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How To Fix Dried Out Water Based Markers

What you need

  1. How To Fix Dried Out Water Based Markers, How To Fix Dried Out Water Based Markers: step 1, image 1 of 1
    • Obtain the items necessary.

    • 2 Tablespoons Of Vinegar

    • 3 Cups Of Warm Water

    • The Dried Out Water Based Marker

    • Make sure the marker is water based. If not, check the packaging if available. Steps 1-6 will not work on permanent markers. However, step 7 can be used for dried out permanent markers.

    • A Small Bowl

    • A Paper Towel

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  2. How To Fix Dried Out Water Based Markers: step 2, image 1 of 3 How To Fix Dried Out Water Based Markers: step 2, image 2 of 3 How To Fix Dried Out Water Based Markers: step 2, image 3 of 3
    • Fill the bowl with 3 cups of warm water.

    • You can use cold water - warm water allows for quicker solution.

    • Make sure the water is not boiling! It will ruin your marker!

    • Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar into the bowl with water.

    • Mix in the vinegar.

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  3. How To Fix Dried Out Water Based Markers: step 3, image 1 of 3 How To Fix Dried Out Water Based Markers: step 3, image 2 of 3 How To Fix Dried Out Water Based Markers: step 3, image 3 of 3
    • Place the marker tip down into the bowl.

    • Make sure the cap is off the marker. Set the cap aside for later use.

    • The marker can slip into the bowl. It just results in a longer drying time.

    • Allow the marker to sit for approximately 5 minutes in the water.

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  4. How To Fix Dried Out Water Based Markers: step 4, image 1 of 3 How To Fix Dried Out Water Based Markers: step 4, image 2 of 3 How To Fix Dried Out Water Based Markers: step 4, image 3 of 3
    • Remove the marker from the bowl and place onto the paper towel.

    • Do not remove the marker until some ink is released into water.

    • Wrap the marker in the paper towel and allow it to sit.

    • Wait approximately two minutes.

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  5. How To Fix Dried Out Water Based Markers: step 5, image 1 of 1
    • Be sure to place the cap back on the marker.

    • Make sure you lay the marker on its side.

    • Allow the marker to sit for up to 15 minutes before you start writing with it.

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  6. How To Fix Dried Out Water Based Markers: step 6, image 1 of 1
    • Pick up the marker and start writing.

    • Watch as the once dried out marker starts to work again.

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  7. How To Fix Dried Out Water Based Markers: step 7, image 1 of 1
    • If the marker does not work after steps 1-5, try placing the tip end in the vinegar alone and let sit in the vinegar for 2 minutes.

    • Do not be alarmed if some ink leaks into the vinegar, that is normal.

    • Allow the marker to dry for at least 15 minutes before you start using it.

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Conclusion

Repeat as necessary for all water based markers.

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22 other people completed this guide.

Kyle Ringler

Member since: 04/09/15

745 Reputation

1 Guide authored

Team

Cal Poly, Team 28-4, Green Spring 2015 Member of Cal Poly, Team 28-4, Green Spring 2015

CPSU-GREEN-S15S28G4

6 Members

24 Guides authored

3 Guide Comments

I had been throwing my dried up highlighters for years...thanks so much for sharing this info

Josephine Benjamin - Reply Share

Works very, very well! Thank you, Kyle…

Melissa Herrera - Reply Share

Agreed! Thank you so much still in 2021!

childofangel - Reply Share

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