How to Clean Natural Clay

Cleaning natural clay might seem like a big chore, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right steps, you can easily manage it. Whether you’re a seasoned potter or just starting out, knowing how to properly clean clay is key. It helps get rid of impurities and keeps your clay in top shape for crafting.

This guide on how to clean natural clay will share simple and effective ways to clean natural clay so you can keep its special qualities intact for all your creative projects.

Why Clean Natural Clay?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of cleaning natural clay, let’s chat about why it’s so crucial. Natural clay comes straight from the earth, packed with minerals and elements that give it its distinct charm. That’s why it’s a favorite for pottery, sculpting, and all kinds of artistic endeavors.

But here’s the catch—natural clay often brings along some unwanted guests like stones, twigs, and other debris. Cleaning it up not only makes the clay easier to work with but also protects your crafting tools and finished masterpieces from potential damage.

Now that you know why cleaning is key, let’s walk through the steps to get your clay ready for action.

Needed Materials

A Large Container or Bucket

Choose a container or bucket that’s large enough to hold all the clay you’ll be cleaning. It should also have some extra space for water.

Water

Clean, fresh water is ideal for washing your natural clay. If possible, use rainwater or filtered tap water to minimize impurities.

A Fine Mesh Screen or Sieve

This will help remove larger particles and debris from the clay as you clean it.

Optional Materials

A Tub or Sink

For added convenience, you can use a tub or sink to wash your natural clay instead of using a large container. Just make sure to thoroughly clean the tub or sink before and after use.

A Spray Nozzle

Using a spray nozzle can help regulate the water flow and make it easier to wash your clay.

A Clean Cloth or Towel

This will come in handy for drying your clay after cleaning.

11 Simple Steps on How to Clean Natural Clay

Step 1: Get Your Clay Ready

First things first, grab your natural clay and break it into smaller, manageable pieces. This will not only make the cleaning process a breeze but also help in getting rid of impurities. Aim for chunks that fit comfortably in your container or bucket. While you’re at it, go ahead and pick out any large stones, twigs, or other debris you can spot.

This initial prep work will set you up for success in the next cleaning stages and ensure you end up with perfect, smooth clay for your creative projects. Once you’ve got your clay ready, you’re all set to move on to the next step!

Step 2: Submerge the Clay in the Water

Now that your clay pieces are ready, it’s time to give them a good soak. Grab a container or bucket and fill it with enough water to completely cover the clay. Gently stir the mixture with your hands or a mixing tool. This will help loosen any dirt, sand, or little bits stuck to the clay.

Be patient and let the clay soak for a few hours—or even overnight if you can. This soaking time is crucial as it softens the clay, making it much easier to clean and prepare for smoothing in the next steps. When the clay feels more pliable, you’ll know it’s ready for the next stage of cleaning.

Step 3: Remove Large Debris

After your clay has soaked for a while, it’s time to get rid of any large debris that may be floating on top. Using a fine mesh screen or sieve, gently scoop out any twigs, stones, or other noticeable particles. You can also use your hands to pick out any visible debris at this stage.

If you’re using a tub or sink, you can drain the water carefully without losing any clay pieces. Once all the visible impurities are removed, stir your clay again before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Clear Out Large Debris 

After letting your clay soak for a bit, it’s time to tackle any large debris you see floating around. Grab a fine mesh screen or sieve and gently scoop out twigs, stones, and other noticeable bits. Feel free to use your hands to pick out any remaining pieces, too. 

If you’re working with a tub or sink, carefully drain the water to avoid losing any clay. Once the visible impurities are gone, give your clay a good stir and get ready for the next step! 

Step 5: Rinse and Repeat

Now that the large debris is removed, it’s time to rinse your clay thoroughly. Fill your container or bucket with fresh water and gently stir the clay again. This step helps remove any remaining dirt and impurities from the clay pieces themselves. Once you’ve stirred for a bit, drain the water carefully through your fine mesh screen or sieve.

Repeat this rinsing process until the water runs clear. If you’re using a tub or sink, make sure to continuously fill it with clean water as you rinse off the clay.

Step 6: Rinse and Repeat

With the large debris out of the way, it’s time to give your clay a proper rinse. Fill up your container or bucket with fresh water and gently mix the clay around. This is the part where you get rid of any leftover dirt and impurities clinging to the clay pieces. After you’ve given it a good stir, carefully pour the water out through a fine mesh screen or sieve.

You’ll want to keep rinsing until the water looks clear. If you’re working in a tub or sink, make sure to keep refilling it with clean water as you wash the clay. Remember, patience is key in this step!

Step 7: Smooth Out the Clay

With your clay now clean, it’s time to smooth out those pesky bumps and lumps. Grab a small handful of clay and gently rub it between your hands. This simple action helps eliminate any air pockets and ensures a nice, even consistency.

If you spot any bits of debris lingering in the clay, just pick them out with your fingers. Once the texture feels just right to you, your clay is ready for shaping into your masterpiece!

Step 8: Dry the Clay

Before you start molding and shaping your clay, make sure it’s completely dry. You can either lay it out on a clean cloth or towel to air dry naturally or use an oven set at its lowest temperature to speed up the process. Just make sure to check on it frequently if using the oven method to avoid over-drying.

Once your clay is fully dried, it’s ready for use in any creative project you have in mind!

Step 9: Drying Your Clay

Before you get to the fun part of molding and shaping, let’s make sure your clay is perfectly dry. You have a couple of options here. Spread it out on a clean cloth or towel and give it some time to air dry naturally. If you’re in a hurry, you can use your oven set to its lowest temperature to speed things up. Just keep an eye on it if you go the oven route—no one wants over-dried clay!

Once your clay is thoroughly dried, you’re all set to jump into your next creative project!

Step 10: Store Clay Properly

Now that you’ve cleaned and dried your clay, it’s essential to store it properly to maintain its quality. Keep your clay in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic to prevent any moisture from getting in. This will ensure your clay stays soft and easy to work with for future projects.

It’s also a good idea to store your clay in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. This will prevent it from drying out or becoming too hard to use. With proper storage, your clay will be ready for all your future creative endeavors!

Step 11: Properly Storing Your Clay 

After putting in the effort to clean and dry your clay, it’s important to store it correctly so that it stays in good condition. Make sure to keep your clay in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic to prevent any unwanted moisture from seeping in. This will ensure that your clay remains soft and easy to work with for future projects.

Additionally, be sure to store your clay in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Exposure to heat or light can cause the clay to harden or dry out too quickly. By properly storing your clay, you’ll be able to use it for all your creative projects without any issues!

Following these simple steps on how to clean natural clay will help you clean and prepare your clay for all your crafting needs. From removing debris to drying and storing, taking the time to properly clean your clay will make a world of difference in the quality of your final product.

Conclusion

Cleaning and preparing clay might not be the most exciting part of your creative process, but it’s essential for achieving the best results in your projects. These simple steps on how to clean natural clay can help you easily remove impurities and get your clay to a smooth, workable consistency.

Take your time and be patient—your efforts will pay off. With clean, well-prepared clay, you’re all set to create stunning pieces of art. Ready to get started on your next project? Happy crafting!