How Do You Soften Kids Play Clay?
Play dough or modeling clay for kids is a popular children’s toy that allows creativity and imagination to run wild. Kids clay is made from ingredients like flour, salt, water, and sometimes cream of tartar or oil, which allow it to be molded into different shapes and figures.
Over time and through play, kids clay can start to harden and become difficult to reshape. This is because the clay dries out as the water evaporates. The oil in the clay can also cause it to harden. Environmental factors like heat and air exposure speed up the drying process. Hardened clay isn’t as fun for kids to play with and reduces the opportunity for creative expression.
Why Kids Clay Hardens
Kids clay is made from natural materials like clay, cornstarch, and oils. Over time, the oils dry up as the clay is exposed to air. The clay also loses moisture. This causes the clay to harden and become less pliable and moldable. Essentially, as kids clay ages and dries out, the materials that initially made it soft and flexible evaporate or get used up. Without enough moisture and oils, the clay particles get closer together, forming strong bonds that make the clay hard.
Softening Methods
There are several effective methods for softening kids play clay when it becomes dried out and hard to mold:
Water
One of the easiest ways to soften clay is by adding small amounts of water and kneading it into the clay. You’ll want to start with just a few drops at a time, working the water throughout the clay until it becomes pliable again. Be careful not to add too much water, or the clay can become sticky or mushy.
Clay Softener
Special clay softening solutions can be purchased at craft stores. These are designed to restore moisture and conditioning oils into dried out clay. Simply mix in a small amount as directed on the packaging and knead until the clay is smooth again.
Glycerin
Glycerin is an effective clay softener that can be found in most pharmacies. Mix in a teaspoon at a time and knead it throughout the clay to revitalize it. Glycerin helps condition the clay while adding moisture.
Petroleum Jelly
Adding a small scoop of petroleum jelly and kneading it into stiff clay helps soften it and adds conditioning to help keep it pliable. This works similarly to commercial clay softeners.
Water
One of the easiest and most effective ways to soften kids clay is by using water. Clay is porous and absorbs moisture easily. By spraying or soaking the clay in water, you add moisture back into the clay. This causes the clay to become malleable again.
To soften clay with water, start by filling a spray bottle with regular tap water. Make sure the clay you want to soften is free of any paper or packaging. Then, spray the water directly onto the clay pieces until they are damp but not soaked. Alternatively, you can place the clay pieces in a bowl and pour water over them until they are submerged. Let the clay soak for 5-10 minutes.
Once the clay has absorbed the water, take it out and knead it with your hands. You’ll notice it quickly becomes soft and pliable again. The water brings the moisture back into the clay. Continue kneading until the clay reaches the desired consistency. Use this water softening method for quick and easy clay softening.
Clay Softener
One simple way to soften kids play clay is by using a commercial clay softener product. These are solutions specially formulated to rehydrate and soften polymer clays. Some popular brand names include Sculpey Clay Softener, Fimo Clay Softener, and Kato Clay Softener.
To use a clay softener, simply add a few drops directly onto the clay and knead it in. The clay softener helps moisturize the clay and makes it smooth and pliable again. Most clay softeners are water-based and contain ingredients like humectants and emulsifiers to help soften the clay.
Using a dedicated clay softener is often the easiest and most effective way to revitalize dried out clay. Just a few drops can make a big difference. The clay will become softer, more flexible, and easier to shape. Clay softeners are inexpensive and designed to quickly penetrate and soften the clay without leaving any residue or stickiness.
Glycerin
Glycerin is an effective way to soften kids clay and extend the workable lifetime of a clay project. Glycerin is a thick, clear liquid that can be easily mixed into clay. It helps keep moisture in the clay so it stays softer and more malleable for longer.
To use glycerin, add a few drops and knead it thoroughly into the clay. Start with only a small amount as too much glycerin can make the clay sticky. Slowly add more glycerin, a few drops at a time, until the clay reaches the desired softness. The glycerin will also act as a lubricant, making the clay smoother and easier to shape.
Glycerin is safe and non-toxic. It’s commonly used in food and personal care products. The glycerin will be absorbed into the clay rather than evaporating over time. So the softening effects should last throughout the lifespan of the clay project.
Petroleum Jelly
Another common household item that can be used to soften kids clay is petroleum jelly, often sold under brand names like Vaseline. To use petroleum jelly, take a small amount and coat the exterior of the clay object with a thin layer. The petroleum jelly helps keep moisture in the clay and prevents it from drying out and hardening. As you knead and play with the clay, the petroleum jelly gets worked into the clay, softly conditioning it from the inside out. Petroleum jelly is an inexpensive option and can be found in most homes. It leaves no staining or residue behind and won’t alter the clay’s color or texture. Just be sure to only apply a small amount initially and add more later if needed. Too much petroleum jelly can leave the clay overly sticky or greasy.
Oils
Natural oils like olive oil, coconut oil, and vegetable oils are easy ways to soften hardened clay. Add a small amount of oil and knead it into the clay. The oil helps keep the clay smooth and pliable. Olive oil works great and has a mild scent that won’t interfere with any clay projects. Coconut oil also works well and has a tropical aroma kids may enjoy. Stick to food-grade oils rather than motor oils or other chemical oils. About a teaspoon of oil per pound of clay should do the trick. Knead thoroughly until the oil is fully incorporated. The clay may initially feel oily, but will absorb the oil over time and become soft again. Oils allow kids to continue enjoying their clay rather than having to throw it out once it hardens. Just a small amount of kitchen oil brings the clay back to life.
Microwaving
Microwaving hardened clay for short bursts can help to soften it again. The heat from the microwave causes the molecules in the clay to move faster, making the clay more pliable. Be careful not to microwave the clay for too long, as extended microwaving can dry the clay out. Follow these steps for microwaving clay:
- Break the hardened clay into smaller pieces so it heats evenly. Large clay pieces may heat unevenly and develop hot spots.
- Place the clay pieces in a microwave-safe container. Do not microwave clay on a paper plate or napkin, which can catch fire.
- Microwave the clay in 15-30 second bursts, checking the consistency after each burst. Do not microwave for more than 1 minute at a time.
- After microwaving, the clay should feel warm and softened. Knead briefly while warm to evenly distribute the moisture.
- Allow the clay to cool before continuing to play or sculpt. Microwaved clay can remain quite hot initially.
With some brief microwaving and kneading, hardened clay can become soft and pliable again for kids to continue enjoying.
Kneading
One of the simplest ways to soften hardened modeling clay is to vigorously knead it with your hands. The warmth and friction from kneading helps bring the clay molecules back together, making the clay malleable again.
To knead clay, flatten it into a slab about 1/4 inch thick on a clean, dry surface. Using the palms of your hands, push down and away from your body, folding the clay over itself again and again. Rotate the clay 90 degrees and repeat kneading in all directions for 5-10 minutes. The clay will gradually soften and become smooth as you work it.
Kneading generates heat which softens the clay, while also re-mixing the materials so they bond together again. It aligns the clay particles and adds elasticity. The longer you knead, the softer and more flexible the clay will become.
Kneading by hand is simple, effective, and doesn’t require any special tools. It’s an easy go-to method for softening even a small amount of stiff clay. Just a few minutes of kneading can restore modeling clay and make it supple again.
