How to Make Playdough: No Mess, No Fuss for 2024

Learning how to make playdough doesn’t come in the parenting handbook. Wondering how you make homemade playdough? How to make playdough with 2 ingredients or only a few more? In this article, you’ll learn how to make playdough with oil, without cooking, with cornstarch and more. 

These are the best winter crafts for kids or Christmas activities when you can’t go outdoors. Playdough is tons of fun for kids of all ages and the science of making it will intrigue them. Use this activity to teach kids about creating their own fun and making the best out of limited supplies.

 Jump to Section

• How to Make Playdough With Flour, Salt and Water
• How to Make Baby Safe Playdough
• How to Make Playdough With Cornstarch
• How to Make Playdough With Cream of Tartar
• How to Make Playdough With 2 Ingredients

How to Make Playdough With Flour, Salt and Water

Making playdough at home with simple pantry staples like flour, salt and water is an easy, fun and cost-effective activity for kids and parents alike. This classic recipe uses just a handful of ingredients and can be customized with food coloring to create vibrant dough for hours of creative play. Whether you're whipping it up for a rainy-day craft or need a quick DIY project, this method is a timeless favorite. 

Plus, the process is so straightforward that kids can join in on the fun, making it an activity and a play material all in one. Here’s how to make playdough with oil and how to make playdough without cooking. 

How to Make Playdough: You Will Need

Here's what you need for this craft:

• 1 cup salt
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• Food coloring (optional)

Method

1. Preparation: Gather all ingredients: salt, water, flour, cooking oil and optional food coloring. Make sure everything is measured into separate bowls and ready to use.
2. Mix the Ingredients: Combine the salt, flour and oil in a large mixing bowl. If using food coloring, mix it with the water before adding it to ensure an even color.
3. Add Water Gradually: Pour the colored water (or plain water) into the dry mixture slowly, stirring continuously. If needed, adjust the water quantity slightly to get the right consistency.
4. Knead the Dough: Use your hands to knead the dough until smooth and pliable. Avoid using utensils for kneading, as hands work best to incorporate all elements evenly.
5. Store or Play: Store the playdough in an airtight container when not in use to keep it soft. Apply lotion after play if your hands feel dry due to the salt content.

Pro Tip: Mix the food coloring with water beforehand to achieve a smooth, vibrant color without a grainy appearance. You can learn more tricks like this in fun online art classes. 

How to Make Baby Safe Playdough

How to make baby safe play dough? If you’re looking for a playdough recipe that’s not only fun but also safe for little hands and curious mouths, this baby-safe playdough is the perfect solution. Made with infant cereal and other edible ingredients, this recipe is soft, non-toxic and easy to prepare. It's an excellent way to encourage sensory exploration while ensuring your little one is safe. 

Whether for tummy time play or early crafting adventures, this playdough offers peace of mind and plenty of enjoyment. It’s also one of the best Christmas crafts for your busy baby. 

Important Note

When crafting any playdough or sensory material for babies, it's essential to avoid ingredients or substances that could be harmful if ingested or touched. Here’s a list of toxic items to steer clear of when making baby-safe playdough.

1. Essential Oils: Many essential oils, like tea tree or eucalyptus, can be toxic when ingested or absorbed through the skin. Even small amounts can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, especially babies.
2. Borax or Borax-Based Slime Activators: Often found in homemade slime recipes, borax can cause irritation or poisoning. Direct contact with borax may also lead to skin burns or respiratory issues if inhaled.
3. Glitter: Non-edible glitter poses a choking hazard and can irritate the digestive system if swallowed. Additionally, tiny glitter particles can stick to the skin or eyes, causing discomfort or infection.
4. Artificial Scents: Chemical fragrances may contain harmful additives unsuitable for babies. Prolonged exposure to such scents can also trigger respiratory problems or allergic reactions.
5. Raw Flour: Uncooked flour can carry harmful bacteria like E. coli, which may cause foodborne illnesses. To ensure safety, any flour used in baby-safe playdough should be heat-treated or fully cooked.
6. Salt in Large Quantities: While small amounts of salt are fine, excessive consumption can be harmful to babies’ kidneys. High salt levels may also lead to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.
7. Dyes Not Labeled as Food-Grade: Use only food-safe coloring to avoid potential toxicity. Non-food-grade dyes can cause skin stains or allergic reactions, especially on sensitive skin.
8. Sharp or Hard Items: Avoid embedding objects like beads or uncooked pasta, which may become choking hazards. These items can also scratch or injure delicate gums and mouths if bitten.

How to Make Baby Safe Playdough: You Will Need 

Here's what you'll need for this baby-safe idea:

• ½ cup infant cereal (oats and chia blend recommended)
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup apple puree
• 1 tablespoon softened coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons boiling water

Method

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cereal until evenly blended.
2. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the softened coconut oil, apple puree and boiling water to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly using a spoon.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the mixture to a clean surface and knead it with your hands until it forms a soft, cohesive ball.
4. Play and Enjoy: This playdough is safe for babies to handle and taste. Store in an airtight container and discard after a few days to ensure freshness.

How to Make Playdough With Cornstarch

For a unique playdough texture that’s soft and slightly rubbery, try this cornstarch-based recipe. Combining cornstarch and salt with water, this playdough is cooked to perfection, resulting in a gumdrop-like feel that’s both pliable and sturdy. It's great for creative projects and can even be dried to preserve your child’s creations. 

Perfect for parents who want a fun, homemade alternative to store-bought playdough, this method is a must-try for curious kids who love hands-on activities. It’s also a great kids' birthday party activity for your adventurous, hands-on kiddo. 

How to Make Playdough With Cornstarch: You Will Need

These are the ingredients for this craft:

• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1½ cups cold water
• 2 cups salt
• 1 cup water

Method

1. Prepare the Cornstarch Mixture: Mix cornstarch with 1½ cups of cold water until it has the consistency of gravy.
2. Boil Salt Water: In a separate pot, boil 1 cup of water with 2 cups of salt until the salt dissolves.
3. Combine and Cook: Gradually add the cornstarch mixture to the boiling salt water, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture forms a thick mass.
4. Cool and Store: Transfer the dough onto wax paper to cool. Once cooled, store in an airtight container. This dough has a rubbery texture and can be air-dried or baked at 250°F for 1 hour to create keepsakes.

How to Make Playdough With Cream of Tartar

This cream of tartar playdough recipe is a go-to for families who want long-lasting, vibrant and soft playdough. Cream of tartar acts as a stabilizer, ensuring your dough stays smooth and pliable for days of fun. Whether you’re making a single color or creating a rainbow of options, this method is versatile and easy to follow. 

Plus, it’s cooked on the stovetop, so you’ll end up with a professional-quality dough that’s perfect for molding and crafting. Of course, there are ways to make this lookalike Playdough recipe without cream of tartar but this easy household item makes it easier. 

What is Cream of Tartar?

Cream of tartar, also known as potassium bitartrate, is a natural byproduct of winemaking, formed from tartaric acid in grape juice. It’s commonly used in baking to stabilize egg whites in meringues, prevent sugar crystallization in syrups and give baked goods like cookies a soft, tender texture.

How to Make Playdough With Cream of Tartar: You Will Need

Grab these ingredients to make this craft:

• ¾ cup salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 2 cups lukewarm water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or coconut oil)
• Food coloring (optional)

Method

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large pot, stir together flour, salt and cream of tartar.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Add water and oil to the pot. If using one color, add the food coloring at this stage.
3. Cook Over Medium Heat: Stir the mixture constantly as it heats. Once it thickens and forms a ball, remove it from the heat.
4. Knead and Color: Allow the dough to cool slightly. If adding multiple colors, divide the dough into portions and knead food coloring into each portion inside quart-sized bags to prevent staining.
5. Play and Store: Store in an airtight container or resealable bag when not in use. This playdough is long-lasting and vibrant.

How to Make Playdough With 2 Ingredients

Short on time but still want to craft some homemade playdough? This two-ingredient recipe is as simple as it gets! Using just cornstarch and an inexpensive hair conditioner, you can create a silky, pliable dough in minutes. It’s an excellent choice for quick sensory play sessions or last-minute activities. 

Add a splash of color for an extra creative touch and watch your kids enjoy the smooth texture and easy-to-make fun. Learn how to make playdough easy and quick. How do you make 3 ingredient playdough? You can use the third ingredient food coloring to make this a simple craft idea. 

You Will Need

This easy craft only requires 2 ingredients:

• 2 cups cornstarch
• 1 of cup hair conditioner
• Food coloring (optional)

Method

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch with the hair conditioner. Use your hands to blend the mixture until it forms a smooth, pliable dough.
2. Add Color (Optional): For a fun twist, knead a few drops of food coloring into the dough. Adjust to your desired vibrancy.
3. Adjust Consistency: If the dough feels dry, add a bit more conditioner. If it’s sticky, sprinkle in a bit more cornstarch.
4. Store Properly: Keep the playdough in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

Create playdough at home for a delightful activity that brings creativity and learning together in a hands-on experience. From exploring a simple two-ingredient method to crafting baby-safe options, the possibilities are endless.

Not only is making playdough an engaging project but it’s also a wonderful way to bond with kids and teach them resourcefulness. Use pantry staples to create vibrant, long-lasting play materials without the mess or expense of store-bought versions.

For even more fun crafting ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!