Introduction

We've all been there – reaching for a pen, sharpie, or highlighter only to find that it has dried out, leaving you frustrated and without the tool you need. But before you toss these seemingly useless writing instruments into the bin, consider that many of them can be revived with a little bit of care and some clever tricks. In this article, we'll explore how to revive dried out pens, sharpies, and highlighters, saving you money and reducing waste.

1. Pens:

Dried-out ballpoint and gel pens can often be brought back to life. Here's how:

• Warm Water Bath: Fill a cup with warm (not hot) water. Place the pen nib-down into the water, allowing it to soak for a few minutes. This can help dissolve dried ink and get it flowing again.
• Shaking and Tapping: After removing the pen from the water, give it a gentle shake and tap it on a piece of paper. This can help move the ink around and encourage flow.
• Blow Air: If the pen has a removable cap, blow air into the open end to force any dried ink out of the tip.
• Use a Syringe: For pens that have a removable ink cartridge, you can try using a syringe to inject a small amount of water into the cartridge to moisten the ink.

    2. Sharpies:

Dried-out permanent markers, like Sharpies, can sometimes be revived with a bit of patience and ingenuity:

• Rubbing Alcohol: Place the tip of the dried-out Sharpie into a small container of rubbing alcohol. Leave it there for about 15-30 minutes, occasionally shaking the marker gently. This can help dissolve the dried ink and get it flowing again.
• Warm Water Soak: Similar to pens, you can also try soaking the tip of the Sharpie in warm water for a few minutes to loosen the dried ink.

    3. Highlighters:

Reviving dried-out highlighters requires a delicate touch to prevent damaging the tip:

• Water Dabbing: Gently dab the tip of the dried-out highlighter on a wet paper towel. Be careful not to oversaturate the tip, as this can cause the ink to become too diluted.
• Cap Off Storage: Ensure that you always cap your highlighters tightly when not in use. This prevents excessive evaporation and helps maintain the ink's moisture.

    4. Prevention:

To prevent your writing instruments from drying out in the first place:

• Cap Management: Always make sure to cap pens, sharpies, and highlighters securely after use. This prevents air exposure and helps preserve the ink.
• Store Upright: Store your writing instruments upright with the tip facing downward. This can prevent ink from pooling at the tip and drying out.
• Regular Use: If possible, use your pens, sharpies, and highlighters regularly. Regular use helps keep the ink flowing and prevents it from drying inside the tip.