How to soften dried modeling clay

When modeling clay dries out, it becomes stiff, crumbly, and difficult to mold. The basic ingredients for making modeling clay are simple: water, salt, and flour. To revive dried clay, you'll need to introduce some water into the mix. Try out the following proven techniques to restore its pliability...

Add water. Place the clay in a small cup or bowl and add a drop of water. Don’t pour too much water at once. Slowly add a drop at a time to avoid over-wetting the clay. Drop water onto any cracks in the surface.

• If you're working with a large batch, you may need to add more than one drop. You can use a teaspoon of water.

Knead the clay. Use your hands to knead the clay until it absorbs the water. Roll the clay into a ball, stretch it out, tear it, and then gather it back together. If the clay remains stiff after 15-20 seconds of kneading, add a drop of water and continue kneading.

Be patient. Keep adding water and kneading the clay until it softens. Don’t be concerned if the clay gets wet and sticky—just keep kneading. After a few minutes, the clay will become soft and pliable again.

Wrap the clay in a damp paper towel. You can also use toilet paper, tissue paper, napkins, or any type of soft, absorbent paper. Wet the paper towel thoroughly, then wrap the clay with the damp towel.

• This is the second effective method if kneading with water didn’t work. While kneading is quick and simple, it doesn't always solve the problem.
• Ensure that the clay is compacted firmly. It's easier to wrap if you form the clay into a ball or block first.

Place the clay in an airtight container. Use a Play-Doh container if you have one, or any small plastic container. Make sure the lid is sealed tightly to prevent the moisture in the paper towel from evaporating.

Wrap the clay in a damp paper towel overnight. Wait about a day before removing the clay from the container. Peel off the dry paper towel. Check the texture of the clay by squeezing and stretching it. Feel if the clay has softened enough.

• If the clay is still hard, add water and knead it. The typical clay mixture includes water, salt, and flour, so replenishing the water content will help restore its balance.
• If the clay remains stiff after multiple attempts, it may be time to discard it. You may need to purchase or make new clay.

Break the dry clay into small pieces. You’ll need to break the clay into smaller chunks so it absorbs water more quickly. This step can be tricky when the clay is hard. If the clay is very dry, be careful to avoid crumbling it into dust!

Place the clay pieces into a plastic bag. Ensure that the bag can be sealed tightly and is water-resistant. A ziplock bag is ideal, but a regular plastic bag will work as long as the opening is securely tied shut.

Add water to the clay. Seal the bag tightly, then knead the clay with the water inside. It’s best to start by adding just a few drops of water, and then continue adding more as you knead. Don’t add too much water at once, or the color may run, and the bag could get soaked. Move slowly and carefully, kneading until the clay softens to the desired consistency.

Keep the clay and water in the bag overnight. Allow the dry clay to absorb the water by leaving it in the bag. Ensure the bag is tightly sealed to prevent moisture from escaping! After a few hours, the clay will soften and become pliable, almost like new! The exact waiting time will depend on the amount of clay and water used.

• Do not remove the clay from the bag until it appears relatively dry. If the clay is still wet, the color may transfer to your hands.

• This is a craft suitable for children. However, they should always be supervised by an adult.
• Be aware that mold and bacteria can grow in the clay. Look for light or dark spots around the driest areas of the clay and smell it to ensure it’s still good. Fresh clay should not be slimy or have an unpleasant odor. Discard any discolored pieces and any clay that has stuck to them. Remember to wash your hands before handling or adding more clay.
• While the clay is non-toxic, it is not safe to eat as some might think. Swallowing even a small amount of clay can cause stomach pain, nausea, discomfort, fever, bloating, constipation/diarrhea, vomiting (which usually requires a strong effort), and obstruction.
• If you add too much water, the clay will become mushy. Continue kneading until the clay returns to its normal consistency.

• Water
• Clay
• A bowl or a Play-Doh container
• A spoon to add water