How to keep Play-Doh soft (and rescue it when it isn't)

The dough wants to be squished, not left on the table overnight. Here is how we keep cans soft at home.

Back in the can, lid on tight

Air is what dries dough out. The single best habit is putting each color back in its own can as soon as play ends, then pressing the lid down all the way round until it seals. A can that's left half-open overnight is the most common reason dough turns crumbly.

Keep cans away from radiators, heaters and sunny windowsills.
Store cans upright in a tub or the tote from your starter set.
Pick dried crumbs off the table before they get rolled back in.

When dough feels stiff

Dough that has only started to firm up can often be worked soft again. Knead it with a few drops of water, a little at a time, folding as you go. Too much water makes it sticky, so go slowly. Dough that has dried hard all the way through is ready to retire — a fresh pack of cans is the quickest fix.

Mixed colors are not ruined

Every family ends up with a can of marbled brown-ish dough. It still squishes, rolls and cuts like new. Many kids like it best for building sites, trucks and dino lairs, where the color doesn't matter.

Getting dough out of carpet and clothes

Let the dough dry completely so it turns crumbly.
Scrape and brush off as much as you can, then vacuum.
Treat what's left with cold water and a little soap, blotting rather than rubbing.
Check the fabric's care label before using any cleaner.