How to Soften Play-Doh

Separate dried out Play-Doh from other toys or items. Remove any dried, stuck on dough from cookie cutters, tables and other items. Play-Doh comes off of these items easily, but throw away any Play-Doh that has dried with embedded dirt or fibers.

Place the dried dough in a small bowl and add a few drops of water. The amount of water you add depends on how dry the dough is. Add the water a little at a time so you don't over do it.

Knead the dough to incorporate the moisture after each addition of water and allow it to soften. The dough will feel a little grainy---this is the salt that has come to the surface as it dried. It will often leave small crystals on the surface of the dough.

Wet a paper towel and ring out the water. Wrap the clay in the towel and return it to its container with the lid secured. Leave it overnight. This will keep the moisture in the dough and soften it.

Reuse the Play-Doh. After a night in the container the dough should be good as new and ready to use again.