Why does my kinetic sand stick to my hands?

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: December 12, 2022

Kinetic sand is a popular toy product that many children can't get enough of.

But you may be wondering why the kinetic sand sticks to your child's hands. It should only stick to itself, right?

Make sure your hands are dry and not sweaty when playing with kinetic sand.

If you have slightly wet or sweaty palms, the kinetic sand may stick to your hands.

But, as soon as your hands are dry again, you can wipe the sand off again.

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This is why kinetic sand sticks to your hands

A brief introduction to kinetic sand: kinetic sand is non-toxic, hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial making it extremely safe for children to play with.

It is suitable for children with an age from 3 years old.

Kinetic sand has a lot of advantages. The sand is fine and soft. And because it is so malleable, you can easily make different shapes with it.

In addition, it is perfect for sensory play to improve creative skills and stimulate children's imaginations.

It shouldn't stick (just to itself), so it won't be a mess.

If you ever kinetic sand you have touched, you have probably noticed that kinetic sand is a special material.

Unlike regular sand,... kinetic sand almost 'flow' and therefore move like a liquid, while at the same time it can be shaped like a clay.

Kinetic sand is therefore sometimes also saidmagic sand' named. It consists of 98% normal sand and 2% polydimethylsiloxane, a type of silicone oil. 

If you are having problems with kinetic sand because it sticks to your hands, it could be due to a number of things that I will discuss below.

The kinetic sand is too wet

What your users like kinetic sand is often said that it can sometimes be very sticky and therefore difficult to handle.

If that happens, chances are the sand just got too wet. Wet sand will stick to your hands, making crafting more difficult. 

But how do you fix that now? It's very simple: add some dry sand.

In addition, you could try adding other malleable material, such as clay.

With these methods you will ensure that your clay becomes firmer and drier and that you can make shapes with it again. 

You are using the sand on an unsuitable surface

Use case kinetic sand on a flat and even surface. Go for something made of plastic, glass or metal. 

You didn't wash your hands beforehand

In case you have touched certain materials, including clay, it is wise to wash your hands before handling kinetic sand will manipulate.

The natural oils present on your skin can also transfer to the sand and make it more difficult to play with.

To avoid this, it is wise to wash your hands well with soap before playing with the sand. Then dry your hands well. 

In addition, you should also touch your face as little as possible while playing. This way you keep the sand clean. 

You play with old kinetic sand

That it kinetic sand sticks to your hands could also be because you use kinetic sand that no longer 'works' so well.

This sand then feels more like 'normal' sand and is therefore no longer as nice and soft as kinetic sand.

Even if it goes kinetic sand lasts a long time, it may become a bit drier after a while because the moisture in the sand can evaporate.

Fortunately, there is an easy way to fix this. Add a few drops of water and knead the sand until it is smooth again. Your sand will feel like new again!

Your hands are naturally a bit oilier

The sticky sand can also have a very simple reason: your hands are naturally oilier than average, which is why the sand sticks to them.

As mentioned above, our skin is provided with natural oils.

Our skin produces these oils to protect itself. The oils can get on anything we touch.

Together with the sand, the oils will become a sticky substance that sticks to the hands. 

The only thing you can do again is to wash your hands thoroughly before playing with the sand.

As a result, the oils are broken down and the sand no longer sticks to your hands as much.

You can also put some cornstarch or baby powder on your hands before you get to work with the sand.

The sand is too cold

Furthermore, the sand can stick to your hands because... kinetic sand is too cold.

It can happen if the sand is stored at too low a temperature kinetic sand become a little harder.

It is better to use it in a slightly warmer environment, or else to manipulate it near a heat lamp to make the sand more flexible again. 

Additionally, keep in mind that there are several brands that kinetic sand to sell.

Each type has its own formula and ingredients, which makes one kinetic sand a bit stickier than the other.

You may have to experiment here and there to find what works best for you.

Also read: How should you store kinetic sand? Simple tips

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.