9-Year-Old Severely Burned After Microwaving NeeDoh Toy in TikTok Trend

Caleb Chabolla suffered second-degree burns after his NeeDoh sensory toy exploded in his face when he followed a viral social media challenge.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 8:23pm

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A 9-year-old boy in Chicago was severely burned after he microwaved his NeeDoh sensory toy, following a viral TikTok trend that claimed it would make the toy more pliable. The toy exploded in Caleb Chabolla's face, leaving him with second-degree burns that required medical treatment.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers of viral social media challenges, especially for younger users who may not fully understand the risks. It also raises concerns about the safety of certain consumer products and the need for clearer warning labels and parental supervision.

The details

Caleb Chabolla's mother, Whitney Grubb, heard a scream from the kitchen as Caleb tried to microwave his NeeDoh Nice Cube after a friend told him it would make the toy more pliable. The interior of the cube contains a glue-like substance that expands and bursts when exposed to extreme heat, which is what caused the explosion in Caleb's face. Caleb suffered second-degree burns on his face and hands, and doctors had to cut away dead skin.

  • On February 4, 2026, Caleb Chabolla, 9, microwaved his NeeDoh toy in his Chicago home.
  • Caleb was treated at Loyola University Medical Center for his injuries.

The players

Caleb Chabolla

A 9-year-old boy from Chicago who was severely burned after microwaving his NeeDoh sensory toy.

Whitney Grubb

Caleb's mother, who heard a scream from the kitchen and found her son with severe burns on his face and hands.

NeeDoh

The manufacturer of the sensory toy that Caleb microwaved, which has since added warning labels about heating or freezing the product.

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What they’re saying

“The right side of his face was kind of melting off, basically.”

— Whitney Grubb, Caleb's mother (ABC 7)

“Just think before you act.”

— Caleb Chabolla (ABC 7)

What’s next

Caleb's doctors say he will likely develop scars from the incident, but he did not require skin grafts. The incident has prompted calls for social media platforms to better monitor dangerous viral trends, as well as for consumer product manufacturers to provide clearer safety warnings.

The takeaway

This case highlights the risks of viral social media challenges, especially for young children who may not fully understand the dangers. It underscores the need for greater parental supervision, clearer product safety labeling, and more responsible content moderation on social media platforms.