Nothing is meant to last forever and dried-out markers happen. While dead markers have a tendency to make themselves known at inopportune times, it's usually easy enough to grab a new one. But what if you really need that particular Crayola color for some incredible artwork? Or you need that blue marker to just last to the end of the nearly finished hand-drawn sign? Or the horror of when your favorite marker manufacturer stopped making your favorite style? Obviously the product life will eventually come to an end, and that might be sooner for cheaper markers, but if you're really in a bind, there are a few effective methods with some basic household items that can revive your basic Sharpie and keep it out of the garbage for a bit longer.

You'll Need

  • Warm water
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Plastic or glass containers
  • Paper towels
  • Small pliers or tweezers
  • Plastic wrap (optional)

1. Rehydrate with Water

  • Assess the type of marker: This method works for washable markers like Crayola or other water-based brands.
  • Submerge the tip: Fill a small container with warm water. Submerge the marker tip into the water, allowing it to soak for 5-10 minutes.
  • Blot and test: Remove the marker from the water and blot the tip gently on a paper towel. Test the marker on a piece of paper to see if the color has revived.
  • Repeat if necessary: If the marker isn’t fully revived, you can repeat the soaking process.
A dried-out crayola marker is revived in a cup of water.
Get more life out of your kid's markers. Credit: Emily Fazio

2. Use Rubbing Alcohol for Permanent Markers

  • Remove the marker tip: Carefully use pliers or tweezers to remove the tip of the marker.
  • Soak the tip: Place the removed tip into a small container filled with isopropyl alcohol. Let it soak for a few minutes.
  • Reassemble and test: Reinsert the tip into the marker, then test the marker on paper. The alcohol should dissolve the dried ink and rejuvenate the marker.
  • Seal for storage: Wrap the marker in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out again.
sharpie sitting in a cup of alcohol.
Bring your old permanent marker back to life with a special soak. Credit: Emily Fazio

3. Reviving Dry Erase Markers with Denatured Alcohol

  • Soak the tip: Dip the tip of the marker in ethyl alcohol to remove dried ink.
  • Replace the cap and shake: This will help redistribute the ink.
  • Blot and test: Try the marker on scrap paper.
  • Refill: If this method does not work or it's more than a mildly dried-out marker, you may be able to buy an ink refill and replenish the marker.

4. Try Rehydration for Dual-Tip Markers

  • Remove the caps from both ends: For dual-tip markers, you need to treat both ends simultaneously.
  • Submerge in water or alcohol: Depending on whether it is a water-based marker or alcohol-based, choose the appropriate liquid and submerge both tips. Use a small baking dish so the marker can rest flat.
  • Let them dry: After soaking for several minutes, allow the markers to air dry before recapping.

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Will white vinegar revive a dry marker?

White vinegar is a common household remedy that can work to some extent in rehydrating dry markers, especially those that are water-based types. The acidic nature of vinegar helps to break down dried ink and can rehydrate the felt tip. However, vinegar is not as strong or effective as other solutions like water or rubbing alcohol, especially for permanent or alcohol-based markers. While it may be worth trying to soak the marker tip in vinegar for 5-10 minutes, the results may vary, and it may not fully restore the marker to its original condition.