Kinetic Sand is a moldable sand that feels soft and smooth. It’s made of 98% sand and 2% polydimethylsiloxane, allowing it to retain its sand-like qualities while being easy to shape and mold. Kinetic Sand is popular among children and adults alike for creative play and sensory stimulation. But like any product, proper storage is important for preserving its unique texture and consistency over time. Here’s what you need to know about storing Kinetic Sand.
Should Kinetic Sand be stored?
Yes, Kinetic Sand should be stored between uses. When left exposed to air, it can dry out over time. The binding agent that gives Kinetic Sand its moldable texture can start to break down. Then it becomes more crumbly and less smooth. Storing it in an airtight container prevents moisture loss. This maintains the unique soft, squeezable texture that makes Kinetic Sand so fun to play with.
What’s the best way to store Kinetic Sand?
The best way to store Kinetic Sand is in an airtight plastic container or resealable bag. The original packaging it comes in is ideal for storage between play sessions. Or you can transfer it to a plastic food container or zippered bag if you want to consolidate sets or just keep it in a handy spot.
Make sure the container you choose is made of plastic and has an airtight seal. This prevents moisture from escaping and keeps the sand from drying out. Avoid containers with lids that just snap or sit loosely on top. The seal needs to be completely air and watertight. Clear storage bins are handy since kids can see their sand creations inside.
Tips for proper Kinetic Sand storage:
- Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat
- Keep sealed in an airtight plastic container
- Press out excess air before sealing the lid
- Don’t overfill containers which can make achieving an airtight seal difficult
- Open only when in use and reseal immediately after
- Avoid moisture and humidity which can cause mold
How long does Kinetic Sand last in storage?
Stored properly in an airtight container, Kinetic Sand can last for several months to over a year before drying out. The exact timeframe depends on the storage conditions. If you open and reseal the container multiple times, it will last closer to several months. Leaving it sealed continuously can extend its life to a year or longer.
One study by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder found that Kinetic Sand maintained its quality and moldability for up to 4 months when stored in sealed containers at room temperature. The integrity remained intact without any special preservation methods. So you can expect your Kinetic Sand to last at least several months when properly stored.
Can Kinetic Sand dry out?
Yes, Kinetic Sand can dry out if left uncovered or stored improperly. Since it’s 98% sand, the moisture in the sand can evaporate when exposed to air. This causes the sand particles to lose their silky smoothness and become more crumbly and dry.
The binder that holds the sand together also degrades over time with moisture loss. So dry Kinetic Sand loses that squeezable, moldable texture. It becomes more like regular sand that crumbles and won’t maintain its shape. Proper storage prevents moisture loss to keep the sand particles silky and the binder sticky.
What happens if Kinetic Sand dries out?
If Kinetic Sand dries out, the texture becomes rough and gritty instead of soft. It won’t stick together as well and crumbles when you try to shape or mold it. Any designs made from dried out sand will fall apart.
The signature strange, almost damp texture will be gone. Instead of easily sculpting into creative forms, dried out Kinetic Sand just slips through your fingers like regular sand. All the fun shapes and sensory play value disappears.
Fortunately, dried out Kinetic Sand can be restored in most cases. Simply misting it with a small amount of water and kneading it can typically revive the moisture and binder. It may take some time working the water throughout for it to absorb. But with some TLC, dried Kinetic Sand can usually return to its former moldable glory.
Can you add water to dry Kinetic Sand?
Yes, you can add water to dry, crumbly Kinetic Sand to restore moisture and renew the texture. The best way is to mist the sand with a spray bottle a little at a time. Gently work the water into the sand by kneading it with your hands.
Add water slowly while kneading. You only need a small amount. Too much water can make the sand soggy and sticky. Knead the sand for 5-10 minutes to evenly distribute the moisture throughout.
Test the texture as you go until it regains that smooth, moldable consistency. The sand may develop some clumps that you’ll need to break up as it rehydrates. With patience, the sand will absorb the water and return to its former state.
Be sure to promptly reseal the moistened sand in an airtight container. Leaving it exposed to air can cause it to quickly dry out again.
Does Kinetic Sand need special care?
Kinetic Sand doesn’t require any special care beyond keeping it sealed in an airtight container. As long as you store it properly and avoid moisture sources like water or humidity, it’s a low maintenance toy. Here are some tips for keeping Kinetic Sand in ideal condition:
- Seal tightly after each use
- Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight
- Keep away from moisture and water
- Avoid contaminants like dirt and debris
- Don’t microwave or freeze
- Check seal integrity on container periodically
With basic care and storage, Kinetic Sand can provide endless hours of enjoyment with its incredibly tactile texture. Proper storage is the key to ensuring it maintains its unique moldable qualities session after session.
Can Kinetic Sand be stored in the original container?
Yes, Kinetic Sand can absolutely be stored long-term in the original packaging it comes in. The containers are designed specifically to keep the sand fresh and prevent moisture loss.
The plastic containers feature an airtight lid seal that keeps air out. They are durable enough for regular opening and closing without the seal being compromised. Clear containers also let kids see their sand creations inside.
As long as you securely fasten the lid after each use, you can safely store Kinetic Sand in the original packaging. This makes storage convenient since you don’t have to transfer it to a separate container. Just be sure to leave some headspace and don’t overfill the container, which can affect the seal.
Should Kinetic Sand be stored in the fridge?
No, Kinetic Sand should not be stored in the refrigerator. The cold, damp environment of the fridge can actually damage the sand over time. It can cause moisture buildup in the container, resulting in mold growth.
The chill of the refrigerator can also cause condensation inside the container as warm air meets cold. This introduces moisture that leads to mold as well. Refrigeration can also make the binding agent stiff and the texture crunchy once the sand warms again.
Room temperature is ideal for storing Kinetic Sand. The airtight container prevents drying while avoiding humidity and moisture issues. Refrigeration is unnecessary and potentially harmful for preserving fresh Kinetic Sand.
Can Kinetic Sand be stored outside the container?
It’s not recommended to store Kinetic Sand outside of an airtight container. When left exposed to open air, the sand will quickly dry out as moisture evaporates. Without a sealed container, there is nothing to prevent the moisture inside the sand from escaping.
Even if left undisturbed, Kinetic Sand left out will become dry and unusable within a few days or weeks. The texture will be immediately rough and crumbly as soon as you go to play with it again. An airtight container is vital for storage.
For short term storage of unused sand between play sessions, you can leave sculptures intact. But they should only be left out up to a few hours and promptly sealed back in the container after. Any longer and they will deteriorate as the sand dries.
Does Kinetic Sand need to be stored in its original packaging?
Kinetic Sand doesn’t necessarily have to be stored in the original packaging. While convenient, you can transfer it to any plastic container with an airtight seal.
When selecting an alternate storage container, make sure it:
- Is made of durable plastic
- Has an airtight sealing lid
- Is moisture-proof
- Allows you to press out excess air before sealing
Plastic food storage containers, plastic zipper bags, or generic plastic storage bins all work well. Just be cautious of materials like thin plastic bags that can easily tear. And avoid non-airtight lids that allow air exchange.
The key is using a container that completely seals out air and moisture. This maintains the moldable texture no matter what packaging it’s stored in. But for convenience, the original container is specially designed for ideal storage.
Does Kinetic Sand expire?
Kinetic Sand doesn’t exactly expire in the traditional sense. It’s made from sand and binder rather than perishable ingredients. However, it can degrade in quality and texture over time with improper storage.
When stored sealed in an airtight container, Kinetic Sand can remain usable for over a year. But if exposed to air, light, and humidity, the moisture will gradually evaporate. This causes the binding agent to break down sooner.
So while Kinetic Sand won’t spoil like food, its signature moldable texture will eventually be lost. With adequate care and storage, it can last over a year before drying out. But it ultimately has a finite lifespan when it will become unusable.
Does Kinetic Sand come with a storage container?
Yes, Kinetic Sand sets come with an airtight plastic storage container specially designed for the product. The container has a sealable lid that keeps the sand from drying out between uses.
The packaging it comes in was specifically engineered to store and preserve the sand. So purchasing sets that include the container provides built-in storage. This saves you the step of transferring it to a separate bin after opening.
The containers also often feature colorful designs and transparent walls so kids can peer in. For convenience and proper preservation, the included containers are ideal for home storage between play sessions.
Conclusion
Proper storage is important for keeping Kinetic Sand fresh and moldable for extended periods. Exposure to air causes moisture loss which deteriorates the unique squeezable texture. Storing it in an airtight plastic container prevents drying and maintains the sand particles’ silkiness over time.
With adequate storage, Kinetic Sand can provide months of sensory and creative play. Tightly sealed original packaging or generic airtight containers help retain the signature strange, moldable texture kids love. By keeping moisture in and air out, you can preserve Kinetic Sand indefinitely and enjoy its stimulating qualities again and again.
