How to Revive Highlighters

Highlighter markers are relatively inexpensive, but if you're an avid researcher or student, you want to get the most life out of your highlighters as possible. Like markers, highlighters contain a tube saturated with ink, and as the material inside the tube starts to dry up, they will stop sending ink to the tip. Reviving your highlighters is easy and will save you a few extra dollars.

Things You'll Need

• Nail polish remover
• Paper cup
• Rubber gloves

Instructions

1. Fill a disposable paper cup with about 1/2 inch of nail polish remover. You can use acetone or regular nail polish remover. Either one will do the trick.

2. Take the back cap off of your highlighter. You may need to squeeze the highlighter a little bit to nudge it out of place.

3. Put on rubber gloves to keep from getting highlighter ink all over your hands, and remove the ink tube from the marker casing.

4. Place the ink tube into the cup of nail polish remover, and allow the absorbent center to soak up the liquid for one minute. Turn the tube over and insert the other end into the cup to absorb liquid into the other end for 10 minutes.

5. Remove the tube from the nail polish remover and return it to the inside of the marker casing. Replace the lid and push it securely into place.

References

• Every Last Penny: Recharge Permanent Markers
• National Education Association: Reviving Dried Out Markers