How to Fix Dried Out Dry Erase Markers (Easy Methods). I am about to write a remarkable document that will change the course of my life. The scratching sound I heard when I moved the marker across the paper was all that I could hear. It had dried out and there was no ink. This sounds familiar? Well, here are five easy methods on how to fix dried out dry erase markers.
Utilizing Water
Although dry erase marker ink is not water-soluble, water still works in getting it flowing again. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Pour hot water in a container you don’t mind getting stained. Although hot and cold water work equally well, it is faster to use warm water. Hot water is faster at dispersing ink; it produces quicker results.
Step 2 – Place the dry erase marker tip into the bowl. Allow it to sit for approximately 5 minutes.
Step 3: Remove the marker and put it on a towel to dry. Make sure to leave it uncapped.
Step 4: Check the marker every hour to make sure it doesn’t completely dry out again and lose its capacity to write. It should be good to go once the tip is water-free.
Step 5: Re-cap the marker. Dry erase markers can dry out if they are left uncapped for too long.
Bonus Tip: Injecting Water
If a skinny syringe is available, injecting the marker tip with water is a viable option.
Step 1: Fill the needle with water.
Step 2: Insert the needle in the marker’s tip, right into the body.
Step 3: Slowly pour water into the marker. Slow pushing of water allows the air inside the marker to drain out while adding moisture.
Step 4: Replace the cap.
Flipping the Tip
This method is unique and fun for me. It can also get messy quickly if you are not careful. I found that you could take the felt tip out of the barrel and flip it. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Place the marker tip on top.
Step 2: Use a pair of needle-nosed, swivel pliers to carefully remove the felt tip from within the marker’s barrel. This is where you need to be very careful. You risk spilling ink everywhere if you aren’t careful.
Step 3: Disconnect the ink cartridge form the barrel.
Step 4 – Flip the tip over and place it back in the marker. I was surprised to find out that both ends of the felt tip are chisel tips.
Step 5: Reassemble your marker.
Flipping the tip isn’t a permanent fix. But it is one of the quickest ways to write with the marker on short notice.
The Alcoholic Method
Dry erase markers use alcohol as a solvent for the color pigments. Therefore, it makes much more sense to use alcohol to get the tip breathing again.
Step 1: Place a small amount (or rubbing alcohol) in a small container. The alcohol should be enough to cover the tip of the marker.
Step 2: Soak your marker’s tip in alcohol until it starts to bubble up.
Step 3: Cover the marker with alcohol and allow it to sit upside down for one day. Once the alcohol has penetrated the entire felt tip, it should be slowly removed.
Bonus Tip: Injecting Alcohol
Just like with the water solution, injecting alcohol also works. It’s precisely the same process, too!
Step 1: Fill the syringe using rubbing alcohol.
Step 2: Insert needle into tip.
Step 3: Push the alcohol and air out slowly into the marker’s body.
Ethanol – The Organic Alcohol
One type of alcohol that is a potent solvent is ethanol. Organic ethanol, also known as ethyl or grain alcohol, can be called ethanol. It is less toxic. Here’s how to fix a dried out dry erase marker with ethanol.
Step 1: Tip the marker up.
Step 2: Use a needle-nosed plier to pull the nib out.
Step 3: Add a little ethanol to the marker’s body.
Step 4 – Replace the nib.
Step 5: Let the marker sit tip-side down for a few minutes before trying to write with it.
Step 6: Remove the cap.
Bonus Tip: Injecting Ethanol
The exact process of injecting liquid into the marker works with ethanol.
Ethanol works best if the marker has more ink. Ethanol can be used to release marker color pigments. It is a strong solvent.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a household liquid readily available. It is also a quick alternative when it comes to reviving dried out dry erase markers.
Step 1: Place the marker’s tip on a small bowl.
Step 2: Apply a little vinegar to the tip. A couple of drops should be enough. Make sure not to put too much vinegar – it will damage the tip.
Step 3: Allow the marker tip to soak in the vinegar for about a minute.
Step 4: Dry the tip before replacing the cap.
Final Thoughts
I hope that these easy methods are helpful! These five easy methods on how to fix dried out dry erase markers are super effective. I don’t have to scratch my head in frustration every time my markers decide to fail on me.
