Because you probably have one in your junk drawer right now and because it's fun to see if things like this work. How to fix a dried out Sharpie ...
I shared this tip over a decade ago but have let it languish in obscurity since then. Mainly because my Sharpie was fixed and I didn't need to do it again.
However.
I made a great big batch of applesauce the other day and preserved it in my canner. That is what I did, because I do things like that.
Then, I went to to my newly organized kitchen drawer to grab some labels and a Sharpie for my jars. That's when I saw my Sharpie marker in the drawer sitting quietly beside the Sharpie cap. So I cried. A real gutteral one with feeling. This is what I did, because I do things like that.
I tested the Sharpie, the Sharpie had indeed dried out proving the tears were worth it.
I had an official calamity. Jars that needed labelling and nothing other than countless pencils, pens, and other working Sharpies to label them with.
So I fixed it. Because I do things like that.
Sharpie Saving Supplies
- A dried up Sharpie
- Rubbing alcohol
- paper
- Test the Sharpie again just to make sure. Nope. Doesn't work.
2. Grab a bottle of rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol. 99% is better, but if you only have 70% on hand, use it.
3. Pour some alcohol into the cap of the bottle.
4. Set the Sharpie tip down in the alcohol until you see a bit of ink swirling out from the tip.
5. Put the cap back on and leave the Sharpie to sit for 15 minutes.
6. After 15 minutes, try again. If it's fixable this way, it will be fixed.
That is what I did, because I do things like that. All the time.
This trick will not revive allllll markers. Sometimes, some things are just too far gone to be revived with a little bit of alcohol.
TOP TIP
The same trick will work on regular markers using plain water instead of rubbing alcohol.
MORE ADVANCED METHOD (if the first doesn't work)
If you're really adventurous and quite fond of your Sharpie (or just won't ever give up on anything) you can take the Sharpie apart and drip the rubbing alcohol into the market from the top down. This will saturate everything that might have dried in the marker, not just at the tip.
- To disassemble a Sharpie, grab both ends with vice grips or plyers and pull apart.
- Squeeze about half an eye droppers worth of alcohol into the the top and let it work its way down.
- Keep the marker upright for 10 minutes or so.
- Try the marker.
- If it still isn't working, repeat steps 1-3.
- If it still isn't working buy a new Sharpie.
You might also be interested in my How to Remove Sharpie from Walls post if things get out of control during your fixing a Sharpie routine.
The applesauce is made (I churched it up a bit time with toasted sugar, maple syrup and a bit of caramelizing), labelled and in the cupboard.
My Sharpie is currently resting comfortably in its drawer wearing its protective nightcap.
Does it matter how the sharpie sits for the 15 minutes after the alcohol dip? Lay flat or tip up or down?
Didn’t see any pictures of of that and was kind of disheartened when nobody else asked the question so I guess I’m the only one that didn’t understand the assignment lol
Hi Krystal! Sorry for the delay. Very astute question! However, it doesn't matter. As long as you put the cap on for those 15 minutes you'll be fine; sideways, upside down, or forwards. ~ karen!
I totally agree, if the sharpie you planned on using is not working, a state of emergency must be declared. Everything else must wait, including the other sharpies. I actually got refill ink and mix my own colors. Because that's the kind of thing I do.
Exactly. ~ karen!
If you are a bit of a hoarder (like me?) that drawer of dried out markers can also become alcohol ink! As an artist, I never wanted to throw them out! I'm glad I didn't! Fun stuff! https://www.madebybarb.com/2023/05/06/how-to-make-alcohol-ink-from-old-markers/
...and BTW, why is it the markers from last year are already dry but the ones from 1980 still work??!!!
Barb, that is a beautiful piece.
Awesome tip! It's rare indeed that I leave a lid not securelyin place, but it does happen! Being presently "unhoused" means that the word economy has taken on (multiple) new meaning(s)- as it relates to movement, possessions, emotions, effort, worth/value, et.al., so, "making the most of everything" is a way of life in more ways than ever before.
And PS: I LOVE that I could see dirt stains around your 💅!❣️ 🤩😁👍🫠🥰 Mine are always full of dirt, or stained with the same- probably have been since childhood and mudpies while wearing my Sunday bests! I vow to "wear gloves next time, dork!", but fail miserably at LEAST 98% of the time. Anyway, your dirt made me smile at my dirt and feel mo'betta about me! 😁🤗😚 I thank you, friend.🧡🫂
PSS: PLEASE don't be offended, or try to airbrush your blessed dirt out of existence!!!🙏🙏🙏 Imperfections make us human; being homeless makes me invisible 🥺 and it hurts to not be seen.
Being invisible makes for a lonely existence, but occasionally, I see something that reminds me that I AM still a human being, ...and so is everyone else, therefore I am not TRULY invisible! You see??? THAT, your dirt, my dirt, is what TRULY makes us human; our humanity, our flaws that teach us compassion, and compassion that teaches us how to show love- love that we SHARE with others ❤️
My gratitude, ma'am, for sharing. God bless you. 🙌
Now if you can tell me how to fix ink pens that clearly have plenty of ink but are too lazy to write...
I must say that I'm thoroughly enjoying your site and your wit. You are a Hoot! I currently building an owl box in an effort to finally spot the owl that hoots outside our bedroom window virtually every night. He/she has left his pellets as an offering on the railing of our deck but remains very elusive. The good news is now I can fix a drawer full of Sharpies. I look forward to reading your musings every day and would love to have you as a neighbor and a part-time life advisor. I am living the dream here on Cape Cod.
I'm a retired middle school principal, avid golfer, birdcarver, artist, and gardener.
Thank you Karen, I have a problem with pens and Sharpies. Separation anxiety. They must work forever if they are my favs. I believe, I believe... ;)
Well then in support of you, I believe, I believe as well. ~ karen!
😆 🤣 😂 I am a retired RN, so I resemble that remark! So much so, that I hold onto those favorites...in hopes that the ink-holder of some disliked pen will fit into- and therefore ressurect- a beloved fave!!!
WHAT IS TOASTED SUGAR? Never (I'm 78) heard of that before. But it could be I have and now have forgotten - even if it was yesterday. Anyway, it sounds like something I need or don't need but want. I would think that toasting it in a pan would cause it to melt. Please enlighten me.
Hi Mary, you toast sugar in the oven. I had never heard of it either until last year. It's a delicate process, lol. But it gives the sugar a different, caramelized flavour. ~ karen!