As someone who has spent countless hours playing with Orbeez, I’ve often wondered if they dry out naturally when left under the sun or in the open air. This will make them easier to store and clean up without any waste.
Whether you’re a parent tired of stepping on stray Orbeez or a gamer looking for an efficient cleanup method, this post is for you. So let’s get started and learn how to dehydrate Orbeez safely!
So, Do Orbeez Dry Out Eventually?
Yes, Orbeez can dry out naturally over time. However, the rate at which they dry out can vary depending on a few factors, such as temperature and humidity levels in the surrounding environment.
In my experience, leaving Orbeez out in the open air for a few days or under the sun for a few hours will cause them to dry out and shrink to their original size. However, this can take longer if the air is more humid, the sky is cloudy, or the Orbeez are stored in a damp area.
One thing to note is that while natural drying can be effective, it can also lead to unwanted results. For example, if the Orbeez are left to dry out on a surface, they can stick to it and become difficult to remove. This can make the clean-up process more challenging. So, it is better to use a glass container for this process.
If you wish to dry up Orbeez faster than usual, you have to follow some additional processes that accelerate evaporation, as explained in the next section.
How To Dry Out Orbeez Quickly? – The Right Methods
I have tried many ways to dry up Orbeez balls before use and eventually settled for the following four methods. Not only do they prevent damage to my equipment, but also ensure that the gel balls are ready for my next game.
1. Use A Cotton Or Microfiber Cloth
When it comes to drying Orbeez, cotton cloth is the easiest go-to option. The absorbent material quickly draws moisture away from the surface of the balls, making them ready to use in just a few minutes.
To get started, I always use a soft microfiber or cotton cloth. I press it lightly over each Orbeez ball, gently rubbing it in circular motions to absorb any excess moisture. It’s important to be gentle during this process, as applying too much pressure can damage the surface of the balls and break them early.
I repeat this process until all the Orbeez balls are completely dry on the surface. Using a cotton cloth ensures that the gel balls are ready to go for my next game and that they are in top condition.
I’ve tried other drying methods in the past, but nothing beats the ease of using a cotton cloth. Plus, it’s a simple and cost-effective solution that I can use time and time again. As an expert in Orbeez games, I always recommend using a cotton cloth for drying them out to ensure the best results.
2. Sundry The Orbeez
I have been playing with the best Orbeez guns for years now and waiting for them to dry out after every game is truly annoying. It used to take me quite a while to dry them with a cotton cloth, and I was always on the lookout for alternative solutions to expedite the process.
Luckily, Jeremy, a friend of mine, shared a trick that has been a game-changer for me. He suggested me to keep the hydrated Orbeez in the sun for a few minutes to dry them out quickly. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try, placed the hydrated gel balls in sunlight, and it worked wonders- I found them ready to use in about 12 minutes.
It was amazing to see how much quicker they dried out in the sun than they did when I used a cotton cloth to dehydrate them. However, it’s important to note that the intensity of the sunlight and humidity also play an important role in how quickly the Orbeez beads dry out. If they are exposed to direct sunlight, they will dry out faster. However, if they are in a shaded area, they will take longer to dry out.
The Takeaway
Overall, I highly recommend using the sun to dry out your Orbeez beads if you’re looking for a fast and effective solution. It’s an easy trick that anyone can do, and it will save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run.
3. Dry Up In A Dehydrator
Using a dehydrator is a lesser-known method for getting Orbeez dried out quickly and efficiently. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make it possible:
- Start by placing your hydrated Orbeez balls onto the dehydrator trays. Make sure to space them out evenly and leave some space between each ball so that they can dehydrate evenly.
- Once they are in place on the trays, turn on the dehydrator and set the temperature to around 120°F to 140°F (49°C to 60°C). This is the ideal temperature range for drying out hydrated Orbeez beads.
- Allow the Orbeez to dry in the dehydrator for about 2 to 4 hours, depending on their moisture level and heat. You can check on them periodically to see if they are drying out evenly.
- After the balls have completely dried out, remove them from the dehydrator and place them in a dry area. Be sure to keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from rehydrating, moldy, and becoming unusable.
One thing to keep in mind when using a dehydrator to dry out Orbeez is to make sure that the dehydrator is clean and free from any debris or moisture before use. This will prevent contamination and ensure that they dehydrate properly.
Watch this video to see how orbeez beads can be dried up in a dehydrator.
The Takeaway
Drying Orbeez with a dehydrator is a quick and the most effective process. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that the tiny orby balls are completely dry and ready for storage until your next game.
4. Make Use Of A Blow Dryer
Besides a dehydrator, using a blow dryer with a low heat setting is also a great method to dry out your Orbeez faster. Follow these steps and get it done:
- Begin by placing your hydrated Orbeez in a bowl or container. Make sure that they are spread out so that they can dry out evenly.
- Turn on the blow dryer to its lowest setting and aim it at the hydrated Orbeez beads. Hold the dryer about 6 inches away from them.
- Move the blow dryer back and forth over the squishy balls, making sure to dry them evenly. Be sure not to overheat the water beads, as this can cause them to shrink, which is not needed for use as Orbeez gun bullets.
- Continue drying the jelly balls with the blow dryer until they are completely dry. This should take approximately 10 to 15 minutes but can vary depending on the size and number of balls.
- Once the Orbeez are dry, remove them from the container and keep them in a dry place.
The Takeaway
When using a blow dryer to dehydrate the Orbeez, it’s important to use the lowest heat setting possible to avoid overheating and damaging the Orbeez balls. You should also make sure to evenly distribute the heat by moving the blow dryer back and forth over the tiny beads, rather than holding it in one spot.
Apart from these methods, some people refer to drying Orbeez in an oven. However, I found it less efficient, resulting in deformed and damaged beads, that were unusable in my case.
How Long Does It Take For Orbeez To Dry Out?
The primary factor that affects the duration of drying out Orbeez is the method you use to dehydrate them. If you’re using a dehydrator or a blow dryer on low heat, it can take several hours for the Orbeez to dry out completely. On the other hand, if you’re using the natural method of air-drying, it can take several days.
The humidity levels in the surrounding environment can also affect how long it takes for Orbeez to dry out. If you’re air-drying them, for example, high humidity levels can slow down the drying process, while low humidity levels can speed it up.
Another factor to consider is the size and quantity of Orbeez you’re trying to dry out. Larger quantities or bigger-sized Orbeez may take longer to dry out completely.
In my experience, it typically takes around 24 to 48 hours to air-dry Orbeez completely, but this can vary based on the factors mentioned above. If you’re in a hurry, using a dehydrator or oven on low heat can be a faster option, but be sure to monitor them closely to avoid damaging the splatter balls.
Related: Growing Orbeez Faster: A Detailed Guide
Can Dried-out Orbeez Be Reused?
I once found myself in a situation where I had a bunch of dried-out Orbeez that I didn’t know what to do with. I had used them as ammunition in my Orbeez gun, but now they were shriveled and looked like useless little beads.
After doing some experimentation, I found out that yes, dried-out Orbeez can be reused! To bring them back to life, all I had to do was grow them in water for some hours. I put them in a bowl of water and left them overnight. When I checked on them the next morning, the rehydrated Orbeez had plumped up and looked just like they did when I first bought them.
However, the growth was uneven and some beads were deformed, which resulted in frequent jamming inside my Orbeez gun. So, I had to reuse them in other recreational activities like sensory play, hydrating the planter soil, and decorative purposes. Orbeez beads are biodegradable, so I never worried.
I was happy that I didn’t just throw them away and could reuse them for other activities. It was a great way to save money and reduce waste. So, if you ever find yourself with dried-out Orbeez, don’t just dispose them of! Just soak them in water and watch them come back to life.
Also Read: Can You Use Orbeez In Splat Gun Or Gel Blaster?
The Conclusion
In conclusion, I can confidently say that Orbeez dry out over time. However, you can quicken the process with the tested methods explained above.
If you do find yourself with dried-out Orbeez, don’t worry – they can be rehydrated and used again. Just be sure to follow the steps for rehydration carefully to avoid any damage or deformity. Also, do not freeze the Orbeez for drying purposes as it may deform them permanently.
By taking the time to properly care for and store your water beads, you can ensure that you get the most out of this fun and versatile sensory toy.
Have fun!
