter knows the blue basket is bathroom stuff and the green one is kitchen. She picks the right basket without asking me.
Sterilite Small Ultra™ Plastic Stacking Storage Basket, White
Try repurposing a shower caddy as a cleaning caddy. It has drainage holes so wet cloths don't get mildewy. My daughter hangs hers on a hook inside the closet door. Smart kid, honestly.
Mainstays Portable Shower Caddy, Frosty White Plastic
Keep this lazy Susan under the kitchen sink. My daughter spins it to find what she needs instead of pulling everything out. Before this, she'd knock over three bottles looking for the glass cleaner.
Customer reviews for iDesign Linus Lazy Susan Turntable
Snag the mesh so your kid can see what's inside without opening anything. My daughter identifies her cleaning cloth basket from across the room. Visual access reduced her ‘where is it’ questions by about 90 percent.
Honey Can Do eXcessory Mesh Basket with Built-In
Use these for backup supplies like extra sponges and refills. My daughter restocks her caddy from the bin when something runs out. She feels responsible and I don't have to micromanage inventory.
IRIS USA 6 Qt. Plastic Storage Bins with Lids
Pair this shelf with labeled bins and your under-sink area becomes a mini store. My daughter helped me set it up and she takes pride in keeping it neat. She corrects her brother when he messes it up.
Simple Houseware 2-Tier Bathroom Under-Sink Pull Out
Toss these on the inside of cabinet doors for hanging spray bottles. My daughter hooks her bathroom cleaner on the door and grabs it without reaching deep into the cabinet. Accessible and tidy.
Command Wire Toggle Hooks, Clear, Medium, 6 Wall Hooks
Grab these waterproof labels for every bin and bottle. My daughter labeled everything herself with a marker. She spelled ‘bathroom’ wrong but the system works. That label is staying as is forever.
Talented Kitchen Pantry Labels for Food Containers
Reward Charts and Chore Tools That Keep Kids Motivated
Buying the right products was only half the battle. My daughter needed a system that made her want to keep going. These tools turned cleaning from a punishment into something she tracks like a video game score.
Grab this magnetic chart for daily chores. My daughter moves the magnet from ‘to do’ to ‘done’ and it gives her the same dopamine hit as leveling up in a game. Visible progress matters so much at this age.
Melissa & Doug Magnetic Responsibility Chart
Use these printable sheets for custom chore lists. I wrote specific tasks like ‘wipe bathroom counter’ and ‘dust bookshelf.’ My daughter checks them off with a marker and we review together on Sundays.
Juvale Sticker Chart for Kids' Behavior
Keep this on the fridge where everyone sees it. My daughter's chores are listed next to her brother's. The friendly competition between them means both bathrooms get cleaned without me saying a word.
Magnetic Black Dry Erase Chore Chart for Multiple Kids
Snag gold stars for completed tasks. My daughter earns a sticker per chore and trades 10 stars for screen time. Old school system but it works better than any app I've tried. Physical stickers hit different.
Carson Dellosa Stars Motivational Stickers (0640)
Try this tear-off pad for weekly resets. Each Monday my daughter gets a fresh sheet. Something about a clean page motivates her to fill it up. We've been doing this since January and she hasn't lost interest.
Kids Planners and Chore Charts
Pair this timer with cleaning tasks. My daughter races the clock to beat her record for wiping down the bathroom. Her personal best is four minutes and twelve seconds. She announced it at dinner.
Learning Resources Time Tracker Visual Timer & Clock
Grab a dedicated cleaning apron so your kid feels official. My daughter puts hers on before chore time like she's suiting up. It has pockets for her duster and cloth. She designed a name tag for it.
Hearth & Hand With Magnolia Kids' Apron & Glove 3 Piece
Use these for labeling bins, decorating chore charts, and writing reminders. My daughter writes ‘CLEAN ME’ on sticky notes and puts them on surfaces she thinks need attention. She's become the house inspector.
Crayola Washable Fine Line Markers 10 Ct for Kids
Keep a small whiteboard in your kid's room for their personal task list. My daughter writes three cleaning goals each week and erases them when done. She started this on her own after seeing mine in the kitchen.
U BRANDS, Contempo Magnetic Dry Erase Whiteboard