Play-Doh is a simple and fun toy that entertains kids of all ages, and can be a great activity to do alone or at a party. However, sometimes Play-Doh doesn't clean up right after it's played. As a result, the Play-Doy left behind will quickly dry, harden, and crack so that it can no longer be played. Luckily, there are several techniques you can use to restore dry Play-Doh so it's moist, smooth, and supple to play with.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Kneading with Water
Step 1. Collect the same colored dry Play-Doh so the dye doesn't mix and brown
Play-Doh is made of flour, water and salt, so recovering a tough Play-Doh can be done simply by returning the water that has evaporated.
If your Play-Doh has been dry for a long time, (more than 2 months) and has completely hardened, it is likely that the toy is irreversible
Step 2. Spray Play-Doh with water
Knead a wet ball in your hand to incorporate the water into the Play-Doh. Continue to spray the ball with water while kneading.
Step 3. Knead the Play-Doh ball
Once the toy has absorbed enough water and is back moist and soft, knead the toy on the countertop for a few minutes until it returns to its original shape. Re-spray water while massaging Play-Doh, if needed..
Try kneading 1 teaspoons of glycerin into the Play-Doh to help moisturize it further
Step 4. Use Play-Doh right away or keep it well
Play-Doh will dry out when exposed to air, so store it in an airtight container. It's best to wrap it in a sealed plastic bag first.
Method 2 of 4: Steaming Play-Doh
Step 1. Flatten Play-Doh
Place the Play-Doh in your hand or countertop, then flatten it out to increase the absorption area. Keep in mind, you'll be putting Play-Doh in the steamer so don't make it too big.
Step 2. Prepare a steamer or steamer
Place the flattened Play-Doh in the steamer and steam for 5-10 minutes.
Step 3. Lift the Play-Doh from the steamer
Massage for 5-10 minutes on a countertop. If the Play-Doh has not returned to its original consistency, repeat the steaming and massaging.
Method 3 of 4: Rehydrate Play-Doh Overnight
Step 1. Divide the Play-Doh so that each is the size of a pea
Play-Doh is easier to rehydrate if it's small. Place the small Play-Doh pieces in a colander and rinse with water so that all surfaces are wet. Leave it for a few minutes to drain any remaining water.
Step 2. Put the Play-Doh pieces in a sealable plastic bag
Make sure all of your Play-Doh pieces are damp (but not soaked) and sealed in a plastic bag. Leave it for an hour.
Step 3. Remove the Play-Doh pieces from the plastic bag
Once all the Play-Doh have completely absorbed the water, place them in the bowl and press them all back into one large Play-Doh ball. Wrap the Play-Doh in a damp cloth or tissue and return it to the bag. Seal and leave overnight.
Step 4. Knead the Play-Doh
In the morning, remove the Play-Doh from the plastic bag and knead for two minutes until the texture is soft and chewy again.
Method 4 of 4: Making a Substitute Play-Doh
Step 1. Prepare the ingredients
Sometimes, Play-Doh dries for too long that it can't be recovered. However, you can make your own Play-Doh substitutes that are fun and inexpensive. You can also ask your child for help to make it. Here are the ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup salt
- 1 tablespoons cream of tartar
- 5 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups flour
- Food coloring
Step 2. Mix the ingredients in a saucepan
Cook on low heat and stir continuously. Continue to stir until the ingredients are combined and form a ball in the center of the pan. Play-Doh is ready if the consistency is similar to regular Play-Doh.
Step 3. Turn off the fire
If the Play-Doh is still too hot, set it aside and let it cool. In the meantime, decide how you split the Play-Doh and the desired color.
Step 4. Divide the Play-Doh to color
Make as many small balls as you can depending on the number of colors you want to make.
Step 5. Color each dough with one desired Play-Doh color
Massage each ball of dough onto a cutting board or other non-porous surface, applying one color at a time. Drop in food coloring until the desired intensity is reached. Repeat for each Play-Doh color you want to create.
Step 6. Save Play-Doh as usual
Store your homemade Play-Doh in an airtight container, and store it when not in use. Otherwise, the Play-Doh will harden before it can't be reused.
