If you are working with a large amount of Play-Doh, feel free to start with more than one drop of water. Try using a teaspoon-full.

This is a good second method once you’ve already tried kneading water into the dough. The kneading trick is quicker and more straightforward, but it doesn’t always work. Make sure that the dough is relatively compact. Try rolling it into a ball or a clump. This way, it will be easier to wrap the towel.

If the dough still isn’t soft, try adding more water and kneading it in directly. The Play-Doh mixture is mostly water, salt, and flour, so you might be able to restore the balance by re-hydrating the putty with enough water. [3] X Research source If the dough doesn’t become soft again with repeated efforts, it might be time to throw it out. Consider buying or making new Play-Doh.

Don’t take the Play-Doh out of the bag until it looks fairly dry. If the dough is still very wet, the color might bleed off onto your hands.