How to Make Mud

Last Updated: December 6, 2021 References

There are lots of different kinds of mud and just as many different reasons you might need it. Whether you're building a house or just want to play, want to heal your skin or mess with your kids, wikiHow has your back with instructions and recipes for FOUR different kinds of mud! Just see the sections listed above to find the one that's right for you.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Builder's Mud

1
Gather your materials. You'll need sharp sand (also called concrete sand), Portland cement, and water.^{[1]
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Research source} How much of each will depend on how much mud you need. Both sharp sand and Portland cement should be readily available at your local hardware supply store.
2
Mix the cement and sand. Mix the cement and the sand together until they're well blended.^{[2]
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Research source} Different people will recommend different ratios for mixing (4:1, 5:1, 6:1, and 7:1), but a ratio of 5 parts sand to 1 part cement is the best starting option.
- "Stickier", stronger mud should be made using the 4:1 ratio, but this is difficult to mix.
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3
Add in the water. With the dry ingredients thoroughly mixed add in water slowly until it reaches the right consistency. It should be vaguely damp and stick together when you compress it in your hand.^{[3]
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- The consistency will be similar to peanut butter.
- What type of sand you use and what the environment is like where you live will affect how much water you need to use. Use less if you know that you live in a wet area.
4
Spread and adjust. Spread your mud as needed for your project. Adjust the ratios if you find they don't work for you.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Beauty Mud

1
Gather your ingredients. You'll need fuller's earth clay, plain yogurt with live cultures, honey and optionally aloe vera and tea tree oil. The clay may need to be bought online, although you should be able to purchase it from a hardware store. The rest should be available at large grocery stores.^{[4]
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2
Mix the ingredients. Mix two tablespoons of the clay with 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of yogurt, 1 teaspoon of honey, and either 2-3 drops of tea tree oil or 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) aloe vera (depending on if you want these).^{[5]
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- The tea tree oil is good for fighting acne, the aloe vera for repairing damaged skin.
3
Apply the mask to your face. Wash your face first. Then, with the ingredients completely mixed, use a clean brush (like a paint brush or a cheap makeup brush) to apply it to your face. Be careful not to get it in your eyes.
4
Rinse the mask. After allowing the mask to sit on your face for at least half an hour (1-2 hours is best), rinse it off completely.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Play Mud

1
Gather your ingredients. You'll need cornstarch, water, and food coloring or cocoa powder.
2
Add the dye to the water. If you're using food coloring to get the brown, dirt look, use equal amounts of red, blue, and yellow food coloring (2 drops of each should suffice).
3
Mix the cornstarch and water. Starting with 1-2 cups of cornstarch, mix in the cocoa powder if this is how you're getting the brown color. With those ingredients mixed, or minus the cocoa if using the food coloring, slowly add in water and mix the two together. Stop adding water when you get the magic consistency, where it's hard when you touch it but melts when you don't.^{[6]
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4
Add texture materials. If you want, you can add in real dirt for texture or other kitchen materials, like rice flour or baking soda. This will give your play "mud" a grittier texture, like real mud.^{[7]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Regular Mud

1
Find a place to make the mud. The most ideal place is in an open, fertile dirt area without grass. Avoid dirt with stones, twigs, oil leaks, or other debris in it.
2
Make a trough. If you want deep mud, first make deep grooves, channels, or holes in the dirt. Make the spaces evenly, but near each other.
3
Use a hose or bucket to wet the dirt area. Occasionally, use a stick (or your hand) to stir the dirt-mud around so it'll absorb the water. Keep using your stick to check the mud until it's the desired texture.
4
Stir as needed. As the mud gets wetter, stir and check it more often. Enjoy!

Community Q&A

Question

Can I eat the Play Mud?

Community Answer

No, you should not eat the Play Mud. It is not safe.
Question

What is a ratio of water and dirt that can be used to make mud?

Community Answer

Honestly, just play with it. Get some dirt, and some water add different amounts, a little at a time works best.
Question

Which mud is best to go barefoot in?

Undertale4141

Top Answerer

You can go barefoot in any mud. However, it is safest to stick to the mud in your back yard. Also, steer clear of glass, rusty nails and anything else that could potentially cut you or otherwise hurt you.

Warnings

Do not put too much water, or else the mud will be too runny.

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Helpful 17 Not Helpful 2
Some dirt simply does not work with this method.

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Helpful 13 Not Helpful 3
If you decide to use a grassy area, be sure you get permission from your parents or whoever owns the lawn. Not everyone wants their yard to be messy or without grass in a patch!

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