How to Revive Dried Out Play-Doh

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Things You'll Need

  • Water

  • Paper towels

  • Glycerin

Kneading the Play-Doh will help to soften it.
Image Credit: Perytskyy/iStock/Getty Images

Play-Doh that has dried out can be revived to a like-new state with a few simple household items. When left out or not stored properly, Play-Doh loses its once pliable consistency, which makes it too hard to mold, play and craft with. All hope is not lost for this hard clay-like dough when dried out; with a little effort you might be able to restore it using one of three methods.

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Water Method

Step 1

Set the dried out Play-Doh on a flat surface.

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Step 2

Add water to the Play-Doh a few drops at a time, kneading the dough after each drop is added.

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Step 3

Continue adding drops of water and kneading until the Play-Doh reaches the desired constancy.

Water and Paper Towel Method

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Step 1

Dampen a paper towel with water. Wrap the damp paper towel around the dried out Play-Doh. The paper towel should cover the entire Play-Doh.

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Step 2

Place the paper towel-covered Play-Doh back into its container and let sit overnight.

Step 3

Remove the paper towel from the Play-Doh. Knead the Play-Doh compound with your hands for several seconds until it is pliable.

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Glycerin Method

Step 1

Place the hardened Play-Doh on a flat surface. Make an indentation in the middle of the Play-Doh with your fingers.

Step 2

Pour 1/2 teaspoon of glycerin into the indentation you made in the middle of the Play-Doh.

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Step 3

Knead the glycerin throughout the Play-Doh with your hands for several seconds. If necessary, add an additional 1/4 teaspoon of glycerin to the Play-Doh and continue kneading until the Play-Doh is soft once again.

Tip

Keep Play-Doh in its original container when not using it. This will help prevent the Play-Doh compound from drying out, and prolong the life of the product.

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