Can Air Dry Clay Grow Mold?

When starting a new hobby it’s tempting to throw yourself in at the deep end and stock up on all the supplies you could possibly need, but is that a good idea?  What happens if you leave air dry clay packs open, can they go moldy like cheese?

Air dry clay can get moldy, either when it is part of an open pack or as part of a sculpture that is exposed to water when it hasn’t been fully dried and sealed.  Where mold is clearly visible, skin contact should be avoided and the mold either cut out or treated with a water/bleach mixture.

Like your favourite cheese, it’s best to store your clay correctly to minimise wastage due to mold. 

Signs of Moldy Clay

What should you be looking, and smelling, out for when it comes to mold growing on your clay?  Signs include:

• A musty, earthy, smell
• Visible dark patches or spots that are black, white, yellow or green in colour
• The surface becoming rough and uneven

Mold is caused by excess moisture, so you might be thinking that your completed items are safe.  Unfortunately if they’ve not been fully dried and sealed you may find mold penetrates into the body of the piece which can cause damage to the finished product.

Drying before you seal is very important, if you don’t allow lots of drying time before sealing your item you could potentially trap moisture inside.

Please note it’s important to be careful around very moldy items, avoid skin contact and inhalation by using gloves and a quality respirator mask.  This is especially important if you suffer any breathing conditions which the mold might aggravate.

The Dangers of Mold

You might be thinking that a bit of mold never hurt anyone, and in most cases a small amount won’t cause you any problems.  However, some people have allergies to certain types of molds so even a tiny amount can trigger an allergic reaction.

Mold spores are everywhere, but only a few species grow well indoors. If you live near areas like parks or gardens then you’ll probably see plenty of mold growing naturally. But if you live somewhere more industrialised then chances are you won’t notice much at all.

How do you know if you are having a reaction?  Here are the symptoms to look out for:

That last point is especially important to note if you have any sort of breathing condition, such as asthma. 

According to the UK National Health Service some are more sensitive than others, if you find you have moldy clay please keep it away from:

– Babies and children

– Elderly people

– Those with existing skin problems, such as eczema

– Those with respiratory problems, such as allergies and asthma

– Those with a weakened immune system, such as those having chemotherapy

Source: NHS Website

All in all, mold isn’t something we want to get too close to!

Should I Throw Away Moldy Clay?

You’ve spotted mold on your clay, what next?  Should you immediately dispose of it to remove the risk of contaminating your work or other, fresher, clays?

If your air dry clay has a lot of mold that is either very dark or shows signs of a strong yellow or green colour you should dispose of it for your own safety.

If you catch it early you can try and treat the clay.  You can either remove and dispose of the section that has gone bad or, if a large amount is looking moldy, you can try to save the clay by applying a water and bleach mixture.  This mixture will hopefully stop further mold growth and allow you to remove it before making use the clay but may leave the clay with a different odour.

Of course prevention is always better than cure, make sure to store your clay correctly. 

How to Store Air Dry Clay Once Opened

Follow these best practices when storing your air dry clay:

• Store your clay in sealed containers such as plastic bags, boxes or jars, something that seals.
• Don’t use old food packaging for storage as they may contain chemicals which will affect the quality of your finished work.
• When storing, keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Avoid leaving clay out where there are children or pets who might come into contact with it.

It’s important to correctly store your materials for 2 reasons: 

1) It prevents the clay from drying out – It is air dry clay after all!

2) It prevents the growth of mold

If you’re working on a sculpture and need to take a break you should do your best to store it in a sealed environment. 

For small items, such as jewellery, you can use airtight food containers.  For larger sculptures I recommend placing them on a board and using a plastic bag (with no holes in) to cover the item and slow down the drying process.

Should I Worry About Moldy Clay?

In conclusion, don’t panic about finding mold on your clay, but do be aware of its effects and don’t ignore the issue else you risk contamination and potential health issues.