How to Unclog Ball Point Pens

Keep the tip of your ballpoint pen unclogged.

If you have ever picked up a ballpoint pen and noticed that the nib was dried out or crusted over, the pen is most likely clogged. Clogged ballpoint pens will not write on surfaces. The exposed ink on the pen nib often leads to spotting or staining if the pen is kept in a pocket or purse. Because ballpoints are typically inexpensive, you may be inclined to throw the pen away. Instead, be eco-friendly and get full usage out of your ballpoint by unclogging it.

Things You'll Need

• Cloth
• Dish soap
• Small dish
• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton ball

Instructions

Soap and Water

1. Run the clogged tip of the pen under hot, running water.

2. Soak a cloth in hot water and rub in a small amount of dish soap. Wipe the nib with the cloth to remove clogged ink buildup.

3. Run the tip of the pen under hot water again, getting rid of any build-up remnants. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until the ink clog is removed.

Rubbing Alcohol

1. Pour about a cap-full of rubbing alcohol into a small dish or pan.

2. Dip the tip of the pen in the rubbing alcohol and let it soak for about one minute.

3. Pull the pen tip out of the alcohol and wipe it with a cotton ball. Repeat the process until the ink clog is removed.

Tips & Warnings

• Nail polish remover can be used instead of rubbing alcohol.

References

• Concept Art: Dried-Up Rapidograph Pen

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish