It's happened to all of us - you reach for your trusty pen or highlighter, only to find that it's dried out and unusable. It's a frustrating experience, but fear not! With a few simple tricks, you can breathe new life into those seemingly dead office supplies.
The Pen Predicament
Pens are the backbone of any office, and when they stop working, it can really throw a wrench in your productivity. The culprit behind dried out pens is usually evaporation - the ink inside the pen dries up over time, especially if the cap is left off. But don't toss that pen just yet!
First, try removing the cap and gently blowing into the tip of the pen. This can sometimes dislodge any dried ink and get the flow going again. If that doesn't work, try submerging the tip in warm water for a few minutes. The water can rehydrate the ink and get your pen back in working order.
Another trick is to use a small amount of rubbing alcohol. Dip a cotton swab in some isopropyl alcohol and gently rub it onto the tip of the pen. The alcohol can help dissolve the dried ink. Just be sure not to oversaturate the pen, as too much alcohol can damage the internal components.
Sharpie Savers
Sharpies are office workhorses, but they can also fall victim to the dreaded dried out fate. The good news is, Sharpies are relatively easy to revive.
Start by removing the cap and placing the Sharpie tip-down in a cup of warm water. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes, then try scribbling on a piece of paper. The water should have rehydrated the ink, getting your Sharpie back in action.
If that doesn't work, you can try the rubbing alcohol trick, just like with pens. Dip a cotton swab in some isopropyl and gently rub it onto the Sharpie tip. This can help dissolve any dried ink blockages.
Highlighter Hacks
Highlighters are essential for marking up documents and notes, but they can be just as susceptible to drying out. Luckily, there are a few ways to bring those highlighters back from the brink.
First, try the warm water soak method. Submerge the highlighter tip in warm water for 5-10 minutes, then test it out. The water should rehydrate the ink and get the highlighter flowing again.
Another option is to use a few drops of glycerin. Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it helps retain moisture. Simply put a few drops of glycerin onto the highlighter tip and let it soak in. This can help rehydrate the ink and revive your highlighter.
With a little bit of effort, you can breathe new life into your dried out pens, Sharpies, and highlighters. No more tossing those office essentials - revive them and get back to work! And remember, prevention is key - always replace caps and store your supplies properly to avoid drying out in the first place.
Happy writing, highlighting, and inking!