How to Fix Dried Crayola Markers

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Replace marker caps immediately after use to prevent their drying out.
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Crayola marker tips, or nibs, dry out if left uncovered for an extended period of time, leaving a marker full of ink that will not work correctly. Accidents happen, and caps are easily lost or left off markers, especially by eager young artists. Use a trick to bring new life to dried-out Crayola markers instead of tossing them into the garbage can.

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Super Soaking

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Fill a small bowl with 1 to 2 inches of warm water. Place the uncapped, dried-out tip of the Crayola marker into the water and let it soak for 1 to 2 minutes. Replace the cap onto the marker and wait 24 hours. Test the Crayola marker on a piece of paper to see if ink is now flowing correctly through the nib.

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Smart Storage

You can bring back all Crayola markers to life with water, especially if they have been left out to dry for longer periods of time. Crayola claims that its traditional markers will not dry out if the cap is replaced within 24 hours of use, so replace caps as quickly as possible. Always store Crayola markers with the caps on, standing vertically with the caps facing down to keep ink flowing to the tips.

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