How to revive dry Play-Doh

I tried the messy, tiring, and time-consuming kneading method and the not quite effective leave-it-damp-in-the-container method. After months of tinkering, I have discovered the best and easiest way to restore dry Play-Doh to its perfect state (besides Hasbro's former suggestion that you buy a new can). Here's what you do:

1. Break the hard Play-Doh up into pieces the size of shelled peas and put them into a one-quart Ziploc bag.

2. Sprinkle some water in, enough to get all the pieces damp but not enough to leave a lot of excess water. Seal the bag.

3. After a few minutes, smoosh all of the Play-Doh into one corner of the bag. Let it sit this way overnight.

4. Open the bag in the morning and hand the Play-Doh to a delighted toddler. It's as good as new! (And then rinse the bag for reuse.)

If you liked this, you may enjoy some of my other household hints: how to unshrink a wool sweater, how to make tator tot hotdish, how to make the world's best pancakes, and how to slow-poach eggs. Look out, Heloise!

How to revive dry Play-Doh

There are differing views on how to revive Play-Doh that has been left out of the canister overnight. First, the DIY version:

Using a kitchen or bathroom sink, rinse the Play Doh for 10-15 seconds. Knead the dough for 30 seconds...

And then there's the corporate version:

If the PLAY-DOH compound has started to dry out or if the colors have become messy and mixed, remember: PLAY-DOH compound is inexpensive and easy to buy. Nothing beats a fresh can!

When in doubt, shop!

For the "beloved modeling compund's" 50th birthday,

For the "beloved modeling compund's" 50th birthday, they're making a perfume that smells like Play-Doh. They missed a golden opportunity to call it "Play-D'eau". (thx, leah)