How to Make a Hikaru Dorodango, or Shining Ball of Mud

Last Updated: December 2, 2021

Have you ever wondered how to make mud look like a pearl? That is what a Hikaru Dorodango is, when done correctly. Making a Dorodango is a very relaxing activity that can be enjoyed by people of almost all ages. Follow these steps and you will have your own ball of mud.

Steps

1
Go through the dirt and remove any rocks, roots, and any other non-dirt materials. Usually this can be done with a window screen or kitchen sifter.
2
Take about half the dirt and slowly mix in the water. The amount of water you use varies, but the mud should be thick, like dough. Usually, you should have more dirt than water.

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3
Take some of the mud in your hands and begin to shake it. This gets out air bubbles and brings tiny clay like particles to the surface.
4
While doing this begin to shape it into a sphere.
5
Repeat 3-4 until it begins to get tacky.
6
Hold the ball in one hand and dirt in the other. Begin to sprinkle the dirt onto the soft ball of mud, and then smooth the surface/wipe some of the dirt off.
7
Repeat step 6 until it starts to really hold its shape. It should not crack.
8
Put the ball in a plastic bag until water condenses on the bag then repeat 6 times.
9
Keep repeating steps 6 and 8 until it gets about as hard as leather.
10
Now you can put the ball in a fridge to accelerate the condensation and repeat 6 and 8 again. At this point you can just let it dry out, but if you want it to shine keep going.
11
Dry out the rest of the dirt, then put it in a Tupperware. Shake the Tupperware and fine dirt particles will stick to the sides. Roll the Dorodango on this.
12
Repeat 11 until the dorodango feels powdery. Then put it in another bag.
13
Repeat 11 as many times as you can, the more you do it the better your ball comes out.
14
Let it dry for at least 20 minutes.
15
Get a very soft cloth, and slowly begin to rub the dorodango. When it gets smooth you can start rubbing faster and harder. If you rub too much, you'll go though the layer of fine dirt; not enough, you don't polish it.

Community Q&A

Question

How long should you put it in the fridge?

Community Answer

Leave it in there until water condenses in the bag.
Question

I'm at step 11, but there isn't any dirt that sticks on the Tupperware bag. What can I do now?

Community Answer

Traditionally, you would pat your hand on very dry, powdery soil, and the fine dirt that sticks to your skin would be rubbed on.
Question

What is the best cloth material for polishing the ball?

Community Answer

I believe that microfiber cloths work best, but any material with a high thread count would be effective.