How to Store Playdough & Keep it Fresh: Tips & Tricks!

Nothing in favorite play areas can be quite like playdough. In this blog post, we will explore how to store playdough to keep it soft and squishy for a long time. Ready to learn the secrets? So, let’s move on and learn how to store playdough like a pro!

Understanding Playdough Composition

Playdough is a simple yet magical toy that has enchanted both kids and adults. We make it by mixing flour, water, salt, cream of tartar, oil, and a little bit of food coloring.

Ingredients that Impact Freshness

Every ingredient in playdough contributes to its texture and playability, while also helping to preserve it.

• Flour and Water: When combined with water, flour works as a starch-based binder that gives playdough its malleable texture. If you add too much water, the dough will become sticky and may start molding. On the other hand, if you don’t add enough water, the dough will dry out quickly.
• Salt: This stiffens the dough to prevent it from being sticky; however, in large quantities, salt would render it dry and crumbly.
• Cream of Tartar: This acid helps toughen the dough to keep it from turning rotten quickly. Without it, the dough can be tough and rigid to play with.
• Oil: Oil prevents the dough from drying out because it acts as a barrier around the dough, sealing moisture in.
• Food Coloring: Just for color. These coloring can affect the water content of the dough.

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Why Playdough Dries Out

Knowing why playdough dries out, you can do much to prevent it. Several conditions promote its drying out:

• Air Exposure: Leaving the playdough out in the open lets air in and causes it to dry out quickly. To prevent this, store it in an airtight container out of sunlight and preferably in a relaxed environment.
• Heat: Extremely high temperatures can promote the evaporation of water from the playdough at an accelerated rate.
• Low Humidity: Playdough may have moisture drawn out in shallow humid environments.

Ideal Storage Conditions

Based on the reasons for playdough drying out mentioned above, ideal storage conditions include temperature, humidity, and light.

Optimal Temperature for Playdough

People don’t want playdough to be abnormal at normal temperatures, so its storage temperature cannot be extreme. Generally, 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C) is best.

The higher the temperature, the faster the water evaporates, and the easier it is for the playdough to dry out. Conversely, in cold areas, water tends to freeze, and playdough will become hard.

Humidity Levels and Their Effect

The ideal humidity level for storing playdough is around 50% to 60%. Too dry or too wet is not good.

In dry environments, playdough can lose water quickly, leading to a hard and brittle texture. To combat this, consider storing playdough in an airtight container with a small piece of damp cloth or a few drops of water.

On the other hand, wet conditions can cause playdough to absorb excess water from the air, making it sticky. If you live in a humid climate, seal the storage container.

Light Exposure: What to Avoid

Light exposure can make the colors fade and the dough dry. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun could degrade the chemical structure of the color used in the playdough. We store it in a dark area to protect it from light. 

Opaque or dark-colored containers will also shield the playdough from light.

How to Store Playdough by Choosing the Right Containers

Different containers have various pros, like airtight seals and eco-friendly materials. In this section, we’ll explore the best options to keep your playdough fresh.

Airtight Containers: The Gold Standard

Airtight containers are the best since they keep air from seeping in and out of the playdough. They keep the playdough fresh and is one excellent way to make things organized.

The containers are in all sizes, most of them are stackable, which saves on storage space. To keep things organized, try labeling each container with the color or type of playdough inside.

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Reusable Plastic Bags: Budget-Friendly Option

For frugal people who want a good storage option, reusable plastic bags are the best. You can seal off the bags to keep the playdough from drying. Just squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing, adding to the preservation effect.

You can store them flat to save space in drawers or toy bins. And it is practical and highly cost-effective for short-term storage.

Glass Jars: Eco-Friendly and Stylish

Glass jars are the best for people who consider environmental protection.

With glass jars, you can see through them; this makes identification smooth. However, glass tends to be heavy and fragile, making it quite dangerous for children.

Refreshing Dried Out Playdough

Playdough, a favorite in homes and classrooms alike, can sometimes become dry. Fear not! Several good ways exist to bring your favorite playdough back to life.

Simple Water Addition Method

One of the simplest methods to freshen up dried-out playdough is by adding water.

For this, you will first need to break the play dough into smaller pieces to enable the water to spread through it. Then you need to break the playdough pieces in a bowl and add a few droplets of water. Properly knead the dough while adding some more water if needed, until it gets to the right consistency.

Using Oil to Restore Softness

If adding water alone doesn’t do the trick, oil can be a fantastic alternative to restore softness. Vegetable oil or baby oil can work well.

Start by adding a teaspoon of oil to the playdough and kneading it well. The oil helps to rehydrate the dough, making it more pliable and smooth.

Remember to go slow—adding too much oil can make the dough greasy.