Play-Doh, colored clay, is a fun game and a simple activity that entertains children of all ages, whether alone or with friends. Unfortunately, however, cleaning operations are not always as timely as they should and this material left in the air dries quickly, hardens and breaks becoming unusable. Thankfully there are a few methods you can take advantage of to rehydrate Play-Doh and make it soft again, ready for when your kids feel like shaping it again.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Knead with Water
Step 1. Place all of the dried Play-Doh in a bowl
Bring the pieces together by color to avoid getting a single brownish mass. This product is made up mostly of flour, water and salt, so you can revive the hardened plasticine by replenishing the evaporated water.
If the Play-Doh has been exposed to the air for a long time (more than two months) and has become completely hard, then there is nothing you can do
Step 2. Moisten the product with water
Massage the wet ball with your hands trying to incorporate the water into the material. Continue to spray the clay and "knead" it.
Step 3. Work the ball
Once the material has absorbed a sufficient amount of water and is moist and malleable, knead it on the countertop for a few minutes until it returns to its original shape. If necessary, moisten the Play-Doh again while massaging it.
Try adding half a teaspoon of glycerin to moisten it even more
Step 4. Use the material immediately or store it properly
If it is not exposed to air, the Play-Doh will not dry out, so store it in an airtight container. It is worth wrapping it in a sealable plastic bag first.
Method 2 of 4: with Steam
Step 1. Flatten Play-Doh
You can crush it in your hands or on the kitchen counter to turn it into a disc and thus increase the absorption surface. Remember that you will then need to put the material in a steamer basket, so don't overdo the size.
Step 2. Prepare the steamer or basket with the pot
Put the plasticine disc in the basket for 5-10 minutes.
Step 3. Remove it from the basket
Knead it for 5-10 minutes on the kitchen counter. If the Play-Doh has not regained its original consistency, repeat the whole procedure.
Method 3 of 4: Rehydrate overnight
Step 1. Break the clay into small portions, the size of peas
The smaller the pieces, the easier the process will be. Put all the material in a colander and wet it with running water to moisten all the fragments. Wait a minute to allow the excess water to drain.
Step 2. Place all Play-Doh in a resealable plastic bag
Check that all the pieces of clay are moist, but not soaked, and seal them in the bag. Let them rest for an hour.
Step 3. Take the play dough out of the bag
When the material has had time to rest and absorb the water, transfer it to a bowl and press it to reconstitute a single ball. Finally, wrap it in a damp cloth or kitchen paper and put it back in the bag. Close it and wait all night.
Step 4. Knead the Play-Doh
In the morning, take the rehydrated plasticine out of the bag and knead it for a couple of minutes to shape a soft, elastic ball.
Method 4 of 4: Prepare an Alternative Product
Step 1. Gather the ingredients
Sometimes the Play-Doh has hardened to the point of being irrecoverable, but you can create a homemade clay without much expense and having fun; you can also ask the children to help you. Here's what you'll need:
- 600 ml of water;
- 250 g of salt;
- 22 g of cream of tartar;
- 75 ml of seed oil;
- 500 g of flour;
- Food coloring.
Step 2. Mix the ingredients in a saucepan
Cook them over low heat, stirring often. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture has become a ball of dough in the center of the pan. You will know that the product is ready because it will have the same consistency as the classic Play-Doh.
Step 3. Remove the saucepan from the heat
If the mixture is too hot to handle, wait for it to cool down a bit. In the meantime, decide if you want to divide the clay into smaller portions and what colors to use.
Step 4. Divide the dough to color it
Shape as many balls as many colors you have decided to use.
Step 5. Knead each ball individually to incorporate the dye
Place the material on a cutting board or non-porous counter and knead each ball with the corresponding dye. Add as many drops of dye according to the intensity you want to achieve. Repeat the process for each piece of clay.
Step 6. Store the product as if it were regular Play-Doh
Store it in an airtight container and don't leave it exposed to the air unused, otherwise it will become hard and impossible to shape.
