Taking good and extra care of your markers may seem optional, but doing so prevents these writing tools from losing their function and degrading their quality. This includes storing them properly!
Practicing proper ways of how to store dry erase markers has a significant impact on the longevity of the pens! Keeping them in the right way also maintains their functionality and preserves their quality over a long period. Not to mention, it keeps your house clean and in order. So, let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
5 Methods to Store Dry Erase Markers
Method #1: Use a transparent storage box!
Plastic storage boxes are useful for organizing many objects– from clothing to stationery! Using these for your markers will prevent them from getting misplaced, mainly if you use those with dividers since you can spot if there are missing pens!
Some storage boxes, such as the jot marker storage container, come with handles to carry it easier and are thinner in shape. These are boxes made more portable.
A transparent feature in a storage box is also helpful for avoiding haphazardly organizing them, in case you want to stack multiple boxes containing varying objects in one place.
Another bonus point is that your markers won’t accumulate dust and dirt as they are inside the box!
Method #2: Use a marker storage bag!
Although storage bags have similar uses as storage boxes, some people opt for bags as they usually have slings to swing around the shoulder and carry them.
Storage bags typically feature canvas material to provide durability and versatility. That is why it is not surprising that companies manufacture canvas bags explicitly made to store markers!
Marker storage bags also come with compartments to better organize the shades and shapes of your pens. Of course, these bags also have zippers to seal the contents properly and prevent losing them.
Some bags are even made waterproof to protect your markers when carried outdoors!
Method #3: Use a magnetic dry erase marker holder!
A magnetic marker holder can be any type of container placed on a magnetic surface beside your writing area or on a magnetic whiteboard itself.
It can be in the form of a pocket, pouch, rack, or clip.
Magnetic racks and other containers are built strong enough to hold erasers, rags, or other items you need when working with dry-erase markers! You may also opt for those with compartments to arrange the markers better.
Meanwhile, magnetic clips are not exactly containers, but these can store your marker in one place. Clips are usually wrapped around your marker pen so you can stick them on the surface.
Some clips also have an eraser feature to instantly erase the writings on the surface while keeping your markers within reach!
Method #4: Use a multipurpose desk organizer!
Storing your marker pens in areas where you usually write is a clever way to keep your stationery materials filed and convenient for use. So, a multipurpose desk organizer may be a great item to store Expo markers on your desk!
Not to mention that they come in different sizes and shapes. Some have slightly angled compartments so the pens won’t easily tumble over; others also have a handle to provide portability.
Additionally, these desk organizers are transparent, which lets you see the marker colors when picking them for your project.
Method #5: Practice your resourcefulness!
Practice your creativity beyond using pens and paper! Fascinatingly, you may use any object that would efficiently hold markers– not too tall that you won’t be able to see its contents and not too short that it wouldn’t hold the pens very well.
So, these containers can be reused or recycled, such as a mug, can, or a modified item, to make it look upcycled and more coherent to your room’s aesthetic.
However, you must know that following some tips and knowing what to avoid in storing markers are vital to prolonging the longevity of your marker pens. Here are some dos and don’ts of storing a marker pen!
The Dos and Don’ts of Storing a Marker Pen
Do store them vertically, nib facing down!
Storing them vertically is a dry erase marker hack you must religiously follow, as it keeps the marker nib soaked in ink.
Do keep the marker cap on!
If your dry erase marker fades away, you may have left it without a cap for a long time. When this happens, you will have to restore dry erase marker by refilling it.
This is why you must always put the marker cap on, especially if you are not using the pen, to prevent the ink from evaporating.
Do store them in a ziplock bag!
Air plays a significant role in keeping the marker working! So, another dry erase marker hack is to enclose them in a ziplock bag before organizing them in your chosen container. This helps protect your marker from drying out quickly.
Don’t store them vertically, nib facing up!
Dry erase markers can dry out so quickly when placed upside down, where the nib is facing upwards. So, leaving the markers stagnant in that position may not be the best way to store markers.
Don’t store them under direct sunlight!
Concerning the area where you situate your markers, do not place them under direct sunlight, as it may affect the quality of your marker!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep dry erase markers from drying out?
Suggestions such as leaving the cap on and storing them nib facing upwards are two ways to keep your dry erase markers from drying out.
How long do dry erase markers last in storage?
Following the tips and avoiding what needs to be avoided can keep your marker working for a few years. Failing to do so will have you reviving your pens from time to time.
What can you use instead of a dry erase marker?
Wet erase markers are the closest types to dry erase markers! These pens use paste instead of alcohol as the main component.
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as Expo dry erase markers water based. Dry erase markers are alcohol based pens for a reason.
Conclusion
There are no specifics on which container is best to store dry erase markers. So, do not limit yourself to what is available in the local stationery shops!
Choosing the suitable marker container is one thing but learning the proper way to situate the pens is another.
With that, we can safely say that knowing how to store dry erase markers is not just having the resources you need but also the knowledge of positioning your marker. So, having both can retain the longevity of your marker pens!