Mom shares genius hack to bring dried-up markers back to life: 'Where was this hack 100 dried-out markers ago?'

Parents, caregivers, and teachers know the existential crisis that a dried-up marker can cause.

Well, one TikToker had a life-saving tip to revive those essential instruments of creativity.

The scoop

Chelsea Dyan (@gratefulheartcollective), who is "all about simple hacks to make moms' lives easier," shared this gem, writing, "Never throw out a dried out marker again!"

@gratefulheartcollective Never throw out a dried out marker again! Even if your toddler "forgets" to put the lid back on, you can still save their marker with just a little water! 💦 #momhacks #momhack #toddlermom #lifehack #markerhack ♬ Very cute melody by marimba tone(39813) - Mitsu Sound

The hack is as easy as they come: pour a little water in the cap, insert the dehydrated marker, and flip it over so it stands upright.

"Let it sit for just a few hours, and your markers will be good as new," she said.

One user was chagrined they hadn't learned about this sooner, writing, "Where was this hack 100 dried-out markers ago?"

Chelsea responded: "Well you can use it for the next 100 markers."

How it's helping

Saving would-be useless markers with this trick keeps them from the trash, which helps in several ways. Perhaps most importantly, you can avoid a meltdown, but you will also keep plastic out of landfills and the environment.

Depending on your mode of transportation, you may reduce your carbon pollution by not having to make a trip to the store. And that will put the most valuable resource back in your pocket as well: time.

Just like everything else these days, school supplies are expensive, increasing in price by nearly 24% in the past two years. So, you also won't have to balance your checkbook after another purchase diminishes your account.