The jury is out on whether its easier to reclaim clay if its fully dried, or it doesn't matter. You can decide.

When the reclaim bucket is ready to reclaim, place water over the top of the upmost clay and let it slake for a few weeks...I usually keep my clay out to dry and add it to the water filled bucket.

I keep a towel draped, barely touching the surface, so that the excess water siphons out into another bucket.

When the clay as all melted and slaked together as one, you are ready to move on.

It will smell, you can add vinegar. Keep it covered to keep bugs out.

I wait until my bucket is full. Which is why I dislike reclaiming, so it's easier in small quantities.