Make Your Own Playdough at Home with Baking Soda and Citric Acid
Making homemade playdough is simple and fun, using common household ingredients. You can customize your playdough by adding food coloring or scents, and some recipes allow for different textures by varying the ingredients.
September 16th is National Play-Doh Day
The perfect time to make your own custom playdough at home! Homemade playdough is a simple, fun, and cost-effective activity that allows you to get creative with your kids or grandchildren.
History of "Play-Doh"
Play-Doh was originally created in the 1930s as a wallpaper cleaner. The product was a non-toxic, malleable compound that could remove soot from wallpaper without damaging it.
However, as heating systems modernized, the need for wallpaper cleaners declined. In the 1950s, Joe McVicker, the nephew of the cleaner’s inventor, noticed that children in schools were using the product as modeling clay. Seeing its potential as a toy, McVicker rebranded it as “Play-Doh” and introduced it to the toy market in 1956. It quickly became a hit, thanks in part to its safety, bright colors, and pliability.
Over the decades, Play-Doh has become a staple in households and classrooms, encouraging creativity and fine motor skill development in children.
Popularity of DIY Playdough Recipes:
In recent years, there’s been a surge in the popularity of DIY playdough recipes. Many parents and educators appreciate the ability to control the ingredients, especially for children with allergies or sensitivities.
Homemade playdough is also cost-effective and customizable, allowing for endless variations in color, scent, and texture. Recipes that use common household ingredients like flour, salt, and baking soda are widely shared on social media and Pinterest, reflecting a growing trend towards DIY and homemade alternatives in many areas of life, including children’s toys.
Baking Soda Playdough Recipe
This is a gluten free recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups baking soda [Buy Baking Soda]
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 ½ cups cold water
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Food coloring
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring constantly. Watch closely, as the mixture will thicken quickly once it starts.
- Once the dough thickens and begins to stick together, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool partially, keeping it lightly covered until it's cool enough to handle.
- For different colors, divide the dough into balls and add your favorite food coloring to each one.
Note: Removing oil from this recipe will result in a unique texture and a mixture that hardens quickly. This version is perfect for crafting medalions or ornaments
Citric Acid Playdough Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons citric acid [Buy Citric Acid]
- 1 cup all-purpose wheat flour
- 7 ounces water
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Directions:
- In a saucepan, combine water, salt, and citric acid. Warm the mixture to help the salt and acid dissolve quickly, ensuring the right texture for the playdough.
- In a large bowl, add the flour and about half of the warm water mixture. Stir to combine, gradually adding more water as needed. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
- Once dough is mostly combines, begin kneading it with your hands until smooth.
- Make an indentation in the dough and pour in the vegetable oil. Continue kneading until the oil is fully incorporated.
- Place the dough in a plastic bag and let it rest for 15-30 minuted. This helps to achieve a silky, smooth texture.
- After resting, knead the dough again to improve pliabiity.
- For colored playdough, divide the dough into balls and mix in your favorite food coloring.
Benefits of Homemade Playdough
Making homemade playdough offers numerous benefits, including customization, cost-effectiveness, safety, creativity, and fine motor skills development.
Baking Soda and Citric Acid: Versatile Ingredients
Baking soda and citric acid are versatile ingredients used in various applications, including cooking, cleaning, personal care, and playdough.
Where to Buy Baking Soda and Citric Acid in Bulk
Looking for baking soda and citric acid in bulk? Check out our selection of baking soda and citric acid products, including 30lb bag baking soda, 50 lbs of baking soda, 5lbs baking soda, and bulk citric acid.
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