HOW TO MAKE PLAYDOUGH MORE SOFT
If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a mother, it’s is that some things are worth making, and some things are worth buying. One of the things that I think is definitely worth making is playdough! I absolutely LOVE this super versatile AND beneficial sensory tool for every day fun and learning. Whether your kids are using fine motor skills to shape and sculpt or problem-solving skills to plan and create, they can grow and develop so much using playdough!
It’s always so cool to think about how simple ingredients like as flour, salt, water, and a dash of creativity can create hours of inexpensive sensory activities. It’s so easy to get caught up in the pricey Montessori accessories and fancy sensory tools you find online and forget that your own pantry is the holy grail of hundreds of sensory play opportunities! Again, some things are just worth making yourself.
However, any time you concoct something in your own kitchen, there’s room for error. (Not all of us have been making playdough since the 50s like Hasbro.) One of the most challenging parts is getting that soft and pliable texture that makes playdough so satisfying and versatile. And, even if you make it the perfect consistency the first time, over time we all know what playdough does, whether store-bought or homemade it dries out!
But fear not, parents! I come bearing solutions. First of all, here’s how to make playdough that’s the perfect consistency from the start. But, once that dreaded crumbly texture ruins your batch after a few uses, I’ve got some tried and tested methods to effectively rehydrate homemade playdough! Here’s what you need to do:
How To Make Playdough More Soft
Add some water.
Adding moisture to dried playdough can easily help you make play-doh soft again. You can use water, but if you prefer something else, a water-based substance such as glycerin works fine. This method is super effective for dried playdough, but make sure you only add a little at a time to fix dry play-doh. Otherwise, your playdough can become sticky.
Materials
Instructions
Put a small amount of water onto your dry playdough with the dropper or spray bottle.
Knead the playdough thoroughly to distribute the moisture evenly.
If the play dough is still dry, repeat the process until you’re happy with the texture.
Alternatively, you can add a few drops of glycerin to water and apply it for further softening.
Include a few drops of oil.
Oils like vegetable oil or baby oil do a great job of softening dried playdough. They add lubrication and moisture, restoring the dough to its pliable glory! This method is very effective and can even bring back severely dried playdough.
Materials
Vegetable oil or baby oil
Instructions
Apply a small amount of oil onto the surface of the dried playdough.
Knead the playdough thoroughly until the oil is incorporated.
Add more oil as needed in small amounts until the dough is soft again.
Microwave your playdough.
Microwaving dried playdough for short intervals can help soften it by redistributing moisture within the dough. Just make sure you check the playdough and container before giving it back to your little one. Both could be hot!
Materials
Microwave-safe plate or container
Microwave
Instructions
Place the dried playdough on a microwave-safe plate or in a container.
Microwave the playdough in 5 to 10-second intervals on a low-power setting.
After each interval, check the playdough's softness and knead it to distribute the heat and moisture evenly.
Continue microwaving and kneading until soft!
Use a plastic bag and damp cloth.
Placing dried playdough inside a sealed plastic bag with a damp cloth is a moderately effective method for dried playdough. It creates a humid environment and softens the dough well.
Materials
Plastic bag or ziploc bag (depending on the size of your dough)
Damp cloth
Water
Instructions
Place the dried playdough inside a plastic bag or Ziploc bag depending on the size of the dough.
Apply some water to a cloth and wring out any excess moisture.
Place the damp cloth inside the plastic bag with the playdough.
Seal the bag tightly and let it sit for several hours or overnight.
Check the playdough's softness and knead the dough to distribute the moisture evenly.
Repeat if necessary.
Don’t waste time making new playdough, learn to rehydrate the old stuff!
Rehydrating playdough may seem like a waste of time, but it is so much better than making a new batch or having to throw out perfectly good playdough. Don’t forget that you can always rehydrate your playdough and give it a new lease on life by adding some food coloring, mica powder, beads, or glitter!
Don’t forget that good playdough always begins with good playdough recipes! My homemade playdough recipe can give you peace of mind when your little ones are playing with their dough. It is just like store-bought play dough, except you know EXACTLY what’s in it!
If you would like to learn more about cool playdough recipes, sensory play activities, and other parenting hacks make sure you check out the Mothercould In Your Pocket Resource! Say hello to fun, learning, and helping your kiddo grow!