3 simple, effective ways to soften air-dry clay

Clay is a very popular toy for children, and molding clay allows kids to freely create shapes and colors as they wish, helping to develop imagination and creativity. However, most clays tend to dry out and harden if left for too long. Therefore, Mykingdom shares with parents simple yet highly effective ways to soften air-dry clay. Soaking the clay in water Step 1: Soak in water Place a portion of clay into a small bowl or cup and add water drop by drop, just enough to fill the cracks in the clay. Depending on how much clay you put in, you should not add too much water at once, or the clay will become mushy. Step 2: Start kneading the clay Use your hands to knead the clay gradually so that the water is absorbed. By rolling into a ball, stretching, then cutting, then gathering again, and repeating smoothly. If the clay is still hard, continue adding water and kneading until the clay becomes soft. Step 3: Continue kneading continuously Be patient and knead continuously until the clay becomes soft. After a few minutes, the clay will be as soft as when you bought it. Simple ways to soften air-dry clay Wrap the clay in a damp paper towel Step 1: Wrap the clay with a damp paper towel You can use any type of paper you have at home, such as toilet paper, tissues, or other water-absorbent paper. Spray water onto the paper towel until the paper is thoroughly damp, then wrap the clay in the damp paper towel. A quick note: if this method doesn’t work, try the first method of kneading the clay with water first. While easy to do, it isn’t always effective for all clays. Make sure the clay has been compacted; you can shape it into forms like balls or trees to make wrapping easier. Step 2: Put the clay into a sealed container You can use a sealed plastic box or a Play-Doh container to ensure the moisture in the paper towel inside the box does not evaporate. Step 3: Leave the damp paper towel box overnight After leaving the clay in the box for about a day, open it and slowly peel off the damp paper towel. Gently squeeze the piece to test its softness by feel. If it is still hard, you can add a few more drops of water and knead evenly. Remember that clay is usually made from flour, salt, and water, so adding water will help the clay soften again. However, if you have tried many times and it still won’t soften, you should remake it or buy new clay. Store the clay in a container with a damp paper towel Soaking the clay in water and putting it into a bag Step 1: Break the clay into several pieces To let the clay soak evenly and more quickly, you should break it into smaller pieces. This step will be easier if the dough is still soft. However, if the dough is already hard, handle it very gently to avoid breaking the clay. Step 2: Put the clay into a plastic bag For best results, use a zip-top plastic bag. If not available, make sure to seal the bag tightly with a tie to prevent moisture and mold. Step 3: Add water to the clay Close the bag tightly. Start kneading the clay with a few drops of water, kneading while gradually adding water. Remember to knead gently and evenly so the clay does not lump until it feels soft and pliable. Note you should not add too much water because the color will fade and the bag will get wet. Step 4: Soak the clay in water overnight Seal the bag of clay and place it in a dry place. After soaking for a while, the clay will absorb moisture and become soft and pliable as new. To achieve the best results, wait until most of the water has been absorbed by the clay. If you take it out when it’s still too wet, the color may smear on your hands. The article above from Mykingdom provides three simple, effective ways to soften air-dry clay that parents can参考 to keep the durability of clay toys!