When plasticine (or Play-Doh) dries it becomes hard, crumbly and difficult to shape. The ingredients that make up this material are very simple; the main ones are water, salt and flour. To make it soft again you need to add water. Read on, you will find so many other verified methods you could try.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Kneading Water into the Plasticine
Step 1. Add some water
Put the Play-Doh in a small cup or bowl and then drop a drop of water on it; just make sure you don't soak it. Work slowly, adding one drop at a time, so you don't risk putting in too much. Try filling in the cracks.
If you need to soften a large amount, then start with more than one drop of water. Try a full teaspoon
Step 2. Knead the material
Use your fingers to let the water penetrate deeply. Shape the Play-Doh like a ball, stretch it, pull it and fold it back on itself. If after 15-20 seconds of this treatment it is still hard, add another drop of water and continue kneading.
Step 3. Be consistent
Keep pouring water and manipulating the play dough until it's soft again. Don't worry if it looks wet and muddy, just keep working it. In a matter of minutes, it should be as soft and malleable as it was just purchased.
Method 2 of 3: Wrap the Dough in Wet Paper
Step 1. Wrap a sheet of damp paper around the Play-Doh
You can use toilet paper, a handkerchief, a napkin, or another object made of soft blotting paper. Run the water over the sheet to soak it completely. Then wrap it around the play dough.
- This method is a good alternative if you have already tried to knead the water in the Play-Doh with no success. The technique described above is undoubtedly the simplest, but it doesn't always work.
- Check that the material is relatively compact. Try to shape it into a ball or lump. This will make it easier to cover with wet paper.
Step 2. Transfer the play dough to an airtight container
You can use the original Play-Doh container, if you have it, or a small Tupperware. Make sure it's airtight so the moisture on the paper doesn't evaporate.
Step 3. Let the Play-Doh soak up the water all night
Wait about a day before removing it from the container. Afterward, get rid of the paper that should no longer be damp. Feel the material: squeeze it and pull it. See if it's soft enough.
- If it still hasn't softened, add more water and knead it directly. Plasticine is mainly made up of water, salt and flour, so you should be able to restore the right balance by hydrating it with enough water.
- If despite your repeated efforts it still doesn't feel soft, then it's time to throw it away. Consider buying or making a new one.
Method 3 of 3: with water and a bag
Step 1. Break the crumbly Play-Doh into small pieces
Break it into small pieces so that it absorbs water more quickly. Since the material has become hard, it shouldn't be a difficult task. If it is very dry, be careful not to spread it everywhere!
Step 2. Transfer the plasticine pieces to a plastic bag
Make sure this is sealable and waterproof. Zip lock bags are ideal, but you can also use regular bags if you take care to tie the opening securely.
Step 3. Pour some water over the play dough
Seal the bag and then "massage" the contents. Start with a few drops of water, to avoid damage, and continue adding as you work the dough. Do not overdo it, otherwise it will release the color and the bag will be too wet. Go slowly and methodically. Keep kneading the play dough until it's soft again.
Step 4. Let the contents of the bag rest overnight
Wait for it to absorb excess moisture, being careful to seal it to prevent the water from evaporating. In a matter of hours, the playdough should be soft, pliable, and flawless - like new! The exact amount of time depends on how much water and how much material you used.
Don't take it out of the bag until it feels dry enough. If it was still very wet, the color would transfer to your hands
Advice
- If the clay is still hard, keep adding water.
- If it doesn't soften, throw it away. If it doesn't return to its original consistency, buy some more or make it yourself.
- If none of the methods described here bring the desired results, simply soak the plasticine ball in water for 15 minutes. During this time, it should absorb enough to become soft again. Know that the color may transfer to the hands!
