Playdough is a mixture made from salt, flour and water, and quickly dries out when left outside of a sealed container for very long. Instead of tossing playdough when it’s dried out, take some time to revive it and put the moisture back in. This messy, yet fun classic creative outlet can be reused after being left out with just a little time and effort.
Steps for Fixing Dried-Out Playdough
You might think to yourself “I’ve reminded them to put this away when they are done,” and you are probably right. But the dough doesn’t have to be thrown away once it’s dried up a bit, you can salvage it. Follow these steps to get it back in great shape for play time.
Step 1: Assess the Damage
Depending on how dry the dough has become, you may need to do a little more work. Dough that has merely begun to dry on the exterior and is still soft and malleable on the inside can be worked back into shape with just a few drops of water. Simply knead the water into the dough until it has returned to its normal state.
If that doesn’t work, try wrapping the dough in a wet paper towel and setting it aside for a few hours. This should allow the moisture to seep into the dough. It might require kneading afterwards to absorb any extra water.
If the dough has hardened past this point, continue reading. You will need:
- Water
- Resealable Plastic Sandwich Bag
Step 2: Break Into Pieces if Necessary
Take the hardened dough and break it into pieces. This will allow it to absorb water more quickly.
Step 3: Place In Bag & Add Water
Place the broken pieces in the bag with a few drops of water to start. You can add more water as you go, but it’s important not to add too much.
Step 4: Massage Until Usable
Start to knead the water and the dough together, adding a few drops whenever you need. Adding too much water will make the color bleed, so patience is key. Once you’ve given the dough time with the water, it should be as good as new.
Looking for Classroom-Sized Packs of Playdough and Modeling Dough?
Classroom packs of playdough and modeling dough are a great budget-friendly option. Also be sure to stop by our Early Childhood blog category page for more tips, ideas, and activities for young learners.
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