How To Store Air Dry Clay? 3 Easy Ways

When it comes to storing your air dry clay it is important to store it correctly otherwise your clay will become unusable.

The great thing about storing your air dry clay is that you don’t need any fancy tools and you probably already have all the items you need to store your clay.

How To Store Air Dry Clay? When it comes to storing your clay you have a few options you can go with, the 3 most popular items used for storing air dry clay are airtight storage containers, saran wrap, and Ziploc bags.  Air dry clay should be stored at room temperature, if it’s too hot it will melt and if it’s too cold it can freeze.

Air dry clay is so relaxing to use and so much fun, however, if it is not stored correctly, it can become very difficult to work with.

The last thing you want is the clay drying out while it is in storage.   If stored correctly air dry clay can last indefinitely in storage, remaining pliable and soft.

So, let’s have a look at the items you need to store your air dry clay and how to use them. 

• Airtight storage containers
• Saran wrap
• Ziploc bags

I prefer to use airtight storage containers, as they last a long time and are easy to clean.  For smaller bits of clay I use small Ziploc bags.

If you are new to air dry clay then check out my article on 11 Tips For Using Air Dry Clay For Beginners.

I combine all 3 of these items when I use it for my homemade air dry clay, however, for my store-bought clay, my favorite choice would be using airtight storage containers.  They last a long time, are easy to clean and can be bought in many shapes and sizes.

What Do You Need To Store Air Dry Clay?

How To Store Air Dry Clay Using Saran Wrap

Saran wrap is one of those items you would already have in your kitchen, it doesn’t cost much plus it can be found in most stores and online.

I would recommend avoiding using cheap saran wrap, from personal experience cheap saran wrap punctures very easily which can result in your clay drying up.

Using saran wrap on its own is probably not the best option, but it will keep your clay soft and usable for about a month or so, depending on how warm your home is.

But if you use wet wipes alongside with this method then it will improve the duration of your clay.

Steps:

• Using wet wipes or a damp cloth wrap your air dry clay. (optional but helps so much)
• Then wrap it in multiple layers of saran wrap.
• Store your wrapped clay somewhere at room temperature.
• Before using your clay, always condition it first (knead) for 3 mins or until it becomes soft and pliable.

Using wet wipes with this method will help your clay to remain softer and pliable longer while it is in storage.  

How To Store Air Dry Clay Using Ziploc Bags

I love using Ziploc bags, they have so many uses and can also be used to store your air dry clay.

This is another item you would probably already have in your kitchen if you don’t you can buy a set of zip lock bags that come in different sizes for around $10 if not less.

When purchasing Ziploc bags make sure that their seal is very strong.  I find the cheap Ziploc bags you find at the dollar store usually don’t have a strong seal, so it’s a good idea to buy better quality Ziploc bags to store your air dry clay in.

If your Ziploc bag is not big enough for your clay then split your clay into multiple bags, this will save you money instead of purchasing larger Ziploc bags, which cost a lot more.

Steps:

• Using wet wipes or a lightly damp cloth wrap your air dry clay. (optional but helps so much)
• Now place your clay into a Ziploc bag.
• Before you seal your Ziploc bag, make sure you take out all the air in the bag.
• Store your Ziploc bags somewhere at room temperature.
• Before using your clay, always condition it first (knead) for 3 mins or until it becomes soft and pliable.

How To Store Air Dry Clay Using Airtight Storage Containers

Airtight storage containers are crafters’ best friend.  We use them for everything including storing our air dry clay.

There are many benefits for using them such as:

• Available in many shapes and sizes.
• Cheap, great value for money.
• Easy to clean and reuse.
• Last a very long time.
• Can be purchased in sets and individually.

They are perfect for keeping the clay soft and pliable even after a long time in storage.

It will be likely you will have some spare containers at home if not, you can easily find a set for around $15 online, which is fantastic value. 

I recommend staying away from cheap containers that you normally find at the dollar store, as they are known to crack and break very easily and their seal isn’t always strong.  Which will cause your clay to dry out while in storage.

Steps:

• Using wet wipes or a lightly damp cloth wrap your air dry clay.  (optional but helps so much)
• Now place your clay into an airtight storage container.  Make sure you securely tighten the lid.
• Store your container somewhere at room temperature.
• Before using your clay, always condition it first (knead) for 3 mins or until it becomes soft and pliable.

What Temperature Should You Store Your Air Dry Clay?

No matter which method you choose to store your air dry clay, It is vital that you store your clay at room temperature.

If your clay gets too hot it will start to melt and if it gets too cold it will become very dry and crumbly making it impossible to work with.

The ideal place to store your clay would be a closet or a room that does not get any direct sunlight.

If you don’t plan to use your clay very often, it’s a good idea to check on it every couple of weeks, just in case.

If by chance you find that your clay has hardened while in storage not to worry,  there are a few steps you can take to soften your air dry clay.

My Choice For Storing Air Dry Clay

My personal choice for storing air dry clay is to use airtight storage containers.

They do a fantastic job keeping the clay soft and fun to work with.  Plus they are easy to stack up and store.

I’ve had my set of storage containers for many years so they are worth spending a little extra on because they will last a very long time.

They are not only great for storing your air dry clay but also your other crafting tools and accessories.

Final Thoughts

Air dry clay is so much fun to use but if it is not stored correctly it will harden and dry out, which will make it impossible to work with.

To avoid this, you must store your clay correctly.

We discussed 3 of the most popular methods used to store air dry clay, which were:

• Saran Wrap
• Ziploc Bags
• Airtight Storage Containers (my favorite)

Whichever method you decide to go with, keep in mind that this type of clay needs to be stored at room temperature.

The great thing about using this type of clay is that you don’t need many tools to start using air dry clay.  If you have not yet used it then I highly recommend you give it a try.

I hope this article has been helpful and you have a better idea of how to store air dry clay.

If you have any other methods for storing your air dry clay please share them in the comments below.

Let’s learn and share together.

Happy Crafting!