Step 5: Replace the cap on the marker. The leading cause of dry erase markers drying out is leaving it uncapped for a prolonged period. One type of alcohol that is a potent solvent is ethanol. Ethanol, also called ethyl, grain, or drinking alcohol, is organic. It is less toxic. Here’s how to fix a dried out dry erase marker with ethanol. Step 1: Pour a small amount of isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) into a small container. The alcohol should be enough to cover the tip of the marker.

Step 2: Dampen the tip with just a little bit of vinegar. Two drops should suffice. Make sure not to put too much vinegar – it will damage the tip.Dry erase markers use alcohol as a solvent for the color pigments. Therefore, it makes much more sense to use alcohol to get the tip breathing again.

Step 3: Slowly push water into the marker. Slow pushing of water allows the air inside the marker to drain out while adding moisture. Step 3: Replace the cap of the marker and leave it tip-side up for a day. The alcohol should then slowly penetrate the entirety of the felt tip. Although dry erase marker ink is not water-soluble, water still works in getting it flowing again. Here’s how to do it.Using ethanol works well if there is more ink in the marker. Ethanol is a powerful solvent that will release the color pigments of the marker. Just like with the water solution, injecting alcohol also works. It’s precisely the same process, too!

Step 2: Using a pair of needle-nosed pliers, carefully pull the felt tip out of the barrel of the marker. Being very careful is crucial here. Not being careful risks spilling the ink all over the place.